Introduction Sometimes the troubles of life are referred to as this “vale of tears.” The phrase “vale of tears” appears in several hymns. The word is “vale” and not “veil.” 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.
Introduction At such times we need comfort; fortunately we serve “the Father of mercies and God of all comfort”: 2 Cor. 1:3-4 The Greek word for “comfort” is a compound word: paraklesis. kaleo “to call” and para “beside” Thus “comfort” means “to call someone to your side for the purpose of rendering aid during times of distress.” “Comfort” is the strength and courage one can bring us by coming beside us and lending the aid we need to endure and overcome trials and tribulations. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
www.westsidecoc.org The God of All Comfort 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
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: Prayer: Phil. 4:6-7 God’s Word: Heb. 13:5-6; Rom. 8:37-39 Worship: Psa. 84:10-12 Fellow Christians: 2 Cor. 1:3-4; Heb. 10:23-25 The God of All Comfort
Godly people will need comfort Some mistakenly believe some never experience problems, esp. if your faith is strong enough. Not so! Job 14:1; Psa. 34:19 Many faithful people have suffered great trials and troubles: 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
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
Comfort is to be shared God allows suffering in the lives of His children: It strengthens our faith: 1 Pet. 1:6-7 It strengthens our hope: Rom. 5:3-5 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
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