II Corinthians 1:5-11

The Ancient City of Corinth

Southern Peninsula of Greece called the “Peloponnesus”

Why does God allow Christians to suffer so

much?

I. It is the only way to discover what God can do for us.

Someone asked C.S. Lewis, "Why do the righteous suffer?" "Why not?" he replied. "They’re the only ones who can take it."...

For as the sufferings(pathema-external afflictions) of Christ abound(perisseuo-beyond the prescribed amount) in us, so our consolation(paraklesis- comfort, strengthening) also abounds (perisseuo) by Christ II Corinthinas 1:5

Winged Nike in front of an alter

Why does God allow Christians to suffer so

much?

II. To Be Examples of God’s Grace To Others

C.S. Lewis- Pain insists upon being attended to, God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world."

And whether we be afflicted (“thlibo”- pressed, afflicted troubled , [it is] for your consolation (paraklesis- comfort) and salvation, which is effectual(energeo-effectively working) in the enduring(hupmone- stedfast endurance) of the same sufferings(pathema- external affliction, calamnity) which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted (paraklesis), [it is] for your consolation (paraklesis), and salvation (soteria). II Corinthians 1:6

And our hope (elpis-stedfast confidence) of you [is] stedfast (bebaios- walking firmly), knowing (eido- perceiving with the eyes, or senses), that as you are partakers (koinonos-partner, sharer) of the sufferings (pathema- external affliction), so [shall you be] also of the consolation (paraklesis- comfort). II Corinthians 1:7

He Maketh No Mistake

My Father's way may twist and turn, My heart may throb and ache,

But in my soul I'm glad I know, He maketh no mistake.

Though night be dark and it may seem That day will never break, I'll pin my faith, my all in Him, He maketh no mistake.

A.M. Overton

Why does God allow Christians to suffer so

much?

III. To Break the Stubborn Spirit of

Self-Will

"Come to me O blessed trial, I need you. For you always draw me to the arms of the Savior." George Whitfield

For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant(agnoeo) of our trouble (thlipsis) which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out (bareo- bearing heavy weight) of measure above strength (dunamis), insomuch that we despaired (exaporeomai – destitute of all resources, loss of all hope) even of life (zao-physical life) II Corinthians 1:8

But we had the sentence (apokrima- an answer of judgment – Self, will I come out this alive? Self answers and says, “surely you are going to die”): of death (thanatos-physical death) in ourselves, that we should (peitho-persuded to believe words) - not trust (peitho) in ourselves, but in God which raises (egeiro- to wake or raise) the dead (nekros-those physically dead):

II Corinthian 1:9

Who delivered (rhoumai- deliver or rescue) us from so great (telekoutos- great in size) a death (thanatos), and does deliver (rhoumai): in whom we trust (peitho- persuaded to believe the words) that he will yet deliver (rhoumai) [us]; II Corinthians 1:10

…my soul is full of troubles: and my life draws near unto the grave…You have afflicted me with all your waves. My eye mourns by reason of affliction: LORD, I have called daily upon You, I have stretched out my hands unto You.Ps. 88:7-9

Why does God allow Christians to suffer so

much?IV. To Learn We are Dependent on

One Another

"Programs, systems and methods sit well in the ivory towers of monasteries or in the wooden arms of icons. Head knowledge comes from the pages of a theology text. But the invitation to know God - truly know Him - is always an invitation to suffer. Not to suffer alone, but to suffer with Him." Joni Eareckson Tada

You also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift [bestowed] upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf.

II Corinthians 1:11

Who delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver: in whom we trust that He will

yet deliver us. I Cor. 1:10