COGIC Power for Living | A COMMUNITY SHARES ITS RESOURCES – Adult Sunday School Lesson for 8/31/2014

“There’s Good Livin’ in Good Givin’”

This review is brought to you by the Kentucky First Jurisdiction Church of God in Christ Sunday School Department.  

LESSON AIM: By the end of the lesson, we will; recall Paul's attempt to get Christian communities to help one another when there was a need; sense the need to sometimes contribute to a larger cause than ourselves; and decide to respond to a need in the larger faith community.

BIBLE TRUTH: A small community that possesses much can contribute to a larger community.

2 Corinthians 8:1-14 | King James Version (KJV)

1 Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;

2 How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.

3 For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves;

4 Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.

5 And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.

6 Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also.

7 Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.

8 I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.

9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.

10 And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago.

11 Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have.

12 For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.

13 For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened:

14 But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality.

It’s refreshing to see Paul rallying for funds “for” the Saints, as opposed to where he started off (in the role of the persecutor).

In Paul’s letter, he switches the spotlight from the Corinthian’s and begins by celebrating the Christian Macedonians (or the sister churches) which were neighboring to the North of the Corinthians. The Christians in this particular region were Berean, Thessalonian, and Philippian, and they GAVE in spite of their extremely poverty, in fact, Paul says that the Grace of God was manifested through these churches. It’s important to understand that these churches were struggling financially for a couple of reasons. There was a famine, and these societies had not recovered from it, and Christian Jews who live in Palestine had to pay double taxes, to Rome AND to Jewish authorities. They were ultimately seen as outcasts for naming the name of Jesus.

Nevertheless, these folks came up with an offering to give! Paul points out these 3 things:

·        They gave beyond their ability

·        They gave because they wanted to, not because they were forced to do so

·        They gave to further the work of the ministry and, then, to honor God’s people

Turning the focus back to the Saints at Corinth, we see that Titus came to urge them to get their offering together to give to the Saints of Jerusalem. They weren't anywhere near as constrained or in need, as the Macedonians (who had already gave liberally), and they still hadn't gotten their offering together. Paul reminded them that they had the potential to give much, out of their resources. The Saints at Corinth did a great job giving among their local congregation, but not to an outside cause, such as this one. Paul reminded them that “giving” is the Christian thing to do. The more you have, the more you should want to give.

Look in verse 8, Paul is making a comparison (or drumming up a little competition) of the Church at Corinth and that of Macedonia, instead of demanding or commanding them to give.

SIDE NOTE: Does this sound familiar? Think about similar events that you've seen in our local or national church…the church is split into teams and asked to host fundraising events for the Pastor’s Anniversary, there is a drive to collect names for the National Booklet from each district or state, the offering raised by class (who gets the Sunday School offering banner?) It’s been going on since the times of Paul! Competitive Fundraising can be effective. It’s an opportunity to combine the giver’s passion, with the organizer’s mission. You need to raise money for a cause, take a few cues from Paul and make it into a fun competition!

Like a good preacher, Paul brings it home in verse 9, letting them know that Jesus Christ, who had riches in Heaven, gave it all up to sacrifice Himself for a dying world…the ultimate sacrifice. This alone should stir up some motivation for God’s people to give liberally from their hearts and of their resources. So, in verse 10, he asks them to pick up the pace and finish the work they began (and still hadn't finished), see that the Macedonians had already completed their offering.

Paul never mentions the AMOUNT given by the Macedonians. That’s because it didn't matter. In relation to their economic status, they gave beyond their ability (verse 3). So, we can take away from this that God isn't focused on quantity, but rather on quality. Think about the widow in Luke 21. Even with all of the rich folks dropping their offering in the bucket, Jesus called out that the widow gave more that they…she gave out of her poverty and He saw/honored that.

A lesson we can also take away from here is that no matter how much we give, a man can see the physical offering, but God sees the heart of the giver. Be sure that you’re giving from you heart, cheerfully, and unselfishly. Blessings are sure to follow!

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COGIC Power for Living | AN APPEAL FOR RECONCILIATION – Adult Sunday School Lesson for 8/24/2014

“We're In This Together”

This review is brought to you by the Kentucky First Jurisdiction Church of God in Christ Sunday School Department.  

