2. Corinth
50 miles west of Athens
Destroyed in 146 BC, rebuilt in 45 BC
By 50 AD it had become the leading commercial center of southern Greece with a population of 80,000
A very immoral city
Paul visited Corinth AD
Wrote 1 and 2 Corinthians in 55 or 56 AD

3. 2 Corinthians 1:3-7
God comforts us in our struggles so we can comfort others in their struggles.

4. 2 Corinthians 1:3-7
3: Who is God?
The Father of mercies and the God of all comfort
4a: What does God do?
Comfort us in our struggles 
4b: Why does God comfort us?
So we can comfort others.
5: Our suffering is matched by Christ’s comfort 
6: When you see us suffer (and receive comfort) it encourages you as you suffer  
7: We are very confident that your sufferings will be matched by Christ’s comfort.

5. How does God comfort us?

6. How does God comfort us?
By speaking directly to us (John 14:27)
Through the Bible (Psalm 119:105)
Through music
Through other people (John 11:19, 2 Cor. 7:6)
By fixing our problem/struggle (Psalm 107:6)

7. God does comfort us in our struggles, but….
Comfort is the easing of our grief, sadness, etc., over time, NOT the immediate healing of those feelings, heartache, etc.

8. God does comfort us in our struggles, but….
Comfort is the easing of our grief, sadness, etc., over time, NOT the immediate healing of those feelings, heartache, etc.
This is my comfort in my affliction: Your promise has given me life. (Psalm 119:50)
Lord, I remember your judgments from long ago and find comfort. (Psalm 119:52)
Your faithful love comforts me. (Psalm 119:76)
My eyes grow weary looking for what You have promised; I ask, “When will You comfort me?” How many days must your servant wait? (Psalm 119:82, 84)

9. God does comfort us in our struggles, but….
Comfort is the easing of our grief, sadness, etc., over time, NOT the immediate healing of those feelings, heartache, etc.
We must have a “receiving posture” if we are going to receive comfort.

10. God does comfort us in our struggles, but….
Comfort is the easing of our grief, sadness, etc., over time, NOT the immediate healing of those feelings, heartache, etc.
We must have a “receiving posture” if we are going to receive comfort.
All Jacobs sons and daughters tried to comfort him, but he refused to be comforted. “No,” he said, “I will go down to the grave to my son, mourning. (Genesis 37:35)
I sought the Lord in my day of trouble. My hands were continually lifted up all night long; I refused to be comforted. (Psalm 77:2)