1) The document summarizes a Bible study on 2 Corinthians 1:3-11 about making sense of suffering. It discusses how suffering is a universal human experience but the focus should be on God, who comforts and delivers people. 2) It describes the different types of suffering mentioned in the passage like troubles, distress, and pressure. It also outlines how God acts with grace, peace, comfort, and deliverance. 3) The document concludes by suggesting how Christians should respond to suffering with praise, comforting others, patient endurance, firm hope, sharing their story, and prayer.

1. Making Sense of Suffering
2 Corinthians 1:3-11
David Clayton. teacher
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AUDITORIUM CLASS ON 2nd CORINTHIANS CLASS NOTES

2. Making Sense of Suffering
2 Corinthians 1:3-11
David Clayton. teacher
Study guide online: summervillechurchofchrist.com
“Classes” Heading: Auditorium Class on 2nd Corinthians Class Notes
2 Corinthians 1:3-11
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and
the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those
in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share
abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. If we
are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your
comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. And
our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also
you share in our comfort. We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters,
about the troubles we experienced in the province of Asia. We were under great
pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we
felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on
ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril,
and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver
us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the
gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.

3. Making Sense of Suffering
2 Corinthians 1:3-11
David Clayton. teacher
Study guide online: summervillechurchofchrist.com
“Classes” Heading: Auditorium Class on 2nd Corinthians Class Notes
INTRODUCTION:
1. The letters of Corinthians span a period of SEVEN YEARS
2. At best, Paul’s relationship with Corinth was TOUGH
KEY THEME AND TOPIC
1. The main theme of vs. 3-11 is SUFFERING
2. The Key word used 9 times in vs. 3-7 is COMFORT

4. Making Sense of Suffering
2 Corinthians 1:3-11
David Clayton. teacher
Study guide online: summervillechurchofchrist.com
“Classes” Heading: Auditorium Class on 2nd Corinthians Class Notes
SUFFERING:
1. Suffering is the universal EXPERIENCE
Afflictions: Greek word: press down
• Troubles (v.4)
• Distressed (v.6)
• Sufferings (v.6)
• Hardships (v.8)
• Great pressure (v.8)
• Despaired (v.8)
• Sentence of death (v.9)
• Deadly peril (v.10)

5. Making Sense of Suffering
2 Corinthians 1:3-11
David Clayton. teacher
Study guide online: summervillechurchofchrist.com
“Classes” Heading: Auditorium Class on 2nd Corinthians Class Notes
SUFFERING:
2. The focal point is not on suffering but on GOD
* Father of the Lord Jesus Christ (v.3)
* Of all comfort (v.3-4)
comfort: Greek word: called alongside of

6. Making Sense of Suffering
2 Corinthians 1:3-11
David Clayton. teacher
Study guide online: summervillechurchofchrist.com
“Classes” Heading: Auditorium Class on 2nd Corinthians Class Notes
SUFFERING:
3. His wonderful ACTIONS
• Grace and peace (v.2)
• Comforts (v.3-4)
• Saves (v.5)
• Reliable (v.9)
• Delivers (v.10)

7. Making Sense of Suffering
2 Corinthians 1:3-11
David Clayton. teacher
Study guide online: summervillechurchofchrist.com
“Classes” Heading: Auditorium Class on 2nd Corinthians Class Notes
SUFFERING:
4. How we should RESPOND
• Praise (v.3)
• Comforting others (v.4)
• Patient Endurance (v.6)
• Firm hope (v.7)
• Sharing our story (v.8)
• Staying positive (v.9-10)
• Prayer (v.11)
• Remaining thankful (v.11)

8. Making Sense of Suffering
2 Corinthians 1:3-11
David Clayton. teacher
Study guide online: summervillechurchofchrist.com
“Classes” Heading: Auditorium Class on 2nd Corinthians Class Notes
TAKING THE LESSON HOME
1. Re-read 2 Corinthians 1:3-11
2. Review the main points of today’s lesson
3. Think of ways that you can relate to what Paul writes.
4. Pray and serve someone who is experiencing troubles.
5. Where do you need to stay more positive and hopeful?
6. Read 2 Corinthians 1:12- 2:04 for the next week thinking
about the topic: The Power of a right example