Bible Study - Broken (6) - Right Here, Right Now - Mark 5:1-20 - August 27, 2017

Bible Study – Broken (6) – Right Here, Right Now – August 27, 2017

This is lesson six (6) and our final lesson in our series entitled “Broken 

Vessels: How GOD Uses Imperfect People.”

Our focus scripture is Mark 5:1-2, 8-15, 18-20.

You don’t have to go far to share your transformed life in CHRIST.

GOD prepares us for what lies ahead. Our background scripture reveals how

GOD prepared JESUS’ disciples for what they were about to witness when they arrived at their destination. Let’s explore!

[Additional thoughts - How did JESUS know where the man possessed by the demons was located? Why did JESUS disciples have to experience the terrible storm before they arrived to their destination? How did the people of view the man who lived among them? How did JESUS view the man possessed by demons? How should we view those who live around us? May we have the mind of JESUS. May we view others through the eyes of JESUS.]

Let’s read Mark 4:35-41 (Background)

Wind and Wave Obey the Master

35 On that day, when evening had come, He told them, "Let's cross over to the other side [of the lake]." 

36 So they left the crowd and took Him along since He was [already] in the boat. And other boats were with Him. 

37 A fierce windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking over the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped. 

38 But He was in the stern, sleeping on the cushion. So they woke Him up and said to Him, "Teacher! Don't you care that we're going to die?" 

39 He got up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Silence! Be still!" The wind ceased, and there was a great calm. 

40 Then He said to them, "Why are you fearful? Do you still have no faith?" 

41 And they were terrified and asked one another, "Who then is this? Even the wind and the sea obey Him!"

JESUS and HIS disciples were in a boat traveling across the Sea of Galilee. They had launched their boat from Capernaum going to “the country of the Gadarenes.” This was an area known as Decapolis which consisted of ten cities with independent governments. It was an area occupied by Gentiles, thus the raising of pigs.

Why this background? We need to see that Satan will do all he can to prevent us from ministering to those in need of deliverance from sin and the forces that bind them.

JESUS was in the boat during the fierce storm. JESUS knew that HE was secure in the care of HIS Father, GOD. JESUS set the example of trust in GOD.

There was a terrible storm on the sea. JESUS was asleep in the boat. The disciples woke JESUS up because they were afraid for their lives. They asked JESUS didn’t HE care about their lives. This suggests they knew HE was secure but they were not.

JESUS spoke and immediately the wind and the sea calmed. HIS spoken word reflected the power of GOD, HIS Father. GOD spoke the world and the universe into being. This demonstrated JESUS’ authority over the physical and prepared the disciples for what would soon take place when they arrived at their destination. GOD wanted JESUS’ disciples to know that JESUS had authority not only over the physical realm but also the spiritual realm. Let’s continue ---

Let’s read Mark 5:1-7:

Demons Driven Out by the Master

1 Then they came to the other side of the sea, to the region of the Gerasenes. 

2 As soon as He got out of the boat, a man with an unclean spirit came out of the tombs and met Him. 

3 He lived in the tombs. No one was able to restrain him any more-even with chains- 

4 because he often had been bound with shackles and chains, but had snapped off the chains and smashed the shackles. No one was strong enough to subdue him. 

5 And always, night and day, he was crying out among the tombs and in the mountains and cutting himself with stones. 

6 When he saw Jesus from a distance, he (the demon possessed man) ran and knelt down before Him.

7 And he cried out with a loud voice, "What do You have to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg You before God, don't torment me!" 

The demons/evil spirits knew JESUS. They knew that JESUS had authority over them and their eternal destiny.

Scripture reveals in James 2:19:

19 You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe - and shutter!

Let’s read Mark 5:8-15:

8 For He had told him, "Come out of the man, you unclean spirit!" 

JESUS spoke directly to the unclean spirit and commanded that the spirit come out,

9 "What is your name?" He asked him. "My name is Legion," he answered Him, "because we are many." 

JESUS asked the spirit to reveal his name. His name was “Legion.” We know that in the military “Legion” referred to three thousand soldiers but in JESUS’ day it was six thousand soldiers. The bottom line “legion” referred to a multitude of demons.

