TRUE COMFORT WHILE THE WORLD OFFERS COMFORT IN MANY FORMS, TRUE COMFORT IS FOUND ONLY IN CHRIST.

Introduction We begin a study in which we will come face to face with where we stand before God.   It is a study based upon the false security that so many have about their faith.   In our lesson today we want to establish that God wants us to be comfortable with our salvation.  

Introduction He wants us to live with hope and assurance. His word is intended to be something that will give us comfort as we face trials and difficulties in this life.   But that hope has to be realistic which means it must be based upon what His word actually says. 

What is comfort? According to Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, the word comfort means, “1. to give strength and hope to; 2. To ease the grief or trouble of.”[1] The Greek word has multiple meanings and is translated almost evenly as “exhort”, “beg” and “comfort”, as well as a few other words.    With such diversity of meaning, it is obvious that the context dictates the meaning of this word.   When we equate this word to comfort, its use is somewhat parallel to our English definition as above.  It indicates the idea of reassurance or consolation.

Our God Is A God Of Comfort Romans 15:5 describes Him as the God of patience and comfort. 2 Corinthians 1:3 calls our God, “the Father of mercies and God of all comfort. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 says, “16Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace,  17comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work.”

Our God Is A God Of Comfort John 14:16, 26, 15:26 refers to the Holy Spirit as “the Helper.” (NKJV, NASU)   The term is a form of the word for “comfort”. The KJV and ASV both describe the Holy Spirit in these texts as “the Comforter.”   While the term in describing the Holy Spirit is not limited to one of comfort (He does so much more for us – hence, the term “helper” in later versions), it certainly is something He provides for us.    

Our God Is A God Of Comfort Numbers of other passages describe Him as a caring God – 1 Peter 5:7, He cares for you. He is a God of hope and patience, mercy and grace.   He truly is concerned about us and wants what is best.   His message is ultimately one of hope and forgiveness and salvation.  

Our God Is A God Of Comfort 2 Peter 1:3 He has given us “all things that pertain to life and godliness.”   HE is a God of victory who has defeated the enemy and is in full control.   Such thoughts ought to be great comfort and consolation to us as we face so many in this world who fall far short of His image and character.

Comfort Is Promised In some sense, the Christian life brings about true comfort, even as we face difficulties or whatever might come our way. Matthew 5:4, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” Luke 16:25 – in the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, we find Abraham explaining to the rich man, “But Abraham said, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted and you are tormented.”  

Comfort Is Promised The ultimate “comfort” we anticipate is that found in the eternal rest of heaven. 2 Corinthians 7:6 says that God comforts the downcast. Philippians 4:6-7 – promises us that if we will be patient and turn to Him in prayer, “the peace of God which surpasses understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

We CAN Have Comfort We live in a chaotic world. For far too many there is very little true comfort in this life.   There is misery, disappointment, failures, and troubles which drive away that sense of comfort that we all crave.   For the one who lives without any hope beyond this life, such things can become overwhelming and even defeating.

We CAN Have Comfort But the Christian, even in the face of difficulties, has a better perspective about life which extends beyond this realm Colossians 3:1-2).  Set your mind above, not on the earth. Therefore, he/she can take great comfort, even in the face of the same trials, misery, disappointment and failures that others face.   It is all about his or her perspective.

We CAN Have Comfort Acts 9:31 says, “Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied” 2 Corinthians 13:11, calls upon us to “…Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.” May we find our true comfort in Him.

We Find Comfort In His Word Romans 15:4-5 says, “For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.  Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus”

We Find Comfort In His Word His message is one of hope and optimism.   That does not mean that everything will be without troubles or sorrows.   We know better.  

We Find Comfort In His Word But the overall message and the end result is truly comforting to us.   As we study His word, especially in the difficult times, it can give us the strength, hope and endurance we need to move ahead.

We Are To Comfort One Another One of the blessings we enjoy as Christians is fellowship with our brethren.   When we are what we ought to be, we will be there for one another.   We will lift each other up in the difficult times. 

We Are To Comfort One Another 2 Corinthians 1:3-6 says, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 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. 5For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ.  6Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.”

We Are To Comfort One Another 1 Thessalonians 4:18,  “Therefore comfort one another with these words.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11, 14, “11Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing. …14Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all”

We Are To Comfort One Another Colossians 4:8, Paul sent Tychicus to the brethren at Colossae to comfort them.  He said, “I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that he may know your circumstances and comfort your hearts,” Conversely, Paul was comforted by brethren coming to Him. 2 Corinthians 7:6-7 says, “Nevertheless God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, 7 and not only by his coming, but also by the consolation with which he was comforted in you, when he told us of your earnest desire, your mourning, your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced even more.”

Conclusion Comfort is something that God wants us to have as His children.   In His word He has provided for us all things necessary to be comforted, even in the face of difficulties in this world.   His word gives us comfort as does His people.   We ought to pursue the comfort and peach He offers us.   But it is only found if we are true to Him and His word!  We CANNOT achieve godly comfort while refusing to submit to His will.