The God of All Comfort

 Temple Baptist Church - 10-14-2026

2 Corinthians 1:3-5

 

Introduction:

A. Last week, we saw the reality of tribulation in this world. God’s people suffer in this world just like the unsaved suffer. The unsaved do not have something that the saved have: the comfort of God.

 

B. Paul says that along with our tribulation comes comfort from God.

 

C. The word “comfort” is found sixty-six times in your Bible. Comfort is availability!

 

1. Comfort: παράκλησις paraklēsis par-ak'-lay-sis - solace: - comfort, consolation, exhortation, intreaty.to call near.

 

2. Found forty-two times in the Old Testament and 24 times in the New Testament.

 

D. The word “comforter or Comforter” is found 8 times in your Bible. Comforter is comfort in Action!

 

1. Four times in the Old Testament with “comforter” not capitalized. Twice mentioned in Ecclesiastes and twice in Lamentations. I find it of interest that each reference says they had no comforter speaking of human comforting.

 

Each time used, comforter came from the Hebrew word נָחַם nâcham naw-kham' A primitive root; properly to sigh, that is, breathe strongly; by implication to be sorry, that is, (in a favorable sense) to pity, console or (reflexively) rue. Today, we often say, “I am so sorry,” which, though a great thing to say but, at the end of the day, the sufferer goes home and so do we.

 

2. Four times in the New Testament with every mention capitalizes, referencing the Holy Ghost of God. The indwelling Comforter is there with us, for us, and when we go home at the end of the day, still actively with us!

 

Each instance, the word is both divine and personal to the saved. Comforter: παράκλητος paraklētos par-ak'-lay-tos An intercessor, consoler: - advocate, comforter. To come along beside us.

 

E. Why a little word study? Because our text says: 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; (4) Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

 

1. What powerful verses! What precious promises! Mercy and Comfort! What wonderful comfort the child of God has in every instance of life!

 

2. I do not know where you all are in life, what grief and pain that you bear, but I do know that the God of all grace and comfort knows and helps you bear it.

 

3. Now, let me say that we must allow the God of all grace and comfort to do His marvelous work in our lives that we will be able to bear it!

 

4. “Does Jesus care, oh yes He cares” we sing but never realize the depth of God’s care, the sufficiency of His grace, and the magnitude of His wonder, overlooking love. How many times do we quote this verse: 1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

 

F. God promises comfort to His children in whatever their circumstances. Weeping may endure for a night, but joy is promised in the morning.

 

Psalms 30:5 For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.

 

John 16:20 Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.

 

Matthew 5:4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

 

G. We need comfort: There is not a sickness that God cannot heal nor a situation He cannot overcome.

 

Psalms 103:3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;

 

1. When Sickness Comes - Matthew 9:22 But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.

 

Matthew 9:22 But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.

 

2. When Sin Comes - 2 Corinthians 2:7 So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow.

 

Oh, when I sing this verse: “Prone to wander, Lord I feel it; prone to leave the God I love,” my heart rejoices that in spite of it all, “He loves me, He loves me, He loves me this I know. He gave Himself to die for because He loves me so!”

 

3. When Sorrow Comes - 1 Thessalonians 4:13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.

 

Luke 16:25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.

 

Hebrews 4:9-10 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.

 

H. Here are seven sources of comfort:

 

1. WE ARE COMFORTED BY THE FATHER - 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

 

1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. (What a comfort! Knowing that we can go to God with any and everything and expect Him to comfort us.)

 

Philippians 4:6-7 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

 

Isaiah 26:3-4 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength: (Not just peace but PERFECT PEACE!)

 

2. WE ARE COMFORTED BY THE SON - Matthew 11:28-30 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

 

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

 

3. WE ARE COMFORTED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT - John 14:15-17 If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

 

Acts 9:31 Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.

 

4. WE ARE COMFORTED BY GOD'S WORD - Romans 15:4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

 

1 Thessalonians 4:18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

 

John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

 

5. WE ARE COMFORTED BY GOD’S MEN - 2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

 

Titus 2:15 These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.

