X Close Menu

HOPE Covenant Sermons

Be Encouraged! - Introduction and Overview

September 15, 2013 Speaker: Series: Be Encouraged

Topic: 2 Corinthians Verse: Philippians 4:13–4:13

BE ENCOURAGED!

Introduction & Overview

Pastor Duane Cross | 09.15.2013

 

“I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.”   (Philippians 4:13)

“My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.”   (2 Corinthians 12:9)

3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. 4 He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. 5 For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ. 6 Even when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your comfort and salvation! For when we ourselves are comforted, we will certainly comfort you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer. 7 We are confident that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in the comfort God gives us.

8 We think you ought to know, dear brothers and sisters, about the trouble we went through in the province of Asia. We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure, and we thought we would never live through it. 9 In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead. 10 And he did rescue us from mortal danger, and he will rescue us again. We have placed our confidence in him, and he will continue to rescue us. 11 And you are helping us by praying for us. Then many people will give thanks because God has graciously answered so many prayers for our safety.   (2 Corinthians 1:3-11)

1) Comfort in times of trouble

2) You may be crushed, but you will learn to rely on God

3) Put your confidence in me, I will rescue you

GOING DEEPER QUESTIONS

These questions are designed to help you go deeper with the sermon during your week-to take a closer look at the Scripture and find fresh ways to live out the main points of the sermon. Going Deeper questions also are used for discussion in all of our Grow Groups at Hope.

Scripture Reading

2 Corinthians 1:1-11, Acts 18:1-11, Philippians 4:13

Getting Started

When are times in your life when you tend to get discouraged?

What individual(s) in your life encourages you regularly? How?

How do you encourage others?

A Closer Look

Read through 2 Corinthians 1:1-11 and note (underline) all the uses of the word “comfort” (both noun and verb). What does this tell you about Paul’s primary concern for the Corinthian church?

* What was Paul’s secret to finding peace when facing pressures and trials?

* Why does Paul open this letter with a doxology?

* How does praise help in overcoming trials?

Digging Deeper

Review 2 Corinthians 1:4, 8-11. What do these passages teach us about the role of praise in overcoming trials?

When do you feel “crushed and overwhelmed beyond your ability to endure?”

What do you think Paul meant by the phrase, “we have placed our confidence in Him, and He will continue to rescue us”? (1:10) How does this apply to your life? Your family? Your church community?

 

More in Be Encouraged

November 17, 2013

Thorn in the Flesh

November 10, 2013

False Apostles

November 3, 2013

Generosity