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Daily Devotions

2 Corinthians

2 Corinthians 
Day 
Day 94

"I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation."

Text: 2 Corinthians 7:4

A SPECIAL SPIRIT OF JOY

Paul was a truly remarkable servant of God. Despite being misunderstood, maligned, and held in contempt by his detractors, he was able to maintain a strong and special spirit of joy.

“Great is my boldness of speech toward you,
great is my boasting on your behalf.
I am filled with comfort.
I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation.”
2 Corinthians 7:4

1. “Great is my boldness of speech toward you”

a) Boldness of speech was characteristic of the Apostles.
b) This boldness was also found in the Apostles Peter and John (Acts 4:13).
i) This was prayed for specifically (Acts 4:29).
ii) This prayer was answered (Acts 4:31).
c) Paul spoke boldly to the Corinthians.
i) Even though he might be further misunderstood.
ii) Boldness of speech in proclaiming the truth must be maintained.

2. “Great is my boasting on your behalf”

a) Paul spoke well of the Corinthian Church.
b) Notwithstanding that some were very negative towards him.

3. The spirit of faith of the Apostle Paul

Paul’s spirit of faith stood out in two aspects at least:

a) “I am filled with comfort.”
i) Paul wrote about the Lord God as his special source of comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3-7).
ii) This comfort through the Lord Jesus Christ sustained him well.
iii) His heart had been “filled with comfort”.
iv) His faith in God was unshaken and unshakeable.
v) The presence of the Lord Jesus was never more real than in times of tribulation.
b) “I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation”
i) Many seek for comfort in times of tribulation.

This is very human!

ii) Paul went way beyond seeking comfort.
iii) He wrote of great joy amidst tribulation!
iv) The possession of this kind of joy amidst tribulation was a very rare spirit of faith. It takes a great spirit of faith to be able to sustain this joy in the Lord.