Experiencing and Reflecting God’s Comfort
2 Corinthians 1:3-5
”Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ.“
2 Corinthians 1:3-5 NASB1995
https://bible.com/bible/100/2co.1.3-5.NASB1995
”Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ.“
2 Corinthians 1:3-5 NASB1995
https://bible.com/bible/100/2co.1.3-5.NASB1995
The passage speaks of the comfort and solace that can be found in times of trouble.
In the real world, afflictions manifest in ways that test our very essence – Pastor Marlo gave the examples of struggles as self-afflicated and others are not. Our struggles can originate from sin, from financial hardship, from the physical limitations imposed by illness to the emotional turbulence of loss and hardship.
When we face such struggles, often times it can lead to more sin; Sometimes it can lead to illness due to overwhelming stress. We can get discouraged, as Pastor Marlo explained that discouragement is a thief. It steals our vitality, our zeal, our joy, our peace, and our contentment.
If discouragement dwells long with us, its companions will soon join. Their names are fatigue, hopelessness, despair, self-pity, depression, doubt, and bitterness. Sometimes, discouragement can be so strong that we even don’t want to go on living. When we are discouraged, it means we are not recognizing God's presence, neglecting others' needs, and doubting His promises.
But we must remember that discouragement is just a temporary visitor, not a permanent resident in our hearts. It may bring along its companions, but we have the power to show them the door. By focusing on God, we can kick discouragement and its friends to the curb. Remember, even in our darkest moments, there is always a glimmer of hope waiting to light our way.
It's during these challenging moments that we must remind ourselves of the strength within us and the blessings surrounding us. Instead of focusing on what we lack, let's shift our perspective to God so we can find comfort and encouragement.
It is within these tests of challenge that our true faith is revealed, as we draw upon reservoirs of strength we never knew we possessed. While afflictions may sow seeds of pain and turmoil, they also produces perseverance to proven character, to hope and present opportunities for growth, compassion.
It emphasizes the idea that God is the ultimate source of encouragement, comfort and compassion, and that we should turn to Him in our moments of need. The passage encourages us to reach out to others with the same comfort that we have received from God, showing empathy and kindness to those around us. It also serves as a reminder that even in difficult times, we can find strength and hope through faith and community.
In vere 3:
a. Father of mercies and God of all comfort:
Paul opens this letter to the church of Corinth by praising the God who gives so much mercy and comfort to the apostle and all believers.
We get the feeling that Paul knows the mercy and comfort of God on a first-hand basis.
The words all comfort in this passage come from the ancient Greek word paraklesis. The idea behind this word for comfort in the New Testament is always more than soothing sympathy. It has the idea of strengthening, of helping, of making strong. The idea behind this word is communicated by the Latin word for comfort (fortis), which also means “brave.”
Paraklesis is like giving a warm hug to the soul, a cozy blend of faith and determination. It's all about finding comfort in the cosmic cheerleader above, cheering us on when life gets a bit wobbly. This beautiful ritual is a nudge to keep hope alive, to bounce back stronger, and to remember that we've got a celestial buddy looking out for us along life's rollercoaster ride.
Here was a man, Paul, who never knew but what he might be dead the next day, for his enemies were many, and cruel, and mighty; and yet he spent a great part of his time in praising and blessing God.” (Spurgeon)
b. God of all comfort: Paul considers the Father a comforter, a Paraclete (paraklesis). We also know that the Holy Spirit is our Paraclete (John 14:16, 14:26, 15:26, 16:7) and that God the Son is our Paraclete (1 John 2:1, Hebrews 2:18, Luke 2:25). God, in every aspect of His being, is full of comfort, strength, and help for us.
Give me one word that best describes God’s comfort? INNER PEACE!
Have you experienced God’s comfort? Do you have a personal testimony?
They say salvation is for everyone but not everyone is saved. Is that the same for God’s comfort?
How does one get God’s comfort? Having a personal relationship with God, reading the scriptures
Can we find comfort from the Scriptures? Absolutely, finding comfort through scriptures is a practice that many people find solace in. The wisdom, guidance, and hope found in religious texts can provide a sense of peace and reassurance during difficult times. Whether it's a verse that offers strength, a story that inspires perseverance, or a teaching that promotes forgiveness, scriptures have the power to bring comfort to those who seek it. By reflecting on the teachings and messages within these sacred texts, individuals can find a source of support and guidance to navigate life's challenges and find inner peace.
In verse 4:
c. That we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble:
One great purpose of God in comforting us is to enable us to bring comfort to others. God’s comfort can be given and received through others.
Sometimes we miss out on the divine comfort that could come through others because our pride plays gatekeeper to our vulnerabilities. By opening up and sharing our needs, we might just unlock the comfort and support that's waiting to reach us.
“Even spiritual comforts are not given us for our use alone; they, like all the gifts of God, are given that they may be distributed, or become instruments of help to others.
Do you believe the Word of God is a gift from God? So if we say the Word of God is comfort, are we sharing comfort to others?
How can we comfort others? Through our own trials and challenges
A believer may lack the depth and richness that personal trials and comforts can offer to others. It is through the severe test of life's challenges and blessings that we can experience God’s goodness in a personal way.
