Finding Comfort in a World of Afflictions [1:3-2:11]

Introduction: We live in a two-dimensional world morally
1. The need for comfort
2. The source of comfort
3. The result of comfort

Suffering and its Solution [1:8-11]

Introduction: We live in a two-dimensional world morally
I. Our problems, hardships, and suffering
1. Great pressure
2. Beyond endurance
3. Despair
4. When death is imminent
II. Our solution
1. We rely not on self
2. We rely on God who raises the dead
3. God has delivered, will deliver, continues to deliver
4. Prayer

The Promises of God [1:18-22] Introduction: The foundation for the promises of God

1. The God of promises is the source of promises, 1:18
2. The Son of God is the ratification of promises, 1:19-21
3. The Spirit of God is the guarantee of promises, 1:22

A Ministry of Integrity Through Relationships [1:23-2:4]

Introduction: What are the characteristics of a strong ministry?
1. Ministry does not lord the faith of others, 1:24
2. Ministry holds firm the faith of others, 1:21-24
3. Ministry does not seek pain and grieving for others, 2:1
4. Ministry shares both joy and grief, 2:1-4
5. Ministry reflects confidence in others, 2:3
6. Ministry reflects deep love, 2:4

Ministry Under the New Covenant

Introduction: What are the characteristics of NT ministry?
1. Is triumphant, 2:14
2. Serves to bring both life and death, 2:15-16
3. Is sufficient only from God, 2:16; 3:4-6
4. Is not for self, but is from God, 2:17
5. Is not from self, is not self-serving, 2:17
6. Is validated in its results
...a. life
...b. spirit
...c. heart

Understanding Christian Ministry
Introduction

• 1:9-12, the POWER for ministry is from God, deliverance, not worldly wisdom, God's grace
  
• 1:15-2:11, the INTEGRITY of ministry must be apparent to all, based on the Christian's IDENTITY with the faithfulness of God, the "yes" of Jesus Christ, and the presence of the Holy Spirit
  
• 2:12-17, the RESULTS of ministry are from God, for his purposes

• 1. The Ministry of the New Covenant, 3:1-18
  The POWER (competence, confidence) is from God
  The IDENTITY of the ministers demonstrates INTEGRITY in those evangelized (the Corinthians), the presence of the Spirit, and changed lives
  The RESULTS are hope and surpassing glory
• 2. The Forever, Eternal Ministry, 4:1-5:10
  [4:2-15 are treated as parenthetical in this outline]
  The POWER is from God, in his word, in his truth, in his light, and is manifested in our frailty here, and will be made obvious in our eternal home
  IDENTITY and INTEGRITY are interwoven in the ministry, methods, message, and manner of life of the messengers
  The RESULTS are knowledge (faith) and glory
• 3. The Ministry of Reconciliation, 5:11-6:3
  The POWER is from God, compelled by love, re-created in Christ
  The INTEGRITY and IDENTITY of the messengers is reflected in vv. 11-13, 16, 19-20
  The RESULTS are righteousness before God
• 4. The Ministry based on integrity that brings Integrity, 6:4-7:1
  The POWER of such ministry is from God, "God's servants" (6:4), God's presence, person, and promises (6:16-18; 7:1)
  The INTEGRITY of the ministers, 6:3-13
  The RESULTS are holiness and reverence before God
• 5. The Ministry of Relationship, 7:2-16
  The POWER of such ministry is the comforting God, 7:6ff
  The INTEGRITY of Paul, 7:2-4
  The RESULTS are repentance and relationship, 7:8-16)

The Glory of the New Covenant [3:7-18]

Seeing the Glory of God [3:7-4:6]