EXPLORE THE BIBLE:
Rest assured--God is faithful
to comfort hurting
___
2 Corinthians 1:1, 3-11, ?21-22
___By Mark Bumpus
___First Baptist Church, Mineral Wells
___Boyd Hunt, professor of theology at Southwestern Seminary, said in class one day, "Remember, every time you stand to preach, there will be a broken heart on every pew."
___Every Sunday there is someone in front of me or beside you whose heart is so heavy you wonder why the pew does not break. Absorbed with their load, they are like that woman who stepped off the elevator. When she did, it rose about four inches. Apologetically, she turned to the persons remaining and said, "I'm sorry. I've got a lot on my mind today!"
___We need the "God of all comfort" (2 Corinthians 1:3). But first, the setting of this letter.
___ Writer and recipients (2 Corinthians 1:1). Paul 
established the church in Corinth on his second missionary journey. He spent 18 months sharing the gospel there. Corinth was a melting pot of vice. Through it, a trade route passed from north to south. A sea route ran east and west. This great city was full of traders and sailors. Prostitution was rampant. It was the political capital of the Roman province of Achaia. The Isthmian Games held nearby rivaled the Olympics and attracted an unruly athletic crowd.
___Corinth was similar to the great cities of our country and world--mixtures of pros and cons: great commerce, politics, culture, art, architecture, wealth, poverty, sexual looseness, alternative religions, enamorment with athletics and havens of moral compromise.
___ Affliction and comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3-7). The kind of stress provoked by being a Christian in such an environment was not lost on Paul. He understood what it meant to suffer "affliction" (v.4). He described his troubles as "the sufferings of Christ" (v.5). They were heavy burdens. These came to him because of personal obedience and fulfilled the prediction of Christ (Matthew 5:10-11). Commitment to a Christian lifestyle creates personal and societal tension. Expect it if your life has savor (Matthew 5:13)!
___The assurance of God's comfort kept Paul going and enabled him to comfort others with the same comfort of God, yet customized for their particular situation (v.4). Ten times Paul used the word "comfort" in verses 3-7. It is personal help from God. The Holy Spirit comes alongside as Helper to give you support (John 15:26). In turn, you empathize and become a comforter.
___ Praise for God's comfort (2 Corinthians 1:8-11). Paul elaborates on his affliction. It had occurred in Asia. He was "burdened excessively" and "despaired even of life" (v.8). The "sentence of death" was upon him (v.9). Whether inward or outward, his affliction was intense. He had come to the end of his rope. Two things happened. He had to rely solely on God for deliverance (v.9) and he recognized his indebtedness to the intercessory prayers of the Corinthian Christians (v.11).
___ God's ultimate faithfulness (2 Corinthians 1:21-22). Regardless of your burden, be comforted. The Spirit of God in your heart is the pledge of your eternal salvation (v.22).
___Are you the one on that pew with the broken heart? Do not waste your painful experience. Take it and the comfort of God and mend the broken heart of another.
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