Thanksgiving Series

March 8, 2014

Tom Lowe

The Second Epistle of Paul to the Corinthians

Thanksgiving (1:3–11)

2nd Corinthians 1:3-11 (NKJV)

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,

4 who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ.

6 Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.

7 And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation.

8 For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life.

9 Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead,

10 who delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver us; in whom we trust that He will still deliver us,

11 you also helping together in prayer for us, that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the gift granted to us through many.

Introduction

From verse 3 through verse 11, the apostle bursts forth into thanksgiving for the comfort that has come to him in the midst of his distress and affliction. Undoubtedly, the comfort was the good news which Titus had brought him in Macedonia. The apostle then goes on to show that whether he is afflicted or comforted, everything turns out for the eventual good of the believers to whom he ministers.

Past experiences encourage us to have faith and hope, and oblige us to trust God for all our remaining days. And it is our duty not only to help one another through prayer, but in praise and thanksgiving make suitable reparation for the benefits we have received from Him. Thus, both trials and mercies will end in good to ourselves and others.

One of the paradoxes of the Christian life is that the grace of God is most keenly experienced not in the best but what seems to be the worst of times. However much a Christian longs for rejoicing (1 Cor. 4:8), it is often in humiliation where he finds grace [And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (2 Cor. 12:9)]. That theme pervades this letter and finds moving expression in Paul’s thanksgiving.

Commentary

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,

Blessed (the Greek word eulogetos, meaning “well-spoken of.”) is used in the New Testament as belonging to, relating to, or connected with God [for example: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ” (Eph. 1:3).]. It is a term of adoration and praise. Blessed be God is a phrase that typically began a worship service in the synagogue (see Ps. 66:20; 68:35). The use of this phrase in New Testament letters (see also Eph. 1:3) indicates that the phrase may have become a common expression in worship, perhaps a “call to worship” for early churches.

Paul praised the true God, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who revealed Himself in His Son, who is of the same essence as His Father [And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14)]. He is the anointed One (Christ) and sovereign (Lord) Redeemer (Jesus). Although the Son enjoyed this lofty position, He was willing to become a servant and submit Himself in His incarnation. Christ is the ultimate example of selfless humility [Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (Matt. 11:29)]. The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ is the full title of Christ in the New Testament. No longer is He addressed as the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, or the God of Jacob. Now He is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. This name, incidentally, implies the great truth that the Lord Jesus is both God and Man. God is the God of our Lord Jesus Christ; this refers to His relation to Jesus, the Son of Man. But God is also the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. This refers to His relationship to Christ, the Son of God. In addition, God is described as the Father of mercies and God of all comfort. This great benediction comprehends the entire Gospel.