“TO ENJOY HIM FOREVER – Conclusion”

TEXT: 2Corinthians 1:3-11

INTRO: Just because God wants us to enjoy Him, doesn’t mean it will be easy or pain free. We’re destined for tribulation (Jn. 15:20b; Acts 14:22; Phil. 1:29; 2Tim. 3:12). Is this what’s beginning to happen in America?

I. GETTING TO KNOW THE GOD OF ALL COMFORT (2Cor. 1:3-11).

A. We only know the God of comfort when we need it (vv. 3-4).

B. God uses trials to equip us to help others (v. 4; Heb. 2:18; 4:15).

C. We abound in Christ’s comfort to the degree we abound in the

     sufferings of Christ (vv. 5, 7; Phil. 3:10; 2Tim. 1:8).

D. Our afflictions and subsequent comforting are partially for the

     consolation (comfort) and salvation (rescue) of others (v. 6).

E. We should be able to endure whatever the early Christians

     endured (v. 6b)!

F. We shouldn’t lose hope for those suffering being they will

     partake of Christ’s consolation (v. 7).

G. Paul’s troubles in Asia (vv. 8-11; 2Cor. 4:8-11; 11:23b-28).

II. LEARNING OBEDIENCE (Heb. 2:10; 5:8-9).

A. Jesus was perfected through suffering (Heb. 2:10).

B. Jesus learned obedience through suffering (Heb. 5:8-9).

C. Should we expect something different for us?

III. NOT WASTING OUR TRIALS.

A. Focus on the unseen eternal realm (2Cor. 4:16-18).

     1. Affliction produces an eternal glory in us which far exceeds

          the level of our affliction (v. 17b; Rom. 8:17-18; 1Pet. 4:13).

B. Focus on what God is working for your good (Rom. 8:28-39).

C. Growth (Ps. 66:10; 2Cor. 12:9-10; 7:4b; Ja. 1:2-4; 1Pet. 1:6-7).

CONCLUSION: God is with you in your trials (Heb. 13:5c; Ps. 46:1; 91; 1Cor. 10:13). Will you trust Him (Ps. 57:1)?

Don’t waste your trials! Are you? Where’s your focus been?

Whatever you’ve been through or will go through, it will be worth it all when we see Jesus!