The Promises of God - Lesson 27 To Provide Comfort
Introduction:
1. According to 2 Peter 1:4, God's promises are "exceeding great and precious." 2. By studying God's promises we are able to learn: a. information that God wants us to know about many important subjects b. about many special blessings that God provides. 3. In this lesson we are concentrating on "God's promise to provide comfort." 4. This promise is especially meaningful because there is "a time to mourn," as Solomon stated in Ecclesiastes 3:4. a. Mourn: to feel or to express sorrow or grief b. Mourning is caused by the loss of someone or something that is loved or cherished. 5. Thankfully, comfort is available when we mourn (Matthew 5:4). 6. Let us examine several Bible principles that relate to "comfort."
Discussion:
I. GOD IS THE PRIMARY SOURCE OF COMFORT (2 Corinthians 1:3-4a)
II. GOD PROVIDES COMFORT IN VARIOUS WAYS
A. God sent Jesus to provide comfort. 1. This was prophesied in Isaiah 61:1-2. 2. Jesus fulfilled this prophecy (Luke 4:16-21). B. God provides comfort through His Word (Romans 15:4). C. God provides comfort through His rod and staff (Psalm 23:4). D. God provides comfort through family members (Job 42:11). E. God provides comfort through friends (John 11:19, 31) F. God provides comfort through good news (Proverbs 25:25; 2 Corinthians 7:5-7).
III. GOD HAS GIVEN HIS PEOPLE CERTAIN RESPONSIBILITIES THAT RELATE TO COMFORT
A. Each person mourns differently; however, we must allow ourselves to be comforted. 1. Jacob "refused to be comforted" when he thought Joseph died (Genesis 37:34-35). 2. We are taught in 2 Corinthians 13:11 to "be of good comfort." B. God wants His people to provide comfort to others. 1. 2 Corinthians 1:4 2. 1 Thessalonians 4:18; 5:11 C. Caution must be exercised to avoid making matters worse for those who mourn. 1. Job's friends visited him "to mourn with him and to comfort him" (Job 2:11). 2. Unfortunately, they turned out to be "miserable comforters" (Job 16:1-2).
