2 Corinthians: POWER IN PAIN

June 25, 2023

Main Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:1-11

Additional Scriptures: Romans 5:3-5, Psalm 34:18, 56:8, 2 Corinthians 4:17

POINTS:

• On the cross, we see the God who is crucified in weakness but rose in power.

• Christians are not exempt from suffering.

• It is the loneliness of pain that can cause us to throw in the towel in our trouble.

• God is with us in our pain.

• Crying for long periods of time releases oxytocin and endorphins.

• God gives us tears to strengthen us in our pain.

• The world tells us not to cry because crying shows weakness.

• Pain in God’s hands becomes a conduit of His power.

• Pain often brings shame so we try to hide it, but God says that when we place our hope in Him in the pain, that hope will not put us to shame.

• Satan will come at your pain with shame and discouragement.

• God uses pain to drive us closer to Him and make us more like Him.

• God teaches us in our pain about His love for us and that we can rely on Him.

• God teaches the watching world about His love for them in our pain. “Your greatest ministry will come out of your deepest hurt”

• Pain shows us how important a community of faith is.

• Our pain prepares us for heaven.