A believer can truly empathize and connect with others on a profound level. Just as a candle burns brightest in the darkest of nights, so too can a Christian’s own struggles illuminate the path for those who seek solace and guidance.
By sharing their own journey of faith, he can inspire, comfort, and uplift the hearts of those who look to them for spiritual leadership. In this way, he becomes not just a teacher, but a fellow traveler on the road to salvation, offering a beacon of hope and a source of strength to all who are in need.
In verse 5:
a. The sufferings of Christ abound in us: Paul had a life filled with suffering. He described some of these sufferings in 2 Corinthians 11:23-28: stripes... prisons... beatings... stonings... shipwrecked... perils of waters... robbers... in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. Yet, Paul knew that all his sufferings were really the sufferings of Christ.
It is through these difficult times that we have the opportunity to demonstrate resilience, faith, and compassion. By embracing the teachings of Christ and drawing strength from his example, we can find solace and courage in knowing that we are never alone in our struggles. Let us remember that the sufferings we endure are not in vain but serve to shape us into stronger, more empathetic individuals, capable of spreading love and light in a world that sometimes feels dark.
b. So our consolation also abounds through Christ: Because Paul’s sufferings were the sufferings of Christ, Jesus was not distant from Paul in his trials. He was right there, identifying with the apostle and comforting him.
i. “As the hotter the day, the greater the dew at night; so the hotter the time of trouble, the greater the dews of refreshing from God.”
ii. We can count on it: when sufferings abound, consolation also abounds. Jesus is there to bring comfort if we will receive it. Of course, this assumes we are not suffering as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. (1 Peter 4:15-16)
iii. The apostle's wise words remind us that tackling tough times with grace and faith can spark a special connection to salvation. It's not about the suffering itself making us holy, but how we handle it with a sprinkle of Christian vibes. Enduring hardships in the name of Christ and in line with Christian principles can work magic on the soul. The apostle hints at a glimmer of hope, promising a grand reward of glory for those who stay strong with unwavering faith. So, when life throws lemons, let's squeeze them into lemonade with a dose of faith and a sprinkle of hope for a future brimming with everlasting joy and satisfaction.
c. Our consolation also abounds through Christ. God may allow situations in our life where our only consolation is found through Christ. Sometimes we think the only consolation is found in a change of circumstances, but God wants to console us right in the midst of our difficult circumstances, and to do it through Christ.
i. This is the same idea Jesus expressed in John 16:33: In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.
ii. Jesus also suffered, therefore He is fully qualified to comfort us in our time of trial. (Hebrews 2:18)
We hope you can join us next Wednesday at 6:00 pm. Bring a friend. Together we can be blessed.
Remember, our circumstances do not define us – it is our outlook and determination that shape our journey.
In the real world, afflictions manifest in ways that test our very essence – Pastor Marlo gave the examples of struggles as self-afflicated and others are not. Our struggles can originate from sin, from financial hardship, from the physical limitations imposed by illness to the emotional turbulence of loss and hardship.
When we face such struggles, often times it can lead to more sin; Sometimes it can lead to illness due to overwhelming stress. We can get discouraged, as Pastor Marlo explained that discouragement is a thief. It steals our vitality, our zeal, our joy, our peace, and our contentment.
If discouragement dwells long with us, its companions will soon join. Their names are fatigue, hopelessness, despair, self-pity, depression, doubt, and bitterness. Sometimes, discouragement can be so strong that we even don’t want to go on living. When we are discouraged, it means we are not recognizing God's presence, neglecting others' needs, and doubting His promises.
But we must remember that discouragement is just a temporary visitor, not a permanent resident in our hearts. It may bring along its companions, but we have the power to show them the door. By focusing on God, we can kick discouragement and its friends to the curb. Remember, even in our darkest moments, there is always a glimmer of hope waiting to light our way.
It's during these challenging moments that we must remind ourselves of the strength within us and the blessings surrounding us. Instead of focusing on what we lack, let's shift our perspective to God so we can find comfort and encouragement.
It is within these tests of challenge that our true faith is revealed, as we draw upon reservoirs of strength we never knew we possessed. While afflictions may sow seeds of pain and turmoil, they also produces perseverance to proven character, to hope and present opportunities for growth, compassion.
It emphasizes the idea that God is the ultimate source of encouragement, comfort and compassion, and that we should turn to Him in our moments of need. The passage encourages us to reach out to others with the same comfort that we have received from God, showing empathy and kindness to those around us. It also serves as a reminder that even in difficult times, we can find strength and hope through faith and community.
In vere 3:
a. Father of mercies and God of all comfort:
Paul opens this letter to the church of Corinth by praising the God who gives so much mercy and comfort to the apostle and all believers.
We get the feeling that Paul knows the mercy and comfort of God on a first-hand basis.
The words all comfort in this passage come from the ancient Greek word paraklesis. The idea behind this word for comfort in the New Testament is always more than soothing sympathy. It has the idea of strengthening, of helping, of making strong. The idea behind this word is communicated by the Latin word for comfort (fortis), which also means “brave.”
