The Sufferings and the Consolation
A. Bonar. 2 Corinthians 1:5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds by Christ. Our cross is not the same as Christ's, yet we have a cross. Our sufferings are not the same as Christ's, yet we have sufferings. The cross is like Christ's, and the sufferings are like His, but yet not the same in kind or object. Yea there is a wide difference; for our trials have nothing to do with expiation. The meaning and use of trims. I. IT SHOWS GOD TO BE IN EARNEST WITH US. He does not let us alone. He takes great pains with our spiritual education and training. He is no careless Father. II. IT ASSURES US OF HIS LOVE. "As many as I love I rebuke and chasten." III. IT DRAWS PRAYER TO US. IV. IT KNITS US IN SYMPATHY TO THE WHOLE BODY. V. IT TEACHES US SYMPATHY WITH BRETHREN. VI. IT BRINGS US INTO A MOOD MORE RECEPTIVE OF BLESSING. IT SOFTENS OUR HEARTS. VII. IT MAKES US PRIZE THE WORD. The Bible assumes a new aspect to us. All else darkens; but it brightens. VIII. IT SHUTS OUT THE WORLD. It all at once draws a curtain round us, and the world becomes invisible. IX. IT BIDS US LOOK UP. Set your affection on things above. X. IT TURNS OUR HOPE TO THE LORD'S GREAT COMING. (A. Bonar.) Parallel Verses KJV: For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ. WEB: For as the sufferings of Christ abound to us, even so our comfort also abounds through Christ.