Addicts can open themselves to multiple enslavements from the world of evil. My prayer is for deliverance but when delivered there must be a filling of the Holy Spirit or else a person can become worse off. How do we know this? Let’s read Matthew 12:43-45:

Return of an Unclean Spirit

43 "When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, but finds none. 

44 Then it says, 'I will return to my house from which I came.' And when it comes, it finds the house empty, swept, and put in order. 

45 Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and dwell there, and the last state of that person is worse than the first. So also will it be with this evil generation."

Back to our focus scripture Mark 5:10:

10 And he (legion) kept begging Him not to send them out of the region. 

The spirit speaking to JESUS represented thousands of other spirits dwelling within the man. For whatever reason they liked that region. In general, evil spirits like hot, dry desert type areas. Demons and evil spirits like to inhabit bodies. The good news is that Christians are the temple of the Holy Spirit and cannot be possessed but they can be oppressed.

Christians dealing with the spirit world must exercise caution. They must be prayed up and have no unconfessed sin. They need to have fellow Christians praying with them when they deal with the possessed or the oppressed.

In Acts 19:13-16, we read:

13 Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists took it upon themselves to call the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, "We exorcise you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches." 

14 Also there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who did so. 

15 And the evil spirit answered and said, "Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?" 

16 Then the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, overpowered them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. 

The spirit world in not to be taken lightly. The Apostle Paul gives us additional insight into the spirit world as recorded in Ephesians 6:10-12:

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 

11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 

12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

And how to be prepared to fight against the forces of evil as recorded in Ephesians 6:13-20:

13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 

14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 

15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 

16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 

17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 

18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints-- 

19 and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, 

20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. 

All Christians are ambassadors for CHRIST and need to be lifted up in prayer. All Christians need to have the courage to speak with boldness. Christians need to pray for each other because we are all in spiritual warfare.

Let’s continue reading our focus scripture Mark 5:11-15:

11 Now a large herd of pigs was there, feeding on the hillside. 

12 The demons begged Him, "Send us to the pigs, so we may enter them."

The demons suggest that JESUS send them into pigs. The demons knew the power and authority of JESUS.

13 And He gave them permission. Then the unclean spirits came out and entered the pigs, and the herd of about 2,000 rushed down the steep bank into the sea and drowned there.

JESUS gave them permission to enter into the pigs. When the evil spirits entered the pigs, it gave those witnessing this event an idea of the magnitude of the event. It also revealed the devastating nature of demons in an organic living animal or person.

Why didn’t JESUS just cast them into Hell? Was it because HE had not completed HIS passion? Yet, HE had authority over the demons. Was it a test for JESUS to go beyond the will of the Father and assume authority HE had not yet achieved?

As we studied in last week’s lesson, the shed blood of JESUS, upon the cross, paid, in full, for the sin of all who place their faith in JESUS. The resurrection of JESUS was proof that HIS passion conquered both sin and eternal death. Because JESUS was completely faithful to HIS Father’s will, plan and purpose, GOD granted all judgment to HIM. At this time, JESUS had not fulfilled HIS passion. HE reserved final judgment until all had been completed.

14 The men who tended them ran off and reported it in the town and the countryside, and people went to see what had happened. 

Those tending the pigs witnessed the event and reported the event broadly to others. Those in the surrounding area responded and came out to JESUS. This was Gentile territory as evidenced by the raising of pigs. So what was their response to what JESUS had done for the demon possessed man? Let’s read on --

15 They came to Jesus and saw the man who had been demon-possessed by the legion, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. 

The people residing in the area came to JESUS and witnessed the power and authority of JESUS. The demon possessed man was dressed, calm and in his right mind. This was glaring evidence of the power and authority of JESUS. How would the area people respond to JESUS? They were afraid. Often, people fear what they do not understand. But this event was a witness and likely lingered for years afterwards. Such events are never without purpose. This event was a witness to JESUS’ disciples, those in that area and for us today. Where the pig farmers more concerned with the loss of their pigs than the poor soul who was restored to his right mind?

Let’s read Mark 5: 16-20:

16 The eyewitnesses described to them what had happened to the demon-possessed man and [told] about the pigs. 

Eyewitnesses gave testimony of the event. It was evident that 2,000 pigs were missing.

17 Then they began to beg Him to leave their region. 

Who were “they?” Why did they ask JESUS to leave? What did JESUS do? Who begged JESUS to let him go with HIM? Was JESUS bad for the pig farmer?