LESSON AIM: By the end of the lesson, we will; acknowledge Paul's estrangement he felt from the Corinthians and assess his reaction to it; feel the need to heal estrangement within the church fellowship; and articulate ways to end any misunderstandings and estrangements and list ways to restore health to the community.

BIBLE TRUTH: The believer should let nothing separate him from his brother.

2 Corinthians 6:1-13, 7:2-4 | King James Version (KJV)

6:1 We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.

2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)

3 Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:

4 But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,

5 In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings;

6 By pureness, by knowledge, by long suffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned,

7 By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,

8 By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true;

9 As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed;

10 As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.

11 O ye Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you, our heart is enlarged.

12 Ye are not straitened in us, but ye are straitened in your own bowels.

13 Now for a recompence in the same, (I speak as unto my children,) be ye also enlarged.

7: 2 Receive us; we have wronged no man, we have corrupted no man, we have defrauded no man.

3 I speak not this to condemn you: for I have said before, that ye are in our hearts to die and live with you.

4 Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation.

In an additional letter to the church at Corinth, Paul finds himself writing in his own defense and, once again, seeking to encourage the Corinthians to good works and perfect their belief in Christ.

He begins this letter asking them not to receive God’s grace in vain. In other words, don’t take the salvation given to you through Christ and waste it by not fully understanding the power of the Gospel. There is friction between believers here, which means that there is discord and divide. As believers, we can understand that this is one of the ways Satan comes to deceive and manipulate the Body of Christ…by keeping us divided. Paul is calling it out here and asking for them to fix it quickly!

SIDE NOTE: Why was Paul acting so urgently? As long as there is a “disunity”…the Devil is winning! How is he winning? He’s winning by keeping 2 believers so upset with each other that they can’t touch and agree like Matthew 18:19 is calling for. He also knows that God won’t act upon prayers until the condition in Matthew 5:24 be fulfilled. So, both naturally and spiritually…restoration is of the utmost importance.

Paul begins reminiscing upon all of the ways he has suffered within his own journey. In everything that we go through, never give someone a reason to look upon you, as a believer, and say…”I knew there was nothing to this salvation thing!” or “This way of life isn’t valid or real”. Don’t ever cause the ministry to be criticized. So, each time Paul went “through”, he remained blameless. Paul describes the various ways that he was made to suffer; sometimes it was because of life; other times because of the wickedness of people; and then he suffered for preaching the Gospel.

As we continue reading Paul focuses their thoughts around how these trials only made him stronger, wiser, and better! God has a way of shaping and molding us into His perfect will. Paul’s sharing this would be a certain encouragement to any of the Corinthians, as they continue their walk of faith.

In verse 11, Paul simply asks them to reconcile with him, in their hearts. Paul has been blamed for not being a real Christian and having false words. He wants to fix this, understanding that unless they do, they would not be able to experience God’s blessings. Accepting him would also mean having to accept Paul’s ministry and joining it. Paul is opening his heart to them, exposing to them that he has unconditional love for this church, and he’s asking them to reciprocate the feeling. He knew he could only put it out there, as we never have control over another human’s emotions. He wanted them to really be honest with themselves and God. This is because, while they knew where Paul stood on the issue, some still maintained inappropriate relationships with unbelievers, who cared nothing about the Mosaic Law, had no issues with immorality in the church, and entertained false prophets. While Paul wasn’t asking them to break off all ties with the unsaved folks, but rather to take a stand for God! Don’t be influenced by these behaviors. Be strong enough to know when you’re out of God’s will. God demand’s our allegiance!

Paul concludes by letting them know he had all confidence that they would respond favorably. He was proud of these Saints and, as we have been in this and other letters, Paul really did love them.

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Aaron's Army - A New COGIC Auxiliary for Witnessing

Lord, Make Us Courageous!

COGIC Power for Living | TREASURE IN CLAY JARS – Adult Sunday School Lesson for 8/17/2014

“Share and Share Alike!”

This review is brought to you by the Kentucky First Jurisdiction Church of God in Christ Sunday School Department.  

LESSON AIM: By the end of the lesson, we will; consider Paul's position in seeing himself as a slave for Christ's sake; contemplate goodness in relation to God and community; and count on God's power to work through us to do His will ministry to others.

BIBLE TRUTH: God gives believers the power in the midst of hardship.

2 Corinthians 4:2-15 | King James Version (KJV)

2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.

3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:

4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.

6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;

9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;

10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.

