Sermon: Learning from the Suffering of Paul

Some brief notes from Sunday morning's sermon on Paul's suffering in Second Corinthians:


I.  Paul Was Called to Suffer

Acts 9:16 – “He must suffer for the sake of my name”

Acts 9:23 – “The Jews plotted to kill him”

Acts 9:29 – “But they were seeking to kill him”

Acts 13:50 – “Stirred up persecution against Paul”

Acts 14:5 – “An attempt was made…to mistreat them and to stone them”

Acts 14:19 – “They stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead”

Acts 14:22 – “Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God”

Acts 16:22-23 – “The crowd joined in attacking them…inflicted many blows upon them”

Acts 17:5 – “They formed a mob…seeking to bring them out”

Acts 17:13 – “Agitating and stirring up the crowds”

Acts 18:6– “They opposed and reviled him”

Acts 18:9 – “Do not be afraid”

Acts 18:12 – “The Jews made a united attack”

Acts 19:28 – “They were enraged”

II.  Paul Reflected on This  Suffering in Second Corinthians

“Hardship Catalogues”

4:7-12

6:4-5, 8-10

11:22-33

III.  Lessons From Paul's Reflections in Second Corinthians

Suffering makes us more compassionate – 1:3-11

Suffering makes us think about eternal things – 4:7-5:10 

Suffering makes us rely on God’s grace – 12:1-10