Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:3-11

Intro

Comfort food hits the spot!

The Source of Comfort

God our Father – provider
God of mercies & all comfort
Affliction = pressure

The Why of Comfort

Because God loves us
So we can comfort others

Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People? (John MacArthur)

1. To test the validity or authenticity of their faith
2. To pull them away from the world and rely on Him
3. To call His followers to their heavenly hope
4. To reveal to us what we really love
5. To teach us obedience
6. To reveal God’s compassion to us
7. To strengthen us for greater usefulness
8. So we can comfort others in their trials

The How of Comfort

We experience God’s comfort as we patiently endure.
We are comforted when we see God’s faithfulness to other believers.

* 1 Corinthians 10:6
* 1 Corinthians 10:11
* Romans 15:4
* 1 Peter 2:6
* James 5:10-11

Paul received comfort in hope for the future
Ps 118:6 What can man do?
Job 42:2 God’s purposes cannot be stopped
Comfort from others praying for you
Church is a family to comfort and encourage you

Take Aways

Are you part of God’s family?

Where do you typically go for comfort?

Are you building deeper relationships in the church?