"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT SUFFERING AND COMFORT"
2nd Corinthians 1:7 And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation.
Some explanatory thoughts, application, questions and a prayer:
Paul is explaining how much trouble they had gone through in their ministry, and how much comfort God had also given them.
This is always the way of the Lord, He allows the trouble and He brings the comfort as well.
1. We have a hope that is stedfast.
2nd Corinthians 1:7 And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation.
Paul was writing to comfort the Corinthians. He was telling them how sure he was about what was going to happen to them.
He knew that just as sure as they were suffering, that they also would become partakers of God's comfort.
We truly have a hope that is stedfast. Christ is our hope. God's Word is our hope. Therefore we can rest assured that what's being said here is do true. There is no doubt about the surety of our hope.
Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.
2. We know that we will suffer in this life.
2nd Corinthians 1:7 And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation.
Suffering is part of the christian life. Jesus told us ahead of time that we would suffer in this life, and we sure do.
John 16:33 “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.”
Revelation 2:10 “Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.
3. We also know that we partake of the comfort of God in our souls.
2nd Corinthians 1:7 And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation.
This is the sequence. Suffering comes first, but comfort is right on it's heels.
That's the way God has arranged life to be.
Comfort would not be comfort unless we knew what suffering was.
1st Thessalonians 4:18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.
1st Thessalonians 5:11Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.
1st Thessalonians 5:14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient 2nd Thessalonians 2:17 comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work.
Questions:
1. Are you going through a period of suffering at this present time?
2. Do you know that You have hope, because Jesus is alive and He loves you more than you know.
3. Please know that the suffering you have now is to be followed by comfort. Just steady on with Jesus.
A prayer:
Father You are our God, and You are in control, and You allow what You allow, and You bring comfort as promised.
Thank you for using trouble to shape and mold our lives. Lord it's so comforting to us to know that Your Word is true.
We go through hard times, but You are faithful to comfort us. Thank You Lord. In Jesus name amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