18 As He was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed kept begging Him to be with Him. 

The answer to the last question is answered in this verse. What was JESUS’ response and why? That answer is in our next verse.

19 But He would not let him; instead, He told him, "Go back home to your own people, and report to them how much the Lord has done for you and how He has had mercy on you." 

20 So he went out and began to proclaim in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him, and they were all amazed.

The man delivered from the demons witnessed to those in that area. He had a personal witness of what JESUS had done for him. Our personal testimony of our encounter with JESUS is powerful. People can debate the Bible but they cannot debate, “Once, I was a helpless, hopeless sinner but I encountered JESUS and I asked HIM to forgive me and for HIM to come into my life. HE changed my life the instant I asked HIM to take my life like it was, to cleanse me of all my sin and for HIM to give me HIS power to live according to HIS plan, purpose and will.” Then go tell others, as led by the Holy Spirit what JESUS has done for you and ask them to do the same.

As Christians GOD, provides each of us with opportunities. May our eyes be open to these opportunities and may we have the courage to take them. Blessings!!!

Bible Study - Broken (5) - A Passion to Share the Gospel - 2 Corinthians 5:11, 14-21 - August 20, 2017

Bible Study – Broken (5) – A Passion to Share the Gospel – August 20, 2017

This is lesson five (5) in our series entitled “Broken Vessels: How GOD Uses Imperfect People.”

Our focus scripture is 2 Corinthians 5:11, 14-21.

GOD calls us to share the gospel.

Many Christians are fearful, intimidated or get uptight when they think they will have to share the gospel or witness to another person regarding his or her relationship with JESUS. Of course, Satan is the source of this hesitation or fear. If Satan can get Christians to remain silent regarding salvation then he has done his job. It is an important event in the life of those in need of salvation. The forces of evil will do all they can to prevent the unsaved from becoming saved.

It is important that Christians are led to witness to others regarding salvation. GOD will provide the opening, cease it when it happens.

Some people ask, “saved” from what?” It is to be “saved” from sin and its consequence, eternal death. “So what”, is sometimes a response?  Christians “know” the truth and “know” via the indwelling Holy Spirit they are eternally secure through their faith in JESUS. Salvation has to be experienced before a person “knows” the meaning and begins to understand what it means for him or her to be “saved.” Salvation happens in an instant but it takes a lifetime to complete. Along life’s journey a person never loses his or her salvation once born Spiritually into GOD’S family. A person will have trials and temptations but those are the times when a person’s relationship with JESUS is perfected. Such perfecting is when that person’s “knowing” is also perfected.

It is during such times that the Christian must “practice in the dark what he or she has learned in the light.” During such times is when much of our Spiritual growth takes place.

Let’s explore!

Let’s read 2 Corinthians 5:10-11:

10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each may be repaid for what he has done in the body, whether good or bad. 

Verse 10, is the key to help us understand “knowing” in verse 11. When we as Christians “know” that “all” will appear before the Judgment seat of CHRIST, it compels us to tell those who have not received JESUS as their Savior, to do so. Why? It is summed up in the words of JESUS as recorded in John 5:24: (To be expounded upon later.)

24 "I assure you: Anyone who hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not come under judgment but has passed from death to life. 

11 Knowing, then, the fear of the Lord, we persuade people. We are completely open before God, and I hope we are completely open to your consciences as well.

”Knowing” is more than “knowing about” but truly knowing without a doubt, with positive assurance of your relationship with GOD, through faith in JESUS. It is really knowing the eternal consequence for those rejecting JESUS as a person’s Savior. Those without JESUS will face eternal judgment by JESUS. Those who reject JESUS will be cast into outer darkness and are eternally separated from GOD, who loved them. They reject GOD WHEN THEY REJECT HIS only SON, JESUS.

When Christians know this truth, they are compelled and persuaded to share the Good News of the Gospel to others without hesitation.

The Apostle Paul in verses 2 Corinthians 5:1-10 wrote about eternity. All humans have an earthly body that is used for us to relate to the things of earth. All humans need the things earth offers for our earthly bodies to be sustained while we are upon earth. But when we die physically will we be a disembodied spirit or what?

