SERIES: KNOWING GOD PERSONALLY (1 OF 4)

NOTE: This sermon is part 1 and 2 of a 8 part sermon series. Two sermons outlines are included in this download.

PREVIEWS:

Part 1: When We Are Deeply Troubled
Series: Knowing God Personally
Stuart Briscoe
2 Corinthians 1:3-11

Changing circumstances offer opportunities for relationships to mature or deteriorate. Paul's experience of the Lord was deepened through exceptionally difficult trials. Knowing God personally is critical to spiritual well being.

I. Deep Trouble. vv. 8-9

A. The experience in Asia.
1. Intense pressure.

2. Beyond endurance.

3. Emotionally draining.

4. Life threatening.

B. What happened in Asia?
1. Wild beasts? 1 Corinthians 15:32

2. Riots in Ephesus? Acts 19:23ff

3. Was he shipwrecked? 11:25

4. Critical illness? 12:7

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Part 2: When We Are Feeling Inadequate
Series: Knowing God Personally
Stuart Briscoe
2 Corinthians 2:12-3:6

Feelings of inadequacy are common in a high-expectation world. The results can be devastating. Paul talked about God's high expectations, the inadequate feelings he experienced, and what he did about them.

I. High Expectations. vv. 14 16a

A. God leads us in triumph in Christ.
1. The analogy of a Roman triumphal parade.

2. Either a trophy of Christ's victory…

3. …Or a sharer in Christ's triumph.

B. God spreads the fragrance of Christ through us.
1. The analogy of incense used in the parade.

2. The believer releases the knowledge of Christ everywhere.

C. God senses the aroma of Christ through us.
1. The analogy of the sacrificial aroma. e.g. Leviticus 3:16

2. The believer reminds the father of Christ's sacrifice.

D. Those being saved are refreshed.
1. The process of salvation.