Many societies now recognise that we need to care for people in need—and that we need to care for people who care for people in need! In fact everyone needs comfort. But where is real, lasting comfort to be found?
The comforted can comfort
Read 2 Corinthians 1:3
• Why does Paul praise God?
• Where should we go for comfort?
• How should we comfort others?
When we really want to offer comfort, it has to be God’s comfort we offer—the grace and peace Paul has reminded us that all God’s people enjoy (v 2).
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APPLY
• Where else are you tempted to look for comfort?
• How can you remind yourself of God’s grace and peace at that point, so you can experience true comfort?
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Hope in suffering
Read 2 Corinthians 1:5
• Why does Paul suffer (v 5)?
• Why do the Corinthians suffer (v 6-7)?
• How does Paul’s suffering help the Corinthians (v 6)?
Paul knows he needs comfort, because he suffers. Just as the Master suffered, so too do His servants. Following Jesus is not easy—often, it is painful. This is something Christians often fail to recognise, or don’t like to think about. But the reality
of being faithful to Jesus Christ as Lord of all our lives is that it will bring opposition. We don’t seek suffering—but we
don’t compromise the truth about Jesus to avoid it, either.
But suffering isn’t the only thing Paul talks about here…
• Why is Paul’s hope firm?
Paul’s going to have some hard things to say to this church later in his letter. It’s a community full of problems. But Paul knows they are a Christian community, because they are a church which is suffering for Jesus, and being comforted by knowing Jesus.
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APPLY
When you suffer for following Jesus, do you think something has gone wrong and try to avoid it? Or that it’s a sign you’re on the right track as you suffer for your suffering Saviour?
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PRAY THRU
Pray that you would look to God for comfort whenever you face difficulty or disappointment. Pray that you would be ready to offer the comfort of God’s grace and peace to others; and that you would notice those who need comforting with the truth about thier God.
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This devotional is taken from Explore—a daily Bible-reading devotional from the good book company which enables you to engage with Scripture and which will encourage, equip and inspire you to live for Christ. Explore features contributions from pastors such as Dr Timothy Keller, Mike McKinley and Tim Chester.
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