131117 PM Comforted That We Might Comfort
| Comforted That We Might Comfort A. “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 may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” (2 Cor 1:3-4) 1. Our English word grief has roots that trace back to the Latin word gravis, which means “__” 2. Grief is a natural consequence of living in this post-Genesis-3 world (Rom 8:18-22; Eccl 3:4). B. Embedded within the gospel is mercy and comfort (Psa 57:1-2; 23:4; Rom 8:28-39). 1. One God-appointed avenue of divine comfort? (2 Cor 7:2-7). 2. What should we keep in mind and practice in an effort to comfort as we have been comforted? I. Humbly Serve as a Messenger of , Not a Babbler of Simplistic, Empty _ A. Hope isn’t found in our efforts to explain the unknown (Job 2:11; 21:34; 42:7; Oeut 29:29). B. Hope is found in a person–Jesus–who understands more fully than anyone else (Heb 4:14-16;6:19-20; 1 Pet 1:20-21; 1 Thes 4:13-18; Psa 42:11; Rom 15:13; Rev 21:4). II. Lovingly Enter into and Share the of Their _ A. It’s one thing to sympathetically acknowledge someone’s burden; it’s another thing entirely to personally engage with and lovingly share that burden (like Jesus—John 11:32-35). B. “Weeping with those who weep” is the fruit of love that is “genuine” (Rom 12:9, 15). III. Be ; Genuinely Listen to Them and Them in Tangible Ways A. “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak” (James 1:19). B. By God’s design, comfort and joy can be derived from our loving service of each other (Phi/em 7). IV. for Them and Patiently with Them Through the Journey of Suffering. A. We can “intercede” for those who might be finding it difficult even to pray (1 Tim 2:1; Phil 4:6-7; Rom 8:26-27). B. At the very heart of “the law of Christ” is a willingness to “bear” one another’s burdens (Gal 6:2). V. that “the God of Love and Peace” is With You and Able to You A. Grace, love, and fellowship are immeasurable blessings in this dark world (2 Cor 13:11-14). B. Pray for and strive to maintain a heart established in every good work and word (2 Thes 2:16-17). C. ‘This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life” (Psa 119:50). |