The Paradox of Sorrow and Joy: Why 2 Corinthians Matters
As Christians, we’re no strangers to pain and hardship. At some point in our lives, we’ll all face adversity in one form or another. But how do we navigate these dark valleys without losing our way? The book of 2 Corinthians offers a profound answer: the way up is down.
The Macrotheme of 2 Corinthians
Throughout this letter, the apostle Paul explores the paradoxical truth that joy and comfort are often found in the midst of sorrow and affliction. It’s a theme that runs counter to our natural instincts, which tell us that the path to happiness is paved with ease, comfort, and avoidance of pain. But Paul shows us that this is not the case.
The Way Up is Down
In 2 Corinthians, we see that the most substantial and radiant individuals are those who have endured hardship and walked with Christ through the darkness. They bear scars, but they also radiate a deep sense of joy and peace. This is because they’ve discovered that God’s deepest consolations are often mediated to us in, not after, sorrow.
A Study of 2 Corinthians
In this 12-week study, Dane C. Ortlund guides readers through Paul’s second letter to the church at Corinth, exploring the glory of a gospel that humbles the powerful while strengthening the weak. By examining 2 Corinthians through the lens of the “way up is down,” we’ll gain a deeper understanding of the paradoxical nature of the Christian life.
Following the Savior’s Pattern
As we journey through 2 Corinthians, we’ll see that Jesus himself embodied this pattern of finding joy in sorrow. He endured the ultimate pain of condemnation under the wrath of the Father, only to be raised to life and kingship over the cosmos. We follow the Savior in this pattern, looking with hope to the new earth and the end of all sorrow and pain.
Becoming Deeper, More Solid, and More Invincible
By studying 2 Corinthians, we’ll become more solid, more invincible human beings. We’ll learn to walk with Christ through the darkness, finding joy and comfort in the midst of sorrow. As we explore the paradox of the “way up is down,” we’ll discover that the Christian life is not about avoiding pain, but about embracing it as a means to deeper intimacy with God.
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