Be Strong in the Lord –
Scripture Reading:
2 Corinthians 1:3-7
Introduction:
Ephesians 6:10
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in
the dunamoo (strength) of His might.”
In context;
in the coming battle of Christian life, be strong, and take solace, or
comfort in the strength of the Lord!
Thus, in order to be strong in the Lord, we must first appreciate how to
take comfort or solace in the Lord!!!
The context of
2 Corinthians 1.
History of the letters –
·
2 letters to these Christians, with two distinctly different personalities.
Thunder and a hug!
The Apostle to the Gentiles wrote the first letter to the Christians in
Corinth once he was made known of their troubles by messengers from the
household of Chloe (1
Corinthians 1:11), and from a letter he would receive while he
was in Ephesus (1
Corinthians 7:1). By these sources, he found out that they
suffered from a plethora of problems. This would set the tone for the
posture of this letter, he wrote the first letter as a disciplinary
apostolic father (Thunder).
The information he would receive from Titus once they were finally united,
after Titus delivered the first letter, would encourage Paul. It would seem
that at least for the most part, they would repent (2
Corinthians 7:5-11). Because they were ardent about returning to
the Lord, even though there was still much work to do, Paul’s posture is
very different, and he wishes to comfort and exhort these brethren (Hug).
Because of this fact, Paul starts the letter this way!
God of all Comfort (Vs.
3) –
although the Greek word used here is a noun, it is absolutely active (in the
sense that God is known as the provider). It is here used, in reference to
God, as the One who continues “to
call in support”, or “The One who
always lends support”. In the ancient Greek culture, it was also used to
speak in “encouraging soldiers in the
timidity of battle!”
Greek – “Paraklesis”
Comfort Empowers Us (Vs.
4-7) –
As God empowers us with comfort (the continual supply of support); a domino
effect occurs. We then become a
“Peregoria” to one another
(the Greek word that means, “A soothing solace”; much like a medicinal
ointment that soothes immediately – this is how Paul spoke of faithful
brethren and their effect on him;
Colossians 4:10-11).
All Comfort = Christ
God’s comfort, consolation, His might leading to strength in battle has a
Name! As Christ Jesus was victorious, He likewise will lead us to victory –
Hebrews 12:1-2.
Lesson: Chastisement = Godly Sorrow = Repentance =
becomes our constant Paraklesis!