11 For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.

12 So then death worketh in us, but life in you.

13 We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;

14 Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.

15 For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.

Almost in the fashion of “Ministry 101”, Paul is speaking to the Church at Corinth about preaching the unadulterated Gospel of Jesus Christ, which changes lives! (Listen to Bishop Spencer sing about this here). As Anointed Change Agents of Christ, we are to persevere and remain patient as GOD provides the transformation and revelation to those who hear and receive the Gospel.

In verse 2, Paul is defending himself, as some of the folks at Corinth were accusing him of using shady ministry tactics to trick folks into becoming disciples. Paul says, “I don’t need tricks and I don’t water down what God has placed in these scriptures!” It is truly the Holy Ghost that allows words preached to a man’s ears, to register with his mind, convict his heart, and cause him to be enlightened and CHANGED! If the Gospel seems too complex, unbelievable, or “over the head” it’s because the person is spiritually lost. LOST here is referring to the fact that Satan is involved in blinding minds and keeping the unbeliever in a situation where they are unaware of the treasures God has in store for them. So, as an Anointed Change Agent of Christ, it’s important to cut Satan off at the pass by preaching, until the Holy Ghost comes to loose their understanding and allow the scales to fall off of their eyes towards understanding.

Paul says in verse 5, “It’s not about us, but it’s about Jesus”. We’re not preaching for man to give us attaboys and attagirls, or to toot our own horns. This is so very serious, no man should ever receive glory from what is meant to be for the sake of Christ. So, it’s true. When we preach, we become bondservants of Jesus Christ. Being a bondservant means taking responsibility of your own walk with God through personal study of his word, and personal and corporate prayer.  It means the Word of God is your foundation with Christ Himself as the Cornerstone of your life.  It’s having faith in the best and worst of times knowing that in the end you belong to God. Being a bondservant means knowing only you can stand in the way of a deep and meaningful walk with God. It means you accept responsibility for your walk and bring everything you learn to God’s word and prayer to determine its truth against God’s word.

Testimony service is taking place in Verse 6. Paul is sharing how he came to salvation on his way to Damascus (The Full Story), when God knocked him off his beast and shined the light of Glory on his heart, which in turn brought enlightenment.

SIDE NOTE: Did God have to knock you off your “high horse” to get your attention? Were you moving so fast in life, thinking you were on the right path, only for something so shocking and devastating to happen that made you reprioritize your goals and walk in a different direction? THIS IS YOUR TESTIMONY! Share it with others to draw them to Christ!

Verse 7 was pivotal for Paul to really get this message across to the Church @ Corinth. He refers to earthen vessels. These are simply clay jars. Clay jars were pretty cheap to buy in Corinth and weren’t viewed to have much of any worth. Paul shared that the value of the jar isn’t important here, it’s the value of what’s IN the jar, which matters.

SIDE NOTE: God take us, people who are made from the dust of the earth, in all of our messy human STUFF, and places something SO valuable inside of us, when He anoints us to share the Gospel (The Good News) with others. Think about it, jars of clay! God can take a person who used to lie, cheat, and steal – convert them – and place the knowledge of the Glory of God within them to share with others! It’s genius! (But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.)

Paul continues his testimony in verses 9-10. Paul has escaped death on many occasions, so he was the perfect person to write about these things! Paul declares that we’ll be faced with many opportunities to die. Not a physical death, but constantly submitting to the will of God. Our flesh is our worse enemy, it should die daily (Romans 8:13). But, no matter what we do, those who live for Christ will always be Satan’s target, as was evident in Paul’s life. Paul was hunted and beaten for naming the name of Christ, but he pressed on! It was worth it to Paul and this is necessary for spiritual prosperity (verse 12). Paul concludes with affirming that even when he is dead and gone, the Gospel will never die. Someone else will yet be preaching it (Paul was right! We’re yet sharing God’s Word in 2014) and the Holy Ghost will raise him up, just like He raised up Jesus from the grave! The Kentucky First COGIC Women’s Department theme is “Each one, Reach one!” As Paul concludes, he bids them all the grace of God so that they can extend it to others and grow God’s family of believers.

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COGIC Power for Living | A COMMUNITY FORGIVES – Adult Sunday School Lesson for 8/10/2014

“Do As I Say, AND As I Do”

This review is brought to you by the Kentucky First Jurisdiction Church of God in Christ Sunday School Department.  

