2. 2 Corinthians 1.1-5 COMFORTED

3.  Paul knew the God of Comfort (2 Cor. 1.3).  He references his experiences in Asia (vv5-8).  Trouble in Iconium- Acts 14.1-6  Trouble in Lystra and Derbe- Acts 14.19-20  2 Corinthians 11.24ff  Yet in all these things he persevered.  The God of all Comfort previously delivered Paul and continued to do so (2 Cor. 1.10).  Do we know the God of all Comfort? PAUL’S EXPERIENCE:

4.  Comforts us in our tribulation (1.4).  Specifically, Paul has reference to our sufferings for the faith in Christ.  Persecution is a reality for the Christian:  1 Peter 4.15-16  2 Timothy 3.10-12  Matthew 5.12  God promises to comfort us in this.  Comfort through our brethren- 1 John 3.17-18  Comfort through answered prayer- 1 Peter 5.7  Comfort through the Gospel- 1 Peter 4.19 THE GOD OF ALL COMFORT…

5.  Expects us to comfort others (1.4).  We are comforted so that we might comfort.  The biblical principle of stewardship  1 Thessalonians 5.13-15  How can we comfort each other?  Prayer- 1 Thessalonians 5.25  Physical relief- Acts 11.29-30  Spending time together- 2 Corinthians 7.6-7 THE GOD OF ALL COMFORT…

6.  Wants us to comfort in like manner (1.4).  As we have been comforted by Him, we are to comfort others:  Genuine, selfless, active love- John 3.16  Patient love- Romans 15.4-6  The nature of this comfort:  Not comfort in sinful behavior- Jude 22,23  Comfort in forgiveness and restoration- 2 Cor. 26-8  Comfort in hope- 1 Thessalonians 4.15-18  Comfort in perspective- 1 Thessalonians 5.9-11 THE GOD OF ALL COMFORT…