 

Jude 3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.

 

6. WE ARE COMFORTED BY THE BRETHREN - Acts 16:40 And they went out of the prison, and entered into the house of Lydia: and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and departed.

 

Romans 1:12 That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.

 

Romans 12:15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.

 

Galatians 6:2 Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

 

1 Thessalonians 5:11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

 

7. WE ARE COMFORTED BY OUR HOPE - Titus 2:13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

 

1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

 

1 Thessalonians 5:10-11 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

The End of the Commandment

 Temple Baptist Church - 10-11-2026

1 Timothy 1:3-5

 

Introduction:

A. Paul left Timothy in Ephesus for several reasons! These are mentioned in our text.

 

1. To take charge. Taking the oversight thereof.  Vigilance. 

 

a) Before he could “charge some,” he had to identify them.  I was taught, as a young pastor, not to fundamentally change anything in the church that God sent me to pastor for the first two years. 

 

b) I think this was sound advice as I needed to preach and teach, gain the total confidence of the church, then gently began to “turn the ship” if needed.  There are some things that a pastor must change immediately as they are major sin or doctrinal issues involved.

 

2. To “charge some,” not all (I thank God tonight that church has a faithful, grounded, loyal bunch of God loving, God fearing people!  Love you all!), that they teach, not believe because, though some have been taught wrong (many of us had different doctrinal backgrounds before we were saved) and still be teachable (glad I was) no other doctrine and to warn the flock not to entertain fables and endless genealogies.  Watch out for false teachers and to keep the main thing, God’s Word, the main thing!

 

3. Get or keep everyone on the same page!  I know of Baptist churches that still have people on the pews in doctrinal disagreement. When writing to the church at Ephesus in the Ephesian Epistle, Paul described the work that Timothy would do and the desired end result.

 

Ephesians 4:11-16  And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;  (12)  For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:  (13)  Till we all come in (1) the unity of the faith, (2) and of the knowledge of the Son of God, (3) unto a perfect man, (4) unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:  (14)  That (5) we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;  (15)  But (6) speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:  (16)  From whom the whole body fitly joined together and (7) compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto (8) the edifying of itself in love.

 

B.  “The end of the commandment” was a desired, threefold result: “Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:”

 

1. Charity out of a pure heart! Here, we find the importance of brotherly love within the church body! Without charity, brotherly love, we become nothing!

 

1 Corinthians 13:1-2  Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.  (2)  And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

 

a. Charity edifies.  It builds up instead of tearing down. It is the fulfillment of: Hebrews 10:25  Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

 

Not only wanting the best for everyone but doing our best to make it happen!  Lifting one another up in prayer and praise; sharing one another’s burdens and heartaches, looking for ways to be of help, simply being there for each other in the best and worst of times.  Saying, “I love you” with both our lips and lives.

 

b. Charity covers.  Brotherly love looks beyond the faults of others and concentrates upon their needs.

 

1 Peter 4:7-8  But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.  (8)  And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.

 

1 Corinthians 13:4-7  Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,  (5)  Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;  (6)  Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;  (7)  Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

 

c.  Charity is essential. 1 Corinthians 13:13  And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity. 

 

When we have a right perspective of self, it us a right perspective of others.

 

2.  A good conscience.  Knowledge of God’s Word and Person brings about assurance of salvation and a conscience that is free, not doubt and guilt.  I have sinned but God has declared me “justified” and will present me “faultless” before the throne of His glory with exceeding joy! Exceeding anything we have ever known. I sleep well at night as I rest my head upon my pillow and my heart in His wonderful care.  I am His and He is mine!

 

a.  A good conscience is an assured one - 1 Thessalonians 1:5  For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. 

 

Sound doctrine shows the love of God for His children and brings about blessed assurance.  False doctrine brings about doubt.

 

b.  A good conscience is a peaceful one -   2 Thessalonians 3:16  Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all. 

