LESSONS FROM AFFLICTION

Text- 2 Corinthians 1:8-11

Introduction


This morning I am going to continue my series of sermons from the book of 2 Corinthians on the theme of ministry.

Have you ever had one of those days when nothing seemed to go your way and you were experiencing one problem after another?

Just before a recruit made his first parachute jump, his sergeant reminded him, "Count to ten and pull the first rip cord.  If it tangles, pull the second rip cord for the auxiliary chute. After you land, our truck will pick you up to take you back to the base."  The paratrooper took a deep breath and jumped. He counted to ten, and pulled the first cord. Nothing happened.  He pulled the second cord. Again nothing happened.  As he fell rapidly earthward, he muttered to himself, "What do you bet that stupid truck won't be there to pick me up either!"

Everyone has probably experienced a day when everything seemed to go wrong.  The question is, "what did you learn from it?"

Our text is found in 2 Corinthians 1:8-11 and the title of my message is, "Lessons From Affliction."

Here in our text we find Paul telling us about some of the problems he experienced in his ministry.  As we examine this passage there are four things that I would like us to see that Paul learned from the afflictions he experienced and what we should learn from them as well.