Two Purposes of Affliction That Are Often Overlooked (2 Corinthians 1:3–11)

Paul lifts our eyes to the “Father of mercies and God of all comfort,” showing that trials are not wasted. First, God comforts us in every affliction to make us able ministers who pass that same comfort to others—His consolation is meant to flow through us, not stop with us (vv.3–7). Second, God uses crushing seasons to kill self-reliance and teach reliance on “the God who raises the dead” (vv.8–11). Past deliverances fuel future hope; God often comforts by means (e.g., Titus’ arrival and report), and He multiplies help through the prayers of many. View suffering as both ministry training and dependence training.

Grace Community Church
San Antonio, Texas
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