 

Sound doctrine not only gives assurance, but it also dissolves our fears.  There is no fear in love, and I can assure you that God loves you more than anyone else in the world could.

 

3.  Faith unfeigned.  One that causes the believer to place his life and eternity into the hands of the One who owns it and lives a life for Christ.

 

Colossians 3:4  When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

 

a.  Faith unfeigned is an affective faith as it affects our lives. – Ephesians 2:8-15  For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:  (9)  Not of works, lest any man should boast.  (10)  For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.  (11)  Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;  (12)  That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:  (13)  But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.  (14)  For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; (15)  Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; 

 

Faith unfeigned is real faith: one that affects the heart and transforms your life.  No transformation means no life.  Our faith affects our lives. 

 

b.  Faith unfeigned is an effective faith as by it, we obtain a good report.

 

Hebrews 11:1-2  Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.  (2)  For by it the elders obtained a good report. 

 

It is a faith that causes the child of God to step out in the unknown with the One who knows where we are going.  “By faith” is used 15x in this 11^th chapter of the Book of Hebrews.  As we walk with God by faith, our faith is rewarded.  The reward comes after the “step” takes place and proves the Lord.  It is a faith that causes the believer to remain faithful to the house of the Lord and the doctrines of the faith.  Unfeigned faith brings forth spiritual stability. 

 

Conclusion: A life lived brings about charity, a good conscience, and faith unfeigned!

The End-Time Church

Temple Baptist Church - 10-11-2026

Revelation 3:14-22

 

Introduction:

A.  As I draw near to ending this short series on the local church, I feel that I must take a biblical look at the dangers that face it today.  Unfortunately, as goes the world, so goes most churches and denominations.

 

B.  People often ask, “What is a fundamental, independent Baptist church and what are the advantages of being so?”

 

1. Fundamental - basic, essential, and forming the foundation that everything else depends on. The foundation being the Bible, not a specific denomination.

 

2. Independent - Self-governing: Free from the rule or authority of another nation, state, or larger unit. Self-reliant: Not requiring financial, physical, or emotional help from others. Separate: Unconnected or separate from other things, events, or people.

 

3. These basic truths concerning who we are meant to protect the spiritual and biblical integrity of the church.

 

C.  As the spiritual condition of the world wanes, we who work and walk in it can be affected by it more than affected by the Bible and the local church believing that it is rich when it is spiritually poor!  Lukewarm and, therefore despicable to God!

 

D.  In Revelation chapters 2 and 3, we see the decline of the churches through the centuries from the Apostolic days to Laodicea.  From turning the world upside down to being turned upside down by the world!

 

E.  A creeping paralysis and nodding of the head in sleep that came on by degrees instead of leaps and bounds.  Getting used to the dark!

 

F.  Five descriptive warnings were given that I will mention though there are others found in Old Testament prophecies.  Three given by our Lord, two while He walked on this earth and one in Revelation chapters two and three combined; two by the Apostle Paul in the Church Epistles.

 

G. We will look at them in the order given in the Bible.

 

1. Our Lord warned of Noah’s Day. Genesis chapter six. 2353 BC

 

Luke 17:26-27  And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man.  (27)  They did eat (still are), they drank (still are), they married wives (nothing changed), they were given in marriage (still the same), until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all (same result).

 

2. In the same context, our Lord warned of Lot’s Day. Genesis chapter 19. 1898 BC (455 years passed since Genesis chapter six)

 

Luke 17:28-30  Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat (still eating like Noah’s day and our day now) , they drank (still drinking like Noah’s day and our day now), they bought (people in our day cry about prices while they have good homes, cars, eat out, and travel) , they sold (nothing satisfies so they sell what they have buy better), they planted (store shelves and home shelves are full), they builded (everywhere you look, expensive homes going up by the thousands);  (29)  But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all (same result).  (30)  Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.

 

Ezekiel 16:49-50  Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy.  (50)  And they were haughty, and committed abomination before me: therefore I took them away as I saw good.

