INTRODUCTION

1. Facing troubles in life

a) General problems

b) They are common challenges

2. Facing life-threatening troubles

a) These are different

b) How may we face such problems?

8 For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia:

that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life.

9 Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead,

10 who delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver us; in whom we trust that He will still deliver us,

11 you also helping together in prayer for us, that thanks may be given by many persons on

our behalf for the gift granted to us through many. 2 Corinthians 1:8-11

 

CANDID APPRAISAL OF PROBLEMS

For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia:

that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life. 2 Corinthians 1:8

1. Honest sharing about problems

a) Ignorance does not help

b) Giving the impression of strength and ability may not reflect the truth

2. An honest appraisal of problems

a) Burdened beyond measure

b) Above strength

c) Despaired even of life

3. How did the Apostle Paul cope?

a) With Faith

b) With Hope

c) With Courage

d) With God’s Help

e) With perseverance

f) With longsuffering and patience

 

A SPECIAL LESSON TO LEARN

Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves,

that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead. 2 Corinthians `1:9

1. The sentence of Death

a) Paul felt impending death

b) Not that he was actually (literally) given a sentence of Death

c) Paul was uncertain as to whether he would live or die

d) He felt that he would die

2. The lessons he was supposed to learn

a) He should not trust in himself

b) Paul and his fellow-servants were to stop trusting in themselves

c) They must learn to fully trust in God that He is able to raise the dead

 

AN IMPORTANT LESSON ABOUT DELIVERANCE

10 who delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver us; in whom we trust that He will still deliver us,

11 you also helping together in prayer for us, that thanks may be given by

many persons on our behalf for the gift granted to us through many. 2 Corinthians 1:0-11

1. God brought about a great deliverance

a) This was a deliverance from death

b) Paul and company were delivered from certain death

2. God will deliver again

a) He is not tired of delivering.

b) He is committed to His people.

3. In the Future

a) God will deliver His children.

b) He will not fail them.

 

AN IMPORTANT SENSE OF ENABLING

1. Assurance is offered to believers!

 

CAN ANY ONE HELP?

1. God can help out

a) Family

b) Friends

2. They can help those who are suffering

a) They can help by praying alongside

b) We can learn great lessons along the way.

 

CONCLUSION

1. Let us be even more committed to each other.

2. Let us attempt to do even more!

3. Let us succeed. We can help each other to become overcomers.