LESSON AIM: By the end of the lesson, we will; grasp Paul's message to the Corinthians about the connection among people in a community; gauge the influence of harm or benefit to one person in a community on the whole group; and generate a list of people to pray for who may need forgiveness for harming others.

BIBLE TRUTH: People need to forgive each other.

2 Corinthians 1:23 – 2:11 | King James Version (KJV)

23 Moreover I call God for a record upon my soul, that to spare you I came not as yet unto Corinth.

24 Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.

1 But I determined this with myself, that I would not come again to you in heaviness.

2 For if I make you sorry, who is he then that maketh me glad, but the same which is made sorry by me?

3 And I wrote this same unto you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my joy is the joy of you all.

4 For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you.

5 But if any have caused grief, he hath not grieved me, but in part: that I may not overcharge you all.

6 Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of many.

7 So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow.

8 Wherefore I beseech you that ye would confirm your love toward him.

9 For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether ye be obedient in all things.

10 To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ;

11 Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

The scriptures of this lesson open with Paul’s very somber and saddened letter to the Church at Corinth. We can see that “something” has happened within the congregation of believers. Apparently, “someone” (not named here) has really hurt Paul. In the preceding lessons, Paul was “working out” this new church. He was helping their understanding and rebuking them quite a bit. It was because he had a very great love for this particular church. From verse 23 to verse 1, he’s letting them know that he didn’t want to come back and visit them in sorrow or with a heavy heart. So, he simply sent this letter (by Titus) to them to allow them to read it and deal with the situation outlined within it, as a corporate body of believers. All of this must have been really tough for Paul. In verse 4, he says that even while he was writing the letter to them that he was crying tears over it…trying to make it through the message!

SIDE NOTE: We’ve all heard it before, more pastors, preachers, and spiritual leaders say, “the message comes to me first, before I can really preach it to others”. That’s what we’re seeing here. As Paul is dealing with the hurt and pain of being betrayed and rejected (in some way…we are not given clear insight as to WHAT it was) he is dealing with it as a true man of God. The message God gives leaders is powerful and convicting. It SHOULD pierce their hearts and minds so strongly, that it carries over to those who are listening and causes them to respond, repent, and reconnect with God.

In verse 5, Paul begins with instructing the church on how to deal with a perpetrator. He warns them not to overreact and fly off the handle concerning a wrongdoer in verses 5 and 6. Forgive the person and comfort the person. This statement probably shocked the Corinthians! How could they allow someone to hurt their Pastor so badly, and them just let them off the hook? Paul knew what he was asking them to do. In verse 8, he’s yet strongly urging them to do exactly what he has outlined for them LOVE the person by forgiving them. And in verse 9, he says, “Okay, if you’re really the obedient church you say to are…you’ll do this. If you REALLY love the Lord, you’ll do this.” Obedient people who love God will obey even when it hurts or doesn’t seem fair. Paul states, “I have already forgiven, so you all can follow suit!”

SIDE NOTE: Why is it important to forgive? Forgiveness is an essential attribute for any Christian. From a natural standpoint, forgiveness is seen as a sign of weakness, especially for men. “He got PUNKED”. “She’s a doormat”! The world in which we live teaches us to “get even” or “retaliate” with a hurt greater than or equal to the hurt that was done to us. That’s totally opposite to what God is asking us to do. A mature believer will really understand that by forgiving and comforting, we display the ultimate at of free-will. God gives us a choice to forgive and love. Our choice to obey His word and forgive proves our love for Him and our allegiance to His plan of salvation for others. The wrongdoer KNOWS what they deserve, but mercy and grace give him what is unexpected…forgiveness, the opportunity to repent, and ultimately join into the Body of Christ and experience restoration.

Paul is strategic in what he is doing. He knows that Satan wishes nothing more than to break up the church, so he gives him a black eye (see this related article). He wants to set the example for the church he loves so much. And, he knows that without having the love it takes to forgive, Paul’s own cry to God for forgiveness will not be honored (Matthew 6:15).

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COGIC Power for Living | CONSOLATION GRANTED THROUGH PRAYER – Adult Sunday School Lesson for 8/3/2014

“Hallelujah, Anyhow!”

This review is brought to you by the Kentucky First Jurisdiction Church of God in Christ Sunday School Department.  

