Introduction

 Topic: True Comfort 

Text:         2 Corinthians 1:1-3  

                                     

Introduction

I.        Have you ever known people who despite tragedy were able to offer comfort to others?

II.       On the other hand, some people are devastated by personal hardships.

III.      Where do those who are able to comfort others receive the strength?

A.       The apostle Paul was one individual who had learned the secret.

B.       Here we can learn about true comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3-5).

Text

I.        The Source Of “True Comfort”.

A.       Many seek for comfort in all the wrong places.

B.       But true comfort comes from God.

1.       Paul calls Him the “God of all comfort” (2 Corinthians 1:3).

2.       Paul also calls Him the “Father of mercies” (2 Corinthians 1:3).

C.      The source of true comfort is God, but when and how does it come?

II.       The Bestowal Of “True Comfort”.

A.       Comfort is bestowed in our tribulation.

1.       God comforts us when it is most needed (2 Corinthians 1:4).

2.       To have true comfort there must be a genuine burden to bear.

3.       The greater the affliction, the greater the comfort (2 Corinthians 1:5).

4.       As the sufferings abound so does the consolation!

B.       It is bestowed “through Christ”.

1.       “...our consolation also abounds through Christ” (2 Corinthians 1:5).

2.       “In Christ” provides two avenues of comfort.

a.       The word of God (Romans 15:4).

b.       Prayer (Philippians 4:6-7).

3.       Perhaps the purpose of comfort reveals a third avenue.

III.      The Purpose Of “True Comfort”.

A.       To comfort others (2 Corinthians 1:4)

B.       Consider how God comforted Paul (2 Corinthians 7:4-7,13).

C.      Sadly, many people neglect God as being a source of true comfort.

IV.     A Consequential Result Of “True Comfort” (2 Corinthians 1:3).

A.       Gratitude mingled with adoration.

B.       Such praise is only natural.

Conclusion

I.        Are you lacking in this true comfort?

A.       Perhaps you have been looking in the wrong places.

B.       It comes only from “the God of all comfort”.

C.      And it comes only “through Christ”.

II.       So perhaps we should ask if you are in Christ (Galatians 3:27)?

A.       Perhaps you are not benefiting from the comfort God gives others.

B.       There are those who would be happy to share their comfort with you.

C.      But you must be willing to develop the relationships necessary for such comfort to travel from them to you!

III.      Are you working on your relationship with fellow Christians (Philippians 2:1-5)?