Using Trials to Our Advantage

2 Corinthians 1:8-11—Paul and others with him went through great trials.

2 Corinthians 1:2-7—Christians in Corinth were also suffering. Paul reminds them that suffering can become a positive thing if we handle it correctly, wit the right attitude.

            -It can help us share in the comfort of Christ. This is a fellowship idea.

+If we suffer like Christ suffered then we will have that connection with Him.

+WE can be strengthened even in sorrow

            -It can help us comfort others.

                        +we can also relate to others who are suffering.

-This is not dealing with suffering the normal aches and pains of life. Everyone suffers in that way unless they die young.

-That is not to say there is no application to us, because there is something we can learn from this as far as attitude is concerned.

            -Positive attitude keeps people alive and happy.

-We can choose to be happy in spite of our circumstances, or we can choose to let our circumstances make us miserable.

-Either way, we are going to have to face times of suffering and pain.

-A good attitude is a much better way to behave.

-But we have greater ability to have a good attitude if we are hurting because of our faithfulness to God.

-I would much rather wear myself out in work for God and working toward having treasures in heaven than to have pains just because of age or common circumstances!

-But what are ways we can handle the situations we are in?

-What attitudes should we have? How are we to THINK about the suffering in our lives?

 

  1. James 1:2-8—look for ways to bring about joy in your life.
    1. Some joys only come through suffering and pain. (Childbirth, doing your BEST in some sport or something, raising children who are faithful to God, etc. All these things come with a COST to us.)
    2. EXPLAIN THE PASSAGE
    3. James 1:4, NIV “Perseverance must [completely] finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
    4. This is the context of asking for wisdom—God will help you through your times of pain. Learn to rely upon Him!
  2. 2 Corinthians 1:3-11
    1. Paul suffered intense pain (8-11). And they benefit from it—it was for them (and others) that Paul went through such pains in spreading the gospel (also see verse 7)
    2. But they would also experience pain because of the faith (3-7)

                                                               i.      They shared in suffering with Jesus! (verse 5)—fellowship in suffering.

                                                             ii.      If they remained faithful, they would also have the consolation of God in time.

                                                            iii.      If we don’t hold on to the faith, it will ruin us. We will be much worse off both in this world and in the one to come!

    1. 2 Corinthians 1:9

                                                               i.      (verses 3-4) Their success through pain and suffering will also help others that will later experience pain and suffering—probably because of the fact that the Corinthians would convert them, ironically.

  1. Hebrews 12:4-11
    1. To help, we should see it as a training process.
    2. (Verse 4) None of us have had our blood shed over this yet. That is something to keep in mind. “Poor me” is nothing compared to 6 hours on a cross.
    3. But our suffering is real; let’s just keep it in perspective if we can!
    4. God does love you after all (5-8)
    5. It’s not supposed to be pleasant to endure training! (It’s supposed to hurt!)
    6. But the rewards are TREMENDOUS!!
    7. Don’t give up. Recognize that God knows what He is doing. Trust Him!

2 Corinthians 1:9