Knowing God Personally

When do you talk to God most? When things are going smoothly, or when you’re facing difficulties? It’s probably the latter. We tend to forget about God when things are going our way, but turn to Him when life is hard.

The apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians about dealing with trouble. Even though he is a towering biblical figure, he was persecuted, rejected, and imprisoned, so Paul knew what it meant to suffer. It’s how he responded that is worth noting. In this series, Stuart Briscoe uses examples from Paul’s life to show us that many painful experiences can lead to an opportunity to know God better.

If you’ve ever asked God, “Why me?” this teaching from 2 Corinthians will inspire you to look at your trials in a new way.

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.

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:3-1:11

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.

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 2:12-3:6

When the pressures of life become overwhelming the question is how to cope. Paul’s explanation of his pressures and the resources he found in knowing God are both illuminating and inspiring. They’re relevant and transferable too!

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:1-4:18

As Paul thought about the dangers to which he was exposed it was natural that he should think about death and what lays beyond for the believer. Such serious thinking was not only appropriate for him but for modern day believers too.

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:1-5:10

When Paul said, “Christ’s love compels us,” he used a word that means “hems us in.” The mighty Yangtse River in its early stages rushes through narrow gorges where it is hemmed in, but later in its course it meanders sluggishly. There’s nothing sluggish or directionless about Paul’s commitment to the Lord.

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:11-5:21

The unique relationship which believers enjoy with God requires careful attention to appropriate lifestyle. This requires, among other things, avoiding compromising situations. But what this entails has long been a point of debate.

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1

Sometimes when commitments prove challenging we back off from promises made. Paul shows us what to do from a specific situation in Corinth.

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 8:1-8:15

Pushed by his detractors, Paul reluctantly talks about his experiences. In so doing, he explains how his famous “thorn in the flesh” instead of being removed, served to deepen his relationship with God. An important lesson for all.

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:1-12:10

Featured Offer

Tap into the life-changing power of prayer!

We want to help you grasp God’s powerful design for prayer—so you can start praying in a whole new way—by sending you Jill’s book, Prayer That Works.

Prayer That Works is our thanks for your gift to reach more people throughout the year ahead with the Briscoes’ timeless and encouraging teaching and resources. So request your copy when you give—and thank you for your partnership in helping people around the world experience abundant Life and freedom in Jesus Christ.

Search Website

Discover content on our website by typing the content you are looking for. If desired, you can search for content specific Scripture by typing Bible verses in here. Or use the dropdown below to see messages on specific Bible books.

Search for Teaching by Scripture

Find teaching form our Bible teachers on specific scripture.