As you recall, it is believed that Paul either died or had a near death experience when he was stoned. Not pot! But with rocks. Paul found himself in the third heaven. He saw things that were beyond human words to explain. Check out my Bible Study dated August 6, 2017 entitled “The Gift of Grace.”

Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 5:1-3:

Our Future after Death

1 For we know that if our earthly house, a tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 

2 And, in fact, we groan in this one (body), longing to put on our house from heaven, 

3 since, when we are clothed, we will not be found naked.

When Adam and Eve sinned, they saw that they were naked. GOD had to kill an animal and make clothing from the skins of the animal or animals for them to be properly clothed upon earth. By the same token, GOD is fashioning Spiritual clothes for all who place their faith in JESUS so that when Christians die, exit their earth suit/tent, they seamlessly and in the twinkling of the eye slip into their special Spiritual clothes which GOD has fashioned for them for Heaven. Christians will be fashioned in their Heavenly suit that GOD made for them until JESUS returns to earth and raptures all the Christians from earth. All Christians will receive their new Glorified bodies at the instant of HIS second coming and it will be their eternal Glorified body.

All people will stand before JESUS on Judgment Day. JESUS will separate the sheep/Christians and the goats/non-Christians. (Matthew 25:31-34) JESUS revealed in John 5:22 that HE will do the judging and in John 5:24, HE reveals why faith in HIM is vital, when it comes to judgment. Let’s begin with verse John 5:21-27:

21 And just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so the Son also gives life to anyone He wants to. 

22 The Father, in fact, judges no one but has given all judgment to the Son, 

23 so that all people will honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Anyone who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him.

24 "I assure you: Anyone who hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not come under judgment but has passed from death to life. 

25 "I assure you: An hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. 

26 For just as the Father has life in Himself, so also He has granted to the Son to have life in Himself. 

27 And He has granted Him the right to pass judgment, because He is the Son of Man. 

JESUS was obedient unto death on the cross to pay, in full, the penalty for sin. JESUS trusted GOD, HIS Father, fully to raise HIM from the physically dead. The resurrection of JESUS is proof HE paid the debt for sin and conquered its consequence, eternal death. After the resurrection of JESUS, GOD clothed HIM in HIS new eternal Glorified body, which is the type of body Christians will receive at the second coming of JESUS.

When Christians stand before JESUS on Judgment Day they have already passed from death to eternal life through faith in JESUS and will not be judged but they will receive their rewards for obedience, as followers of JESUS.  

So why all of this information? Simply, when one knows, really knows, the eternal process, those who know are compelled to share it with those who are ignorant of Spiritual matters. The key is that those who “know,” really know about Spiritual matters do all they can, through the empowering of the Holy Spirit, to reveal truth to those who are oblivious to Spiritual truth.

Looking back at 2 Corinthians 5, verse 11, the key word is “knowing,” “really knowing” results in having a healthy fear/respect of what eternity is all about and the role of JESUS in the eternal life of each person. Knowing what the passion of JESUS means to a Christian compels every Christian or should compel every Christian to share/witness to those who do not know JESUS as their Savior and LORD. It is all about life upon earth and life in eternity.

JESUS painted a dismal picture of life in eternity for those who reject HIM as their Savior as written in Matthew 8:12, 13:42, 13:50, 22:13 to list a few references to Hell.

Let’s read 2 Corinthians 5:14-17:

14 For Christ's love compels us, since we have reached this conclusion: if One (JESUS) died for all, then all died. 

15 And He (JESUS) died for all so that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for the One (JESUS) who died for them and was raised.

In essence, when JESUS died on the cross, all who accept HIM as their Savior died with HIM. When JESUS was resurrected, in essence, all who place their faith in HIM were resurrected. All who place their faith in JESUS are eternally secure. As Christians, it is a matter of us completing our mission upon earth in obedience to the leadership of the Holy Spirit.

The Ministry of Reconciliation

16 From now on, then, we do not know anyone in a purely human way. Even if we have known Christ in a purely human way, yet now we no longer know Him like that. 

17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation; old things have passed away, and look, new things have come.

All who have received JESUS as their Savior have been Spiritually born into GOD’S family. Their citizenship is in Heaven. They are a new creation because of their faith in JESUS and are empowered, enlightened and secured by the indwelling Holy Spirit. Christians look through eyes that that have been changed by GOD and behold all things are new. Thus Christians view their fellow humans and the world with a Heavenly prospective through the eyes of GOD. 