Paraklesis is like giving a warm hug to the soul, a cozy blend of faith and determination. It's all about finding comfort in the cosmic cheerleader above, cheering us on when life gets a bit wobbly. This beautiful ritual is a nudge to keep hope alive, to bounce back stronger, and to remember that we've got a celestial buddy looking out for us along life's rollercoaster ride.
Here was a man, Paul, who never knew but what he might be dead the next day, for his enemies were many, and cruel, and mighty; and yet he spent a great part of his time in praising and blessing God.” (Spurgeon)
b. God of all comfort: Paul considers the Father a comforter, a Paraclete (paraklesis). We also know that the Holy Spirit is our Paraclete (John 14:16, 14:26, 15:26, 16:7) and that God the Son is our Paraclete (1 John 2:1, Hebrews 2:18, Luke 2:25). God, in every aspect of His being, is full of comfort, strength, and help for us.
Give me one word that best describes God’s comfort? INNER PEACE!
Have you experienced God’s comfort? Do you have a personal testimony?
They say salvation is for everyone but not everyone is saved. Is that the same for God’s comfort?
How does one get God’s comfort? Having a personal relationship with God, reading the scriptures
Can we find comfort from the Scriptures? Absolutely, finding comfort through scriptures is a practice that many people find solace in. The wisdom, guidance, and hope found in religious texts can provide a sense of peace and reassurance during difficult times. Whether it's a verse that offers strength, a story that inspires perseverance, or a teaching that promotes forgiveness, scriptures have the power to bring comfort to those who seek it. By reflecting on the teachings and messages within these sacred texts, individuals can find a source of support and guidance to navigate life's challenges and find inner peace.
In verse 4:
c. That we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble:
One great purpose of God in comforting us is to enable us to bring comfort to others. God’s comfort can be given and received through others.
Sometimes we miss out on the divine comfort that could come through others because our pride plays gatekeeper to our vulnerabilities. By opening up and sharing our needs, we might just unlock the comfort and support that's waiting to reach us.
“Even spiritual comforts are not given us for our use alone; they, like all the gifts of God, are given that they may be distributed, or become instruments of help to others.
Do you believe the Word of God is a gift from God? So if we say the Word of God is comfort, are we sharing comfort to others?
How can we comfort others? Through our own trials and challenges
A believer may lack the depth and richness that personal trials and comforts can offer to others. It is through the severe test of life's challenges and blessings that we can experience God’s goodness in a personal way.
A believer can truly empathize and connect with others on a profound level. Just as a candle burns brightest in the darkest of nights, so too can a Christian’s own struggles illuminate the path for those who seek solace and guidance.
By sharing their own journey of faith, he can inspire, comfort, and uplift the hearts of those who look to them for spiritual leadership. In this way, he becomes not just a teacher, but a fellow traveler on the road to salvation, offering a beacon of hope and a source of strength to all who are in need.
In verse 5:
a. The sufferings of Christ abound in us: Paul had a life filled with suffering. He described some of these sufferings in 2 Corinthians 11:23-28: stripes... prisons... beatings... stonings... shipwrecked... perils of waters... robbers... in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. Yet, Paul knew that all his sufferings were really the sufferings of Christ.
It is through these difficult times that we have the opportunity to demonstrate resilience, faith, and compassion. By embracing the teachings of Christ and drawing strength from his example, we can find solace and courage in knowing that we are never alone in our struggles. Let us remember that the sufferings we endure are not in vain but serve to shape us into stronger, more empathetic individuals, capable of spreading love and light in a world that sometimes feels dark.
b. So our consolation also abounds through Christ: Because Paul’s sufferings were the sufferings of Christ, Jesus was not distant from Paul in his trials. He was right there, identifying with the apostle and comforting him.
i. “As the hotter the day, the greater the dew at night; so the hotter the time of trouble, the greater the dews of refreshing from God.”
ii. We can count on it: when sufferings abound, consolation also abounds. Jesus is there to bring comfort if we will receive it. Of course, this assumes we are not suffering as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. (1 Peter 4:15-16)
iii. The apostle's wise words remind us that tackling tough times with grace and faith can spark a special connection to salvation. It's not about the suffering itself making us holy, but how we handle it with a sprinkle of Christian vibes. Enduring hardships in the name of Christ and in line with Christian principles can work magic on the soul. The apostle hints at a glimmer of hope, promising a grand reward of glory for those who stay strong with unwavering faith. So, when life throws lemons, let's squeeze them into lemonade with a dose of faith and a sprinkle of hope for a future brimming with everlasting joy and satisfaction.
c. Our consolation also abounds through Christ. God may allow situations in our life where our only consolation is found through Christ. Sometimes we think the only consolation is found in a change of circumstances, but God wants to console us right in the midst of our difficult circumstances, and to do it through Christ.
i. This is the same idea Jesus expressed in John 16:33: In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.
ii. Jesus also suffered, therefore He is fully qualified to comfort us in our time of trial. (Hebrews 2:18)
We hope you can join us next Wednesday at 6:00 pm. Bring a friend. Together we can be blessed.
Remember, our circumstances do not define us – it is our outlook and determination that shape our journey.
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