LESSON AIM: By the end of the lesson, we will; recount what Paul says about the value of speaking in tongues; realize the importance of speaking plainly in the company of others; and reaffirm strategies for effectively communicating the Gospel to both believers and unbelievers.

BIBLE TRUTH: Whatever you do in worship should edify other believers as well as yourself.

2 Corinthians 1:3-11 | King James Version (KJV)

3 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;

4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

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

6 And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.

7 And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation.

8 For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life:

9 But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead:

10 Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us;

11 Ye 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.

Paul is focusing on the comfort and consolation that God gives His people throughout their trials and tribulations. Throughout this set of scriptures, “comfort” is actually pointing to “encouragement”. This is truly a letter of encouragement.

Who better than to testify of God’s amazing consolation for the afflicted, through times of trouble, than Paul? He doesn't go into specifics here, but we should think about some of the things he experienced.

Shipwrecked, attacked by murderous mobs, beaten, starved, imprisoned, and betrayed by friends… all to serve the one thing the Apostle Paul at one time sought to destroy…Christianity.

Persecuted for Jesus Christ, Paul was:

·        Stoned and left for dead (Acts 14:19)

·        Beaten with rods three times (2 Corinthians 11:25)

·        Whipped with 39 lashes five times (2 Corinthians 11:24)

·        Attacked by an angry mob (Acts 16:22)

·        Many death threats (Acts 9:20-23)

·        Shipwrecked three times and floated for 24 hours (2 Corinthians 11:22-33)

·        Under arrest for two years without a trial (Acts 24:27)

·        Bitten by a viper (Acts 28:3)

Wow! Paul was definitely practicing what he was preaching. In verse 4, he explains that the comfort (encouragement) that as we receive comfort (encouragement) from God, we should pass it along to others. Verse 5 says, with your trials and tests, God will send comfort to you. He will send you encouragement. Many times, we will never fully know what a person is going through. They may never audibly share it with another person. 

SIDE NOTE: Have you ever gone through a test of trial for the sake of Christ and from the least likely place found encouragement? Someone you don’t even know, or someone you haven’t heard from for forever drops a word in your life. Or, God allows you to see a situation, which brings a revelation to your understanding, which offers comfort and encouragement. This is God’s promise to Christians as we experience life’s trials and tribulations. Always look for the comfort. Always expect the encouragement. It’s there!

Paul is giving the Corinthians a “heads up” that as they grow and become more mature in Christ…expect suffering. It comes with the package when you choose to live (and die) for Christ. In fact, the Bible declares that we share in the suffering of Christ (1 Peter 4:13). We are Christ’s ambassadors to the whole world! And, when the world looks upon us and sees that we have maintained joy in suffering and optimism through our rough times, this gets their attention as it leads to effective witnessing. In verse 7, Paul says he hopes that the believer can remain steadfast. Be still and hold on. Proverbs 4:25-27 goes on to say, “don’t turn to the left or right”…hang in there.

SIDE NOTE: As Christians, we are being watched. It’s a proven fact that people pay attention to “drama”. Why do you think we have so many reality shows focusing on the misfortunes and mishaps of real people? Looking at someone who is suffering is interesting. The viewer can only imagine what THEY would do in the same situation. Most minds would gravitate to a carnal disposition…”If that happened to me…I would (you can fill in the blank with something carnal)”. So, for a Christian to “endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ” (2 Timothy 2:3), it’s not usually what is expected. The Christian is calm, cool, and collected. This is not what is expected. It piques the curiosity of the onlooker, especially if they are not saved. They’ll want to know…”How can you deal with this crazy situation so calmly…and YET have a spirit of encouragement towards others?” And, so then you have effectively opened the door to introduce another life to Christ.

All of these things come from the confidence of knowing that God is faithful to deliver and to comfort His people…ALWAYS. Paul explains that no matter what we are going through, hope is to be in and of Christ. God is the deliverer. He delivered in the past, He delivers in the present, He will deliver in the future, AND He will continue to deliver in the more distant future (He will yet deliver us).

Paul is highlighting that one of the advantages of suffering is to experience the comfort and encouragement of God. Witnessing the delivering power of God and how He answers our prayers is also fulfilling and builds up our faith each time. But in all these things, we are not meant to keep this comfort to ourselves, rather pass it along to others as they experience suffering. It was designed to be a perpetual cycle of sharing and strengthening one another, through Jesus Christ.

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