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GOD OF ALL COMFORT

GOD OF ALL COMFORT? Really? Why is life full of discomfort? Our common view of comfort today is based more on emotional results and deliverance than on God Himself. God has Paul write this letter for the church so that we can truly know the One who will come along side us, the GOD OF ALL COMFORT. #2corinthians #2023

Starter

Pray

Thank you God our Father and Lord Jesus Christ that you came from heaven to earth to come along side us and bring us your comfort. Help us understand the true meaning of “the person who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the person who sows generously will also reap generously.” Lead us to decide what we should give in our heart—not reluctantly or out of necessity, for You Lord love a cheerful giver. May we believe that You are able to make every grace overflow to us, so that in every way, always having everything we need, we may excel in every good work. Thanks be to You for Your indescribable gift. Amen

Study Questions

Paul, an apostle, is writing God’s word to a church just a few years old that he founded and then left to plant other churches. The church has encountered numerous problems from inside and outside the church. Other self appointed leaders have worked to undermine Paul’s influence and God’s authority so they could substitute their own. God has Paul write to deal with these issues and help the church deal with the problems they are having like holiness and hardship, generosity and church order, and their testimony to the non‐Christians around them. He wants them to know and cling to the GOD OF ALL COMFORT.

The word comfort God has Paul use is not a feeling or a deliverance from circumstances. It is the word Paraklesis which means to come along side. It is the same root word Jesus uses for the advocate and counselor the Holy Spirit (John 14:16, 26). God wants to come along side us through life feeling what He feels and becoming more like He is so that we can know and show others the GOD OF ALL COMFORT.

READ: 2 Corinthians 9

  1. What is the gift of grace (1 Cor 8) and ministry of grace (2 Cor 9) specifically referring to in these Chapters?
  2. How is our financial giving a demonstration of God’s ministry of grace?
    1. Discuss the connection between what we do with $The Gift & The Ministry of Grace$ and the “ministry of reconciliation” we have been given in 2 Corinthians 5:14-21?
  3. What are the different ways in which we can practically give thanks to God?
    1. How does 2 Cor 9 emphasize how giving financial resources responsibly, generously, and gladly communicates our gratitude and prompts thanksgiving?
  4. If our actions are right, do our attitudes really matter? (see: Psalm 40:8; Mark 7:6; Mark 12:28-34 and 1 Corinthians 13:1-3)
    1. Why does the Bible so often emphasize the attitude of our hearts/minds?
    2. With what attitudes should we give our resources?
    3. Should we give if our attitudes are not right?
  5. Does the whole of scripture teach that material blessing ALWAYS comes on this side of eternity from financially giving generously to God’s work?
    1. Why do we need to be very careful to interpret this passage in light of what the whole of scripture says about blessings?
    2. What promises does this chapter make to obedient followers of Jesus who practice $The Ministry of Grace$ responsibly, generously, and gladly?
    3. What reasons does the chapter give to encourage Christians not to worry about their practicing $The Ministry of Grace$?
  6. Why do you think pastors or other church leaders sometimes try to use guilt or gimmicks to compel people to give more?
    1. Do you think greed or power could be behind their pressure? explain
    2. Why is pressure incompatible with Spirit and truth worship? (John 4:23-26)
  7. How do we try to model 2 Cor 8-9 and 1 Cor 16:1-2 at fxchurch especially in planning, sowing generously, deciding in our hearts—not reluctantly or out of necessity, and cheerfully?
  8. (2 Cor 9:10‐11) According to this passage, what is the purpose of God multiplying your seed?
  9. (2 Cor 9:12‐15) Why is God’s gift of Jesus termed “surpassing”? Why is God’s gift of Jesus termed “indescribable”?