Let’s read 2 Corinthians 5:18-21:

18 Now everything is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 

19 that is, in Christ, God was reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed the message of reconciliation to us. 

What is reconciliation? It is the restoration of once friendly relations which went awry and became hostile.

In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve were in an intimate, loving relationship with GOD until sin broke that relationship. Since that moment GOD has been at work to reconcile mankind with HIM. HE sent HIS only Son, JESUS, Who, through HIS life, death, burial, resurrection and ascension, opened the path for reconciliation of mankind with GOD through faith in JESUS.

20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ; certain that God is appealing through us, we plead on Christ's behalf, "Be reconciled to God." 

Those who are reconciled with GOD, through faith in JESUS, have their citizenship in Heaven but remain upon earth as GOD’S ambassadors.

21 He (GOD) made the One (JESUS) who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that we (all who place their faith in JESUS) might become the righteousness of God in Him.

The ultimate reconciliation is expressed in verse 21.

GOD allowed JESUS to leave HIS home in Heaven to come to earth to be born as a human, live as a human subject to sin, yet HE remained sinless. JESUS gave HIS sinless life to pay, in full, the penalty for sin through the shedding of HIS blood.

GOD placed the sin of mankind upon JESUS so that all who place their faith in JESUS might become the righteousness of GOD. Notice the words “so that we might become righteousness of GOD in JESUS.” This opportunity is open, free and available to every human who will accept it. 

Every human has a choice whether or not to accept or reject JESUS as his or her Savior.

Keep in mind that Christians are ambassadors and as ambassadors represent the Kingdom of GOD upon earth. The Spiritual body, upon earth, represents the safe haven for those seeking asylum from the evil that surrounds them. Come LORD JESUS come soon. May, we as your Children and your ambassadors, be compelled to share the Good News of salvation as we are led by the indwelling Holy Spirit. Blessings!!!

Bible Study - Broken (4) - A Channel of Comfort - 2 Corinthians 2-7 - August 13, 2017

Bible Study – Broken (4) – A Channel of Comfort – August 13, 2017

This is lesson four (4) in our series entitled “Broken Vessels: How GOD uses Broken Vessels.”

Our focus scripture is 2 Corinthians 1:2-7.

GOD’S work in our lives makes us channels of HIS comfort to others.

In Romans 8:15-17:

15 For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father!"

16 The Spirit Himself testifies together with our spirit that we are God's children,

17 and if children, also heirs-heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ-seeing that we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.

None of us like to think about suffering. Suffering takes on many forms. There is physical suffering and mental suffering. A true servant not only serves others by reaching out to others but in the act of serving he or she inspires those served to gain a new prospective because they care.

So why do we suffer? The Apostle Paul deals with this subject. Let’s explore!

This is the second letter the Apostle Paul wrote to the churches in Corinth. 

Bible scholars believe that Paul had written two other letters which have been lost. In that case, 2 Corinthians would have been the fourth letter Paul had written to the Christian churches in Corinth.

Let’s read 2 Corinthians 1:1-3:

Greeting

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by God's will, and Timothy our brother: To God's church at Corinth, with all the saints who are throughout Achaia.

Paul was establishing his calling as an apostle. It was by the authority of JESUS by GOD’S will. In Galatians 1:1, we read:

1 Paul, an apostle-not from men or by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised Him from the dead-

In Acts 9:15-16, we read:

15 But the Lord said to him (Ananias), "Go! For this man (Saul/Paul) is My chosen instrument to carry My name before Gentiles, kings, and the sons of Israel.

16 I will certainly show him how much he must suffer for My name!

Paul included his co-author, Timothy, in the greeting.

Let’s continue with our focus scripture:

2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul opened his letter to the Christian church in Corinth with a gracious greeting, which was the custom in many letters.

What is grace? We know it to be “GOD’S unmerited favor.” GOD’S Grace cannot be earned because it is a free gift from GOD. Then Paul included “peace” in conjunction with “grace.” “Peace” does not mean the absence of conflict but expresses a deep, positive desire for them to experience well-being, wholeness, soundness and Spiritual prosperity as they obediently serve JESUS. This “peace” is included as part of the “fruit of the Spirit,” as stated in Galatians 5:22. It is also included as part of the armor when Christians suit up each day as we face the forces of evil as expressed in Ephesians 6:15:

15 and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace.

