INTRODUCTION

1. Living out our faith

2. Living well despite Afflictions in life

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.

12 For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience that we conducted ourselves in the world in simplicity and godly sincerity,

not with fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God, and more abundantly toward you.

13 For we are not writing any other things to you than what you read or understand. Now I trust you will understand, even to the end

14 (as also you have understood us in part), that we are your boast as you also are ours, in the day of the Lord Jesus. 2 Corinthians 1:11-14

 

GRATITUDE FOR THE HELP WE RECEIVE

1. People who rally to help

a) To offer Help

b) To offer prayer support

2. Many people remembered

a) Gifts given

b) They are received with due gratitude

3. Thanksgiving

a) For all who have rendered help

b) For the encouragement and strength

 

SIGNIFICANT FEATURES OF LIFE AMIDST AFFLICTION

For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience that we conducted ourselves in the world in simplicity and godly sincerity,

not with fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God, and more abundantly toward you. 2 Corinthians 1:12

1. Understanding the word “boasting”

a) It is NOT “Bragging!”

b) It is “glorying in the Lord:”

i) We speak of God

ii) We speak of His grace and His enabling

iii) The Person who helps us significantly is the Lord Himself

2. Vital features

a) Living in simplicity

i) No arrogance

ii) Humbly

b) In godly sincerity

i) Honestly

ii) No hypocrisy

c) Not with fleshly wisdom

i) Not relying on human wisdom

ii) Not using worldly means

d) The Grace of God features prominently

i) We testify of God’s grace

ii) God’s grace is evident in so many ways

e) The Testimony of our Conscience

i) The moral sense of a person

ii) This must be carefully cultivated before it can be relied upon

iii) It is like a moral compass

f) Our Conduct in the World

i) This is planned

ii) This is practised

 

THE BEATITUDES

And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him.

2 Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying:

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted.

5 Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth.

6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled.

7 Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy.

8 Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God.

9 Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God.

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 5:1-12

1. The Christian Life in a nutshell

2. The Challenge is to cultivate the Christian lifestyle

 

CONCLUSION

13 “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavour, how shall it be seasoned?

It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.

14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.

15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.

16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:13-16

1. To be Salt of the earth

2. To be the light of the world