2 Corinthians 1 · Grade 5

The Yes of God's Promises

Name Date

Read and Think

Second Corinthians reveals Paul's heart more than any other letter. Relations with Corinth had been strained by a sorrowful visit (2:1), a letter written with many tears (2:4), and rival teachers who questioned his authority. Yet Paul opens with praise. God is the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts believers in all affliction so that they can comfort others. As the sufferings of Christ overflow to His people, so through Christ comfort overflows too.

Paul does not hide his weakness. In the province of Asia he was so utterly burdened beyond his strength that he despaired of life and felt he had received the sentence of death. That experience taught him to rely not on himself but on God who raises the dead. Suffering became a training ground for trust. He also invites the church into partnership through prayer, so that many will give thanks for the favor granted to him.

Critics accused Paul of fickleness because he changed his plans to visit. He answers that his conduct was marked by godly sincerity. The deeper ground of his reliability is God's faithfulness. The Son of God, Jesus Christ, was not Yes and No; in Him it has always been Yes. All God's promises find their Yes in Christ, and through Him believers say Amen to God's glory. God has anointed them, set His seal on them, and given the Spirit in their hearts as a guarantee. Paul delayed his visit to spare them (1:23).

Show What You Know

What had strained Paul's relationship with Corinth?
What did Paul's suffering in Asia teach him?
What is the deeper ground of Paul's reliability?
Why did Paul delay his visit?

Crossword

Across

The Father of ____ and God of all comfort

Down

So much that we ____ even of life
It is for your ____ and salvation
Who ____ us in all our affliction

Think About It

Paul calls suffering a training ground for trust. How can hard times push a person to rely on God rather than on himself?
All God's promises are Yes in Christ. How does that truth give stability when circumstances or people seem unreliable?

Memory Verse

“For however many are the promises of God, in him is the “Yes.” Therefore also through him is the “Amen”, to the glory of God through us.”

2 Corinthians 1:20 (WEB)

Copy It

Prayer

Dear God, thank You for comforting me. Help me . Amen.

Take It Home

For families: talk about these together.

When have you seen God help you through something hard?
Why are God's promises always Yes in Christ?
What is one way you could live out this chapter this week?