Message Notes

(I) DISCOVERING THE GOD OF ALL COMFORT

1. He is God (2 Corinthians 1:3)

2. He is Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 1:3) (Cf. Ephesians 1:3, 17; 3:14)

(II) APPRECIATING THE COMFORT THAT GOD GIVES

1. Comfort- Special nuances

a) Companion

b) Helper

c) God comes alongside

2. Comfort is offered in the following circumstance

a) In our tribulation ( 2 Corinthians 1:4 )

b) In our sufferings ( 2 Corinthians 1:6 )

c) In our affliction ( 2 Corinthians 1:6 )

d) In the most severe of trials ( 2 Corinthians 1:8 )

e) There is no prevention of suffering!

f) There is abundant comfort available ( 2 Corinthians 1:5 )

(III) UNDERSTANDING SUFFERING

1. It is to be seen as “the sufferings of Christ” (2 Corinthians 1:5a)

a) Identification with Christ

b) Following Christ

c) Taking up our cross for Christ ( Matthew 10:38 )

2. It is to be seen as something that will benefit the Church of Christ

“Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer…” 2 Corinthians 1:6

a) For the consolation of others

b) For the salvation of souls

c) For the sake of learning what it means to endure

(IV) DIVINE PURPOSE IN EXPERIENCING GOD’S COMFORT

1. So that we can help others who are in any trouble (2 Corinthians 1:4)

2. So that we can share effectively the kind of comfort that God has allowed us to experience (2 Corinthians 1:4)