GOD’S Grace equips Christians to express the “gospel of peace” as they live each day as empowered and led by the indwelling Holy Spirit.

JESUS made it clear that when Christians follow HIM, they will experience suffering. As stated earlier it may be physical suffering, mental suffering or Spiritual suffering. What is “Spiritual suffering?” It is Christians whose hearts are broken over those who are Spiritually lost in the world. GOD made us all with “freewill/the freedom to choose.” Each person must decide whether or not he or she will accept or reject JESUS as his or her Savior. In John 16:33:

33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."

JESUS tells Christians that they will experience trouble but rejoice because HE experienced it as well. So rejoice when trouble comes your way because HE will be your strength and support through the power of the Holy Spirit.

So why do Christians have trouble? We live in a fallen world. Our earthly parents chose to eat the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. But GOD sent HIS only SON, JESUS, Who freely gave HIS life by the shedding of HIS blood to set all, who will place their faith in JESUS, free from the bondage of sin and eternal death. 

If you desire to become a Christian repent of your sins, ask JESUS to forgive you for your sins and ask HIM to come into your life, believing that HE is the true Son of GOD. If you did this, then thank HIM for coming into your life and rejoice in the fact that you have been born into GOD’S family as HIS Son or Daughter through the miracle of rebirth. You are now a citizen of Heaven and have eternal life and as a guarantee of eternal life GOD has given you the Holy Spirit to confirm that fact.

This all sounds great but why do Christians suffer? We still live in a fallen world. Let’s continue ---

The God of Comfort – GOD is the source of comfort.

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort.

“Blessed”, as used in this scripture, is used as a word of praise to GOD, Who is also the Father of our LORD JESUS. Paul tied JESUS to GOD as part of the Trinity and to Christians when he wrote “our” LORD.

Paul used the name “JESUS” to include HIS humanity and “CHRIST” to include the fact that JESUS is the promised Messiah.

“The Father of mercies” is a way of saying “the all-merciful Father” which places emphasis on GOD’S love and compassion for HIS people. Those HE chose before the world was created, which includes all humans but each person has the right to choose.

“The GOD of all comfort” reflects the fact that GOD is the source of all encouragement and comfort for true believers (true Christians) in all circumstances, good or bad. GOD provides that abiding assurance that HE is with us during times of trouble.

When Christians go through difficult times, GOD is our only source of true comfort. HE is the ONE Who can be our source of strength and power. HE alone can shape matters such that the outcome is in line with HIS will and purpose for the person going through such times. It does not mean that it will be easy but that HE will be with us.

Let’s read what Paul had to say about GOD’S ability in Romans 8:27-28:
 

27 And He who searches the hearts knows the Spirit's mind-set, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

28 We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose.

Keep in mind that it is not things that are at work but GOD is at work in all things to ensure that HIS will and purpose is obtained. Our expectations may differ from GOD’S will and purpose when things do not go according to our plans or our thoughts regarding how GOD should be working in our lives.

Keep in mind what JESUS told us in Luke 11:11:

11 If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish?

It is like a story I read many years ago. A young boy was playing with his toy sail boat in a park pond. The wind caught it and it got away from him. He was crying and a man happened by and asked why he was crying. The young boy told him what had happened. The man found some rocks and began throwing them at his sail boat. The young boy was distraught, thinking that the man was trying to sink his boat when he noticed that the rocks were landing just on the other side of his boat. The splash of the rock sent out ripples and gently brought his boat near shore where the man picked up the boy’s sail boat and handed it to him.

Life is often like that. We think GOD is throwing stones at us when HE is gently bringing the issues in our life back so they can be managed.

Most of us get up tight when things go astray. We must keep in mind that as Christians GOD is our source of comfort. HE is the power. That does not mean that all things will go according to our plan and purpose but according to HIM. We must trust. As Dr. Vance Havner stated, “We must practice in the dark what we learn in the light.”

Why do Christians suffer? Let’s read on ---

Let’s read 2 Corinthians 1:4-5:

4 He comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any kind of affliction, through the comfort we ourselves receive from God.

Christians are servants of GOD. When Christians serve it is a two-way street. They serve and in their serving they are being equipped to minister.

