HOW TO RECEIVE COMFORT IN AFFLICTION

TEXT- 2 CORINTHIANS 1:3-7

INTRODUCTION


A psychiatrist was trying to comfort a new patient who was very upset.  "You see, doc," the patient explained, "my problem is that I like shoes much better than I like boots."  "Why, that's no problem," answered the doctor.  "Most people like shoes better than boots."  The patient was very relieved.  "That's great doc! How do you like them, fried or scrambled?"

This morning our text is found in 2 Corinthians 1:3-7 and the title of my message is, "How To Receive Comfort in Affliction."

As Paul wrote to the church in Corinth he wanted to encourage the members to become involved in the ministry.

One aspect of the church's ministry that every member can become involved in is the ministry of comfort.  All of us have either needed or will need to be comforted at some time in our lives.

Today there is a genuine need for more church members to become involved in this kind of ministry because there are so many people who are discouraged, despondent and defeated.

In our text Paul outlines for us five aspects of this ministry of comfort.  Let's look and see now what Paul says about the ministry of comfort and being comforted during times of affliction.