Introduction Sometimes the troubles of life are referred
Introduction Sometimes the troubles of life are referred to as this “vale of tears. ” R The phrase “vale of tears” appears in several hymns. R The word is “vale” and not “veil. ” R The word “vale” means “valley. ” We’ve all experienced difficult times in this life, some more than others. Sometimes the troubles and tears come so hard it is difficult to think we can carry on. 2
Introduction At such times we need comfort; fortunately we serve “the Father of mercies and God of all comfort”: 2 Cor. 1: 3 -4 “Blessed be the God and Father of our R The Greek word for “comfort” is a compound word: Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies paraklesis. and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us call” and parathat “beside” in. Rallkaleo our“to tribulation, we may be able to comfort those who in someone any trouble, with R Thus “comfort” meansare “to call to your side for the comfort with which wetimes ourselves purpose of rendering aid during of distress. ” are comforted by God. ” “Comfort” is the strength and courage one can bring us by coming beside us and lending the 2 aid we need to endure Corinthians 1: 3 -4 and overcome trials and tribulations. 3
www. westsidecoc. org The God of All Comfort 2 Corinthians 1: 3 -4
u God is the source of comfort God provides strength and comfort through different channels; but all of these channels ultimately originate from Him: Psa. 86: 5; Dan. 9: 9; Mic. 7: 18 -19; Psa. 86: 15; 145: 8 -9; Matt. 9: 36 God is ready, willing, and able to impart strength to those who call on Him: E Prayer: Phil. 4: 6 -7 E God’s Word: Heb. 13: 5 -6; Rom. 8: 37 -39 E Worship: Psa. 84: 10 -12 E Fellow Christians: 2 Cor. 1: 3 -4; Heb. 10: 23 -25 The God of All Comfort 5
v Godly people will need comfort Some mistakenly believe some never experience problems, esp. if Many faithful people have suffered great trials and troubles: your faith is strong enough. Not so! Job 14: 1; Psa. 34: 19 E E Job: Job 2: 7 -9; 13: 23 -24; Jas. 5: 11 Daniel and his three friends: Dan. 3, 6 Paul: 2 Cor. 1: 8 -9; 4: 8 -10; 11: 23 -28 Jesus: Isa. 53: 3 -4 Note what all these heroes of faith had in common: Psa. 37: 39 -40; 1 Pet. 1: 23 Trouble is inevitable for all of us. When it knocks at our door we must move toward God and not away from Him! Psa. 34: 19 The God of All Comfort 6
w God comforts us in all our tribulation I’ve known Christians who have abandoned the Lord in time of great trial: “When things get better I’ll come back to church. ” They believe God is punishing them or deserting them: 1 Cor. 10: 13; Jas. 1: 13 There is no problem too big for God! Phil. 4: 13; Heb. 13: 5; Eph. 3: 20; Heb. 11: 3; Eph. 1: 19 -21 What are my problems by comparison? Psa. 18: 1 -6 The God of All Comfort 7
x Comfort is to be shared God allows suffering in the lives of His children: E It strengthens our faith: 1 Pet. 1: 6 -7 E It strengthens our hope: Rom. 5: 3 -5 E It equips us to comfort others: 2 Cor. 1: 3 -4 As recipients of God’s comfort, we are obligated to comfort others: 2 Cor. 1: 3 -4; 1 Thess. 5: 11 If we don’t comfort others we should expect no comfort from God: Matt. 18: 32 -34 The God of All Comfort 8
CONCLUSION � Do you desire comfort from the burden of the guilt of sin? � Only God can provide that comfort, because only He can provide forgiveness: Acts 2: 38; Rom. 10: 9 -10; Acts 22: 16 � His cleansing provides true peace and comfort: Phil. 4: 7 � Don’t you want that comfort? � Don’t you want to share that comfort with others? The God of All Comfort 9
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