INTRODUCTION

1. The Apostle Paul was one who suffered much for the Lord Jesus Christ

2. He wrote to share what he had experienced

5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ.

6 Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation,

hich is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer.

Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.

7 And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings,

so also you will partake of the consolation. 2 Corinthians 1:5-7

 

SUFFERINGS FOREWARNED

1. The Lord Jesus forewarned His followers of being persecuted

2. On more than one occasion the Lord warned of sufferings to come

a) 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.

12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven,

for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matthew 5:10-12

b) 17 But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils and scourge you in their synagogues.

18 You will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. Matthew 10:17-18

 

SUFFERING FOR THE LORD JESUS CHRIST

For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. 2 Corinthians 1:5

1. Paul was unafraid of suffering for the Lord

2. He had principles of truth to follow

a) If the sufferings of Christ abound

b) Then the consolation (comfort) of the Lord will also abound

3. This gave great encouragement to his heart

a) Identification with the Lord Jesus

b) Comfort came from the Lord Jesus

c) The presence of the Lord Jesus enabled Paul to bear with much

 

SUFFERING CAN LEAD TO BLESSING MANY LIVES

Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation,

which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer.

Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. 2 Corinthians 1:6

1. It can help other believers

a) It can help some to find consolation

b) It can help others to find salvation

c) It helps people to endure suffering

d) Encouragement and Inspiration may be found

2. Many can learn meaningful lessons through suffering

a) Faith lessons

b) Life lessons

c) Identification with the Lord lessons

d) Consolation lessons

 

A STEADFAST HOPE

And our hope for you is steadfast,

because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings,

so also you will partake of the consolation 2 Corinthians 1:7

1. A heaven-bound Hope

2. A strong hope

3. A steadfast hope

 

PARTAKERS OF SUFFERING

1. Partakers of suffering

a) Encouragement to not fear suffering

b) Encouragement to accept suffering

2. Partakers of the consolation

a) Confidence that God would give the consolation

b) One’s faith and life would be enriched by the Lord

3. To help believers not be afraid of suffering

a) Natural aversion of suffering

b) Fear of pain

c) Dread of suffering

 

CONCLUSION

1. To find faith to follow the Lord Jesus fully

2. To find an even more enhanced faith through suffering

3. To discover the reality of the Lord’s Presence in our suffering