 

3. The Apostle Paul warned of Sleeping Days.

 

Romans 13:11-14  And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.  (12)  The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.  (13)  Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.  (14)  But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

 

4. The Apostle Paul warned of Falling Away Days.

 

2 Thessalonians 2:1-3  Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,  (2)  That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.  (3)  Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;

 

5. Our Resurrected Lord warned of Lukewarm Days.

 

Revelation 3:15-18  I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.  (16)  So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.  (17)  Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:  (18)  I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.

 

6. The Admonition of our Lord.

 

Mark 13:35-37  Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning:  (36)  Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping.  (37)  And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.

 

1 Thessalonians 5:1-6  But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.  (2)  For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.  (3)  For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.  (4)  But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.  (5)  Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.  (6)  Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.

 

1 Timothy 4:16  Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.

 

Conclusion: Here we are! Keep looking up, He is coming and we are leaving. 

 

Titus 2:11-13  For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,  (12)  Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;  (13)  Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

Tribulation

 Temple Baptist Church - 10-7-2026

2 Corinthians 1:1-4

 

Introduction: 

A.  The Book of 1 Corinthians was a wonderful study and a great help to us here at Temple in the light of these perilous times in which we live.  It was a book of correction tempered with mercy, grace, and the wonderful love of both the Lord and the Apostle Paul. 

 

B.  2 Corinthians was written one year after the first epistle.

 

1. Evidently, news had gotten back to Paul allowing him to know of the spiritual growth that took place after they read the first epistle. A great sign of salvation and willingness to obey the Lord was abundantly displayed.

 

2. Paul’s joy over these Corinthian believers reminds me of the third Epistle of John.

 

3 John 3-4  For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.  (4)  I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

 

C. The Corinthian Church’s great grace and growth are evidenced to us also, because of this book and in 2 Corinthians we find little rebuke.  I am glad that the Lord still uses His Word to get His work done!  This blessed old Bible that I hold in my hand will get the job done if we preach it, teach it, and heed it. 

 

D.  Paul begins this epistle dealing with tribulation and comfort.  On the heels of true repentance and spiritual growth comes a testing of your faith.  “A faith that cannot be tested cannot be trusted!”  Why does God allow His children to have tribulation, trials, and sometimes persecution?  That is a familiar question because not one of us enjoys or wants it.

 

Romans 5:3-5  And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;  (4)  And patience, experience; and experience, hope:  (5)  And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

 

1. The key word in these verses is “worketh.” To fashion, to perform, or to accomplish. This tells us that these bad things that we are to glory in are not accidents. This tells us that, in God’s sovereign will, He allows bad things to bring out better things!

 

2. Tribulation – anguish that brings about pressure.  Burdens! These are necessary for us to learn patience: endurance, constancy, continuance (waiting).

 

3. Patience – experience: proof, tested.

 

4. Hope – confidence, expectation, to anticipate with pleasure.

 

5. Not Ashamed – not confounded, blush, or be ashamed.

E. The “godly” shall suffer persecution and Paul wanted these precious saints to be both aware of it and prepared for it. 

 

2 Timothy 3:12-14  Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. 

 

1. God’s children, when doing all the right things, too often are not spiritually prepared for hardships that prove their faith and faithfulness.  So many fall off or quit when hardship comes.  Again, let me remind all of us that life is hard and often seems unfair.

 

2.  Paul, writing to Timothy in the first Pastoral Epistle, expressed this very same thing to him! Persecution is not only for certain people or churches.  Satan hates them all!

 

3. The child of God who lives a carnal life is exempt for the most part. Isn’t that wonderful? No! Then God will chastise and scourge!

 

a) First Mention - Deuteronomy 8:5-6  Thou shalt also consider in thine heart, that, as a man chasteneth his son, so the LORD thy God chasteneth thee.  (6)  Therefore thou shalt keep the commandments of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, and to fear him. (7)  If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?  (8)  But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.

