An Introduction to the Study
On I & II Corinthians
The letters of I & II Corinthians provide great insight for the modern day church. Down through my years of ministry I have preached from these two books on several occasions. At times I have done a series of sermons. Other times I have randomly preached from various texts. The following is a compilation of sermon briefs that I trust you can use for your own benefit. Some texts may be used more than once. A multitude of resources have been gleaned from as I have preached on these passages. If and where I could remember them I have cited and credited them. I am well aware of the plagiarism issue and don’t wish to steal from anyone. However, there may be some areas where you could find that I have employed what another writer said.
With all that being said, let’s launch out into the deep and we will find some “Providential Pearls”. Let’s take our pick-axe and spade and we will dig up some “Gospel Gems”. Let’s set sail and we will dock on a “Heavenly Horizon”.
Paul’s writings have a lot to teach us. Let’s learn well and preach well!
THE GOD OF ALL COMFORT
II CORINTHIANS 1:1-11
INTRODUCTION: There are many times in life when we are discouraged, depressed, downtrodden and may even be at the point of despair. Many today are mourning and grieving the loss of a loved one. Perhaps you are guilt ridden over a failure even though you have confessed and sought forgiveness. Some are going through hard times of various sorts. Your mind is weary. Your heart is anxious. Your nerves are frazzled. Your body is tired. Your emotions are out of control. And your are asking “Is there anyone who can console, calm and comfort me?” Sure there is! We meet Him in this text. Paul simply calls Him “The God of all comfort.”
In v.1-2 Paul speaks of His identification (apostle), qualification (will of God), and the destination of the letter (church of God in Corinth). Paul would say, “Enough about me, let me tell you about “the God of all comfort”.
I. There is a Person who can Comfort (v.3)
“Blessed” = praise God. Praise Him for who He is and what He does. We may not praise Him for our affliction but we can praise Him for His comfort in our affliction.
Who is this person? He is:
A. The God of Christ: “God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself.
B. The God of consolation: “Father of mercies”. That means compassionate pity. God cares for the burdened and afflicted. (See Psalm 103:13)
C. The God of comfort: “Comfort” appears 10 times in v.3-7. Note the word “all”. The Greek word for comfort is “parakleo”. It means one called alongside to encourage. It is strength that comes from God to those facing the pressures of life. It does not mean ease, comfortable or escape. See John 14:18. God will help, strengthen and be an advocate.
II. There is a Purpose to His Comfort (v. 4-5)
A. Power in partnership (v.5-7): God always matches His comfort to our sufferings. “Abound” = flow into our lives. Walking with Christ, we become partners in His suffering (John 15:20). As we suffer (because of Him and not our own rebellion) His comfort overflows into our lives and we are able to allow that to overflow to others.
B. Power in providence (v.8-10): “Plight” = Paul had suffered for them. “Pressed out of measure” = to be thrown down, under great pressure beyond their ability to endure. “Despaired of life” = without a way out, hopeless. What was his affliction? He didn’t tell us. Whatever it was it persuaded Paul to “trust” in God alone, and it taught Paul how adequate God really is.
C. Power in prayer (v.11): He relied on God and the prayers of fellow believers. Our prayers can play an important role in other people’s lives. It is God who delivers, not prayer, but oh how His power is released through prayer!
CONCLUSIION: Need some comfort? Look no further than the God in your prayer closet. He is the God of all comfort!
