Scripture Reference: 2 Corinthians 1:1-11

The man who was called in his day “The Greatest Preacher in the English-speaking World,” John Henry Jowett pastored several prominent churches, preached to huge congregations, and wrote books that were bestsellers. He once wrote:

“You seem to imagine that I have no ups and downs, but just a level and lofty stretch of spiritual attainment with unbroken joy and equanimity. By no means! I am often perfectly wretched and everything appears most murky.”

Charles Haddon Spurgeon whose marvelous ministry in London made him perhaps the greatest preacher England ever produced, once stated in a sermon:

“I am the subject of depressions of spirit so fearful that I hope none of you ever get to such extremes of wretchedness as I go to.”

Discouragement is no respecter of persons. In fact, discouragement seems to attack the successful far more than the unsuccessful; for the higher we climb, the farther down we can fall. We are not surprised then when we read that the great Apostle Paul was “burdened beyond our strength” and “despaired of life itself” (2 Corinthians 1:8). Great as he was in character and ministry, Paul was human just like the rest of us.

Paul could have escaped these burdens except that he had a call from God and a concern to help people. He had founded the church at Corinth and had ministered there for a year and a half (Acts 18:1-18). When serious problems arose in the church after his departure, he sent Timothy to deal with them (1 Corinthians 4:17) and then wrote the letter that we call 1 Corinthians.

Unfortunately, matters grew worse and Paul had to make a “painful visit” to Corinth to confront the troublemakers (2 Corinthians 2:1-3). Still, no solution. He then wrote “a severe letter” which was delivered by his associate, Titus (2 Corinthians 2:4-9; 7:8-12). After a great deal of distress, Paul finally met Titus and got the good report that the problem had been solved. It was then that he wrote the letter we call 2 Corinthians.

He wrote the letter for several reasons. First, he wanted to encourage the church to forgive and restore the member who had caused all the trouble (2 Corinthians 2:6-11). He also wanted to explain his change in plans (2 Corinthians 1:15-22) and enforce his authority as an apostle (2 Corinthians 4:1-2; see chapters 10-12). Finally, he wanted to encourage the church to share in the special “relief offering” he was taking up for the needy saints in Judea (read 2 Corinthians 8-9).

One of the key words in this letter is comfort or encouragement. The Greek word used means “called to one’s side to help.” The verb is used eighteen times in this letter, and the noun eleven times. In spite of all the trials he experienced, Paul was able (by the grace of God) to write a letter saturated with encouragement.

You may be asking Paul’s secret of victory when he was experiencing pressures and trials? His secret was God. When you find yourself discouraged and ready to quit, get your attention off of yourself and your circumstances and focus it on God. Out of his own difficult experience, Paul tells us how we can find encouragement in God. He gives us three simple reminders.

To Be Continued

Adapted and modified excerpts from Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary Volume 1.
Unless otherwise noted, Scripture taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®, ESV © 2016 by Crossway Bibles.
Where noted, Scripture taken from the New King James Version®, NKJV © 1982 by Thomas Nelson.
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