 

b) Last Mention - Hebrews 12:6-7  For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.

 

F.  As long as they blended with the world and gave no time to sanctification and service, their presence was virtually noticed and their influence minimal.  They got right and the fight was on! Don’t think for a moment that Satan will not attack those who live right! Paul told Timothy, you just do right!

 

2 Timothy 3:13-14  But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.  (14)  But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;

 

G. Tribulation is necessary for complete spiritual maturity!  It is the tough times that make the believer tough.  It is hard times that make the believer strong and steadfast.

 

Romans 5:3-5  And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;  (4)  And patience, experience; and experience, hope:  (5)  And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

 

1 Peter 1:7  That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

 

H.  Paul assured the Corinthian Church of:

 

1.  The Probability Of Tribulation – vs. 4 – “all our tribulation…them which are in any trouble” Troubles, trials, and tribulations are a way of life to the godly.

 

1 Peter 1:6-7  Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:  That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

 

1 Peter 4:12  Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:

 

Job 1:21  And said, Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.Paul is simply warning the saints at Corinth! 

 

When you know that life is hard, you can make it!

 

2.  The Partakers Of Tribulation – vs. 4 - “our” We who are saved are not exempt from the trials of life because they are a way of life.

 

a.  Bad things happen to bad people!  Yes! What they sow, they reap!

 

b.  Bad things happen to good people! Yes! You may be doing well today, but—more than likely—your day is coming!

 

Job 1:8  And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?

 

Job 2:3  And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause.

 

Job 42:7-9  And it was so, that after the LORD had spoken these words unto Job, the LORD said to Eliphaz the Temanite, My wrath is kindled against thee, and against thy two friends: for ye have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job hath.  Therefore take unto you now seven bullocks and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and my servant Job shall pray for you: for him will I accept: lest I deal with you after your folly, in that ye have not spoken of me the thing which is right, like my servant Job.  So Eliphaz the Temanite and Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite went, and did according as the LORD commanded them: the LORD also accepted Job. 

 

3.  The Purpose Of Tribulation – vs. 8-9 - 1 Peter 1:6-7  Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:  That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

 

a.  Tribulation brings about Purification – It causes us to examine ourselves and draw close to the Lord.

 

b.  Tribulation brings about Prayer – A crying out for help in time of need.  God could certainly prevent it but, instead, He allows it for our good.  I personally like the “rut” that goes along with everything doing great, but it normally does not stay that way.

 

4.  The Prospering Of Tribulation – vs. 4  Personal Testimony and Divine Comfort!

 

a.  Tribulation’s Strengthening – Philippians 4:12-13  I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.  (13)  I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.God’s grace is sufficient.

 

b.  Tribulation’s Sanctification - Luke 6:22  Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake.

 

The world will separate from you as you separate to God! They will not hang around godly people!

 

c.  Tribulation’s Sharing - 2 Corinthians 1:4  Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

 

Our personal trials strengthen us so that we can share the burdens of those we love and know.

 

5.  The Peace Of Tribulation – vs. 10 In Paul’s final words recorded in the Bible, he spoke of three tenses of deliverance:

 

2 Timothy 4:16-18  At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.  (17)  Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.  (18)  And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

 

a.  Reflection Of The Past – He has delivered!  Praise Him.

 

b.  Resolve Of The Present – He is delivering!  Stay with Him.

 

c.  Rest In The Future – He will deliver!  Trust Him.

 

6.  The Praying Of Tribulation – vs. 11  We need to make supplication for each other as well as those in bonds around the world.

 

Romans 15:30  Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me;

 

Hebrews 13:3  Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.

 

Conclusion:  1 Peter 1:6 says, “If need be.” 

 

1. Problems come and they become easier to handle when we realize that they are for our good and God’s glory! The Corinthian Church was doing better.  They were trying to correct problems and serve the Lord, but problems would probably come soon. 

 

2. Problems will both continue and increase as we approach the coming of the Lord and they both expose and build character!