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Sunday Video Message 31 May 2020 : “Burdened beyond measure”

Text: 2 Corinthians 1:8-11
31 May 2020

MORNING WORSHIP 31 May 2020
Text: 2 Corinthians 1:8-11
Title: “Burdened beyond measure”

INTRODUCTION

1. Theology of Tribulation

a) God allows for Tribulation to come
b) But we need not fear being alone when we face tribulation
c) Eternal truths about God
i) God is the Father of mercies
ii) He is the God of all comfort
iii) He will personally comfort
iv) He will amply provide comfort/ consolation
d) Encouraging truths
i) We can find God’s comfort
ii) We can comfort others
iii) We can be a blessing to many
iv) We can have an effective faith

2. Theory

a) We begin with Theory
b) But we cannot remain theoretical
c) A theoretical faith will not go very far in dealing with tribulation

3. Faith

a) It will be tested
b) It can prove to be true
c) It can stand us in good stead

SHARING ABOUT PERSONAL SUFFERING

1. Tribulation experienced

a) Location: Asia Minor
i) Thrace
ii) Bithynia
iii) Phrygia
iv) Pisidia
v) Pamphylia
b) This Tribulation experienced was not recorded in the Book of Acts
c) Paul named many experiences not mentioned in the Book of Acts
(2 Corinthians 11)

2. Candid sharing

a) Burdened beyond measure (2 Corinthians 1:8)
b) Above strength (human)
c) Despaired even of life
d) Sentence of death in ourselves (2 Corinthians 1:9)

DEEP PERSONAL LESSONS LEARNED THROUGH TRIBULATION

1. Lesson on Trust

2. Lesson about Intercessory prayer

3. Lesson of God’s gift in times of Tribulation

THE LESSON OF TRUST

1. A vital lesson on “Trust”

a) Trust in men
b) Trust in self
c) Trust in God
d) We often take for granted that we really trust God
e) Only in tribulation will we see the reality and depth of this trust

2. Trust in self

a) This is normal and human tendency
b) We trust our:
i) Plans
ii) Instincts
c) Paul had to learn NOT to trust in himself (2 Corinthians 1:9)

3. Trust in God

a) Trust in God’s power
b) Trust that God can raise the dead
c) Trust in God’s deliverance
i) Past experience
Looking back at how God had delivered
ii) Present circumstances
Trust that God will continue to deliver
iii) The future
Trust that God will continue to deliver (2 Corinthians 1:10)

A LESSON ON PRAYER

1. Paul was a man of prayer

2. He was learning afresh the significance of intercessory prayer

3. Intercessory prayer was more deeply appreciated

a) Praying really helps
b) Praying friends are to be treasured

A LESSON ON THANKSGIVING

1. Personal thanksgiving

2. Group thanksgiving

a) Grateful Thanks given to God by many
b) Gratitude for the gift (grace-gift)

A LESSON ON GOD’S GIFT

1. The gift granted to us

2. What was that gift?
Spiritually speaking:

a) God’s favour
b) God’s grace

3. Physically speaking

a) Deliverance
b) Rescue
c) Friends who helped
i) Protection
ii) Shelter
iii) Financial support

CONCLUSION

1. There are many personal lessons God may want us to learn

2. Each lesson learned well would result in:

a) A deeper faith
b) A stronger hope
c) Further development of character
d) Poised to serve at a deeper level

3. Let us:

a) Never be in despair
b) Never give up our faith/ hope
c) Never stop learning the deep lessons God wants us to learn