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!!!