COMFORT DOCTRINES Our comfort in Christ (Introduction)

God wants us to be sure of our salvation. He wants us to live in hope. But TRUE hope depends upon our willingness to accept what He teaches ( cf. Matt. 28:20 ) Sadly there are many who believe they are fine when they are not They embrace “comfort doctrines”

In this study: The source of TRUE comfort “Comfort Doctrines” – There is no hell – “Once saved, always saved” – “Earned salvations” – works – God overlooks ignorance and weakness – Unity in diversity – Watered down religion How can I know I am saved?

What is comfort? “ 1. To give strength and hope to. 2. to ease the grief or trouble of.” (Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary) From Greek word, parakale/w, paraklaleo, “to call to one’s side” (Vine’s) Entreat, beg, comfort. “To speak to someone in a friendly way.” (Kittel)

The Bible and Comfort A God of comfort Romans 15:5 2 Cor. 1:3 2 Thess. 2:16-17 John 14:16, 25, 15:26 (The helper, comforter – KJV)

The Bible and Comfort Our God cares ( 1 Pet. 5:7 ) He gives us hope, mercy, patience grace, and forgiveness. He does NOT want us to perish! He has given us “all things that pertain to life and godliness” ( 2 Pet. 1:3 ) Victory in Him ( Rom. 8:31, 1 Cor. 15:57 )

The Bible and Comfort Comfort promised: Matt. 5:4 Those who mourn shall be comforted. Luke 16:25, Lazarus comforted. 2 Cor. 7:6 He comforts the downcast Phil. 4:6-7 – His peace will guard your hearts

The Bible and Comfort It Can be Had In this chaotic world, the Christian still has hope! He faces same troubles but with comfort. Acts 9:31 Churches had comfort 2 Cor. 13:11 – “Be of good comfort, of one mind,…”

The Bible and Comfort It is found in His word Romans 15:4 Things written before for our learning – giving us comfort A message of hope and optimism! As you study it can give us strength and hope.

The Bible and Comfort We Comfort One Another Consider the blessing and comfort of fellowship with one another. 2 Cor. 1:3-6 1 Thess. 4:18, 5:11, 14 Col. 4:8 Tychicus sent to comfort 2 Cor. 7:6 – Paul comforted

The Bible and Comfort The point: God wants us to live with hope and a comfort of mind. BUT it is only found if we are true to Him and His word.

False Comfort The world cannot offer this comfort Psalm 69:20 Ecclesiastes 4:1

False Comfort SADLY, there are many who are seeking comfort, but they are unwilling to repent! ( 2 Tim. 3:15 ) Tragically, if they look hard enough they will find someone who will tickle their ears 2 Tim. 4:2-4, 2 Pet. 2:1-3

False Comfort These teachers will introduce “comfort doctrines” In our study we will examine many of these!

False Comfort Israel was deceived by “comfort doctrines” Jeremiah 6:13-15, “Because from the least of them even to the greatest of them, Everyone is given to covetousness; And from the prophet even to the priest, Everyone deals falsely. …

False Comfort Israel was deceived by “comfort doctrines” Jeremiah 6:13-15, “…They have also healed the hurt of My people slightly, Saying, 'Peace, peace!' When there is no peace. Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? No! They were not at all ashamed; Nor did they know how to blush. Therefore they shall fall among those who fall; At the time I punish them, They shall be cast down," says the Lord.“

False Comfort Israel was deceived by “comfort doctrines” Jeremiah 5:30-31 further said, “An astonishing and horrible thing Has been committed in the land: The prophets prophesy falsely, And the priests rule by their own power; And My people love to have it so. But what will you do in the end?”

False Comfort Israel was deceived by “comfort doctrines” Jeremiah 23:16-17 says, “Thus says the Lord of hosts: “Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you. They make you worthless;…

False Comfort Israel was deceived by “comfort doctrines” Jeremiah 23:16-17 says, “…They speak a vision of their own heart, Not from the mouth of the Lord. They continually say to those who despise Me, ‘The Lord has said, “You shall have peace” ’; And to everyone who walks according to the dictates of his own heart, they say, ‘No evil shall come upon you.’”

Dangers of “Comfort Doctrines” They can promote ignorance Hos. 4:6 They can lead to indifference They can lead to corruption – Jud. 21:25

Dangers of “Comfort Doctrines” They can lead to disunity – 1 Cor. 10:13 They WILL cause souls to be lost – Matt. 7:21-23, 2 Thess. 1:8

May God bless you with great comfort – according to His will! (Jas. 2:10)