1:9
We do not know the details of the situation that Paul was referring to, but we do know the severity of it. Paul felt that death was imminent. Then he explains why God had allowed this to happen, and this was to ensure that they would rely not on themselves, but on God alone. This, again, is a theme that runs throughout the letter. Namely, that we should and must rely purely upon the Lord, and not on ourselves. We all go through various experiences in life. One of the key issues is whether or not we learn from God in the midst of these events. Sometimes we may handle a situation well, at other times we make a complete mess of it. Whatever the case, afterwards we should reflect on what God is teaching us. The end of this verse says “who raises the dead”. Why does Paul say this in the current context? It could be a general statement, ie that God is the God who raises the dead, so we can always trust Him. Or it could be that since God raises the dead, it ultimately does not matter whether we die or not. So even if the situation had resulted in Paul’s death, it would not have mattered.
1:10
They did not die, for God delivered them, and Paul learns from this. How do we react when God rescues us from some situation? Do we just breathe a sigh of relief that that is over! Or do we learn from the situation? Paul learnt from it, he was convinced that God would continue to deliver them. So Paul set his hope on the fact that God would continue to deliver them. Men and circumstances may do all sorts of things, it did not matter, for God would rescue them.
1:11
Paul setting his hope on Jesus did not mean he considered himself independent of other believers. Instead he urges the Corinthians to help him by their prayers. All this would result in glory for God as people would see what He did in response to the prayers of His people.
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