The word “comfort” is translated from the original Greek “paraklesis.” It is a noun and means “consolation” or “encouragement.” In the verb form “parakaleo” means to make a request, consoling someone, admonishing bad behavior, making amends, etc. It is also used in reference to the Holy Spirit as “Comforter,” “Advocate,” or “Counselor.” The Holy Spirit comes along our side to help Christians in times of need.

Comfort is not intended to be associated with easing a person’s physical pain but the power to strengthen a person’s ability to face the difficulties encountered in life.

Paul coupled “comfort” with “affliction.” “Affliction” can be translated “trouble,” “tribulation,” “trials,” or “oppression.” The Greek word for affliction means “under pressure” and refers to physical pain and inner anxiety.

The Apostle Paul was speaking from personal experience which can be read in 2 Corinthians 4:7-12 and other references.

The answer to the question of why do Christians suffer is: “so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any kind of affliction, through the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”

The comfort Christians receive from GOD flows through them to others who they may encounter who, in turn, are going through times of trouble and anxiety as we read in our next scripture.  

5 For as the sufferings of Christ overflow to us, so our comfort overflows through Christ.

When Christians go through these troubling times it equips them to pass along the comfort they receive from their relationship with CHRIST to others. 

Suffering can either draw you into a closer relationship with CHRIST or push you away. Often, when trouble hits, we blame GOD. How we handle our relationship with GOD during times of trouble either builds our relationship with HIM, which it is intended to do, or we wallow in self pity and blame GOD. When the latter happens, we miss the intended purpose of building the right relationship with GOD. Christians must trust and obey for there is no other way to be happy in JESUS but to trust and obey, as the hymn goes.

The Holy Spirit will be our strength during these troubling times and such times will not necessarily be easy. But we emerge stronger. Only GOD and the indwelling Holy Spirit can get you through such troubling times.

Paul wrote in Romans 8:17-18:

17 and if children, also heirs-heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ-seeing that we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.

From Groans to Glory

18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed to us.

Christians will receive rewards for their faithfulness to GOD during times of trouble. Christians are called to be channels of blessings as they minister to others. Are you a channel of blessings?  

Let’s read 2 Corinthians 1:6-7:

6 If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which is experienced in the endurance of the same sufferings that we suffer.

The Apostle Paul seemed to attract trouble. The word “if” can also be translated “since” and if changed it would read “Since we are afflicted.” The afflictions of Christians are to be shared for the comfort and salvation of others. Again, if we replace the word “if” with “since” the verse would read “since we are comforted, it is for your comfort.” Our suffering is not wasted but designed to draw us into a deeper relationship with GOD and to learn of HIM in order to pass it on to others as HE gives us opportunity.

Enduring such suffering produces our trust in GOD for deliverance. It does not produce the same results when we resort to our ability and strength. Here, we need discernment. GOD expects us to use what HE gives us to work through issues. When resolution comes from GOD and is focused on GOD, then it has done its intended work in our lives. GOD is the source. We have that source when we are GOD’S child and is accomplished when we place our faith in HIS only SON, JESUS.

7 And our hope for you is firm, because we know that as you share in the sufferings, so you will share in the comfort.

Our hope is in JESUS and it is on the solid foundation of JESUS, which is HIS birth, sinless life, death upon the cross, physical burial, HIS bodily resurrection by GOD and HIS ascension into Heaven to take HIS seat at the right hand of GOD HIS Father. HE walked upon earth for 40 days after HIS resurrection and before HIS ascension. Over 500 people witnessed HIS walk upon earth after HIS resurrection. (1 Corinthians 15:6)

The Apostle Paul does not waiver in his complete trust in GOD when he penned these words “because we know that as you share in the sufferings, so you will share in the comfort.”

How could Paul make such a statement? It is because he had experienced GOD’S faithfulness during his times of trouble.

None of us like to think about facing times of trouble but they will come. 

When they do, we have a choice. Will we look to GOD and trust HIM through it or them or will we abandon GOD?

Just know that some troubles are the result of our own doing or they can come from GOD. Either way, HE is our source of comfort, strength and it is building a stronger relationship with HIM when we choose to trust HIM. HE will never leave us or forsake us. HE is our strength in times of trouble. Be a channel of blessings. In James 1:2-5, we read: 2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,

3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.

4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. 

Blessings!!!