Finding Comfort: The Call to Paraclete Others
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into the profound concept of "Paracletos," the God of comfort, as described in 2 Corinthians 1:1. This passage reminds us that God is the Father of all mercy and the God of all healing counsel. He comforts us in our trials so that we can, in turn, comfort others. This is a crucial aspect of our Christian journey—understanding that our hardships are not just for our growth but also to equip us to support others in their times of need.
We revisited the previous weeks of our series, where we learned about the role of the Holy Spirit as our Comforter. We were reminded that the Christian life is not about being comfortable but about finding joy and trust in God amidst trials. Today, we focused on how we can be "paracleted" by others and how we can be a source of comfort to those around us.
The analogy of the TV series "Alone" was used to illustrate how isolation can be the most challenging aspect of any trial. Just as the participants in the show struggle with being alone, we too can find it hard to endure our struggles without the support of others. This is where the concept of "paracleting" comes in—being present with someone in their suffering, just as God is present with us.
We explored how Jesus Himself relied on the Holy Spirit for comfort during His most challenging times. Whether it was the death of John the Baptist, the pressure from the crowds, or His agony in Gethsemane, Jesus sought comfort through prayer and then went on to perform miraculous acts. This model of seeking comfort from God and then extending that comfort to others is what we are called to emulate.
We also discussed the barriers that prevent us from comforting others, such as fear, bitterness, and self-righteousness. These barriers can be overcome by relying on God's promises and His presence. We are encouraged to pray for the Holy Spirit's guidance and to be prepared to offer the hope we have in Christ to those in need.
### Key Takeaways
1. God Comforts Us to Comfort Others: The trials we face are not just for our personal growth but also to equip us to support others in their times of need. This reciprocal relationship of receiving and giving comfort is a cornerstone of our faith. [32:44]
2. Jesus as Our Model: Jesus relied on the Holy Spirit for comfort during His most challenging times. Whether it was the death of John the Baptist or His agony in Gethsemane, Jesus sought comfort through prayer and then performed miraculous acts. This model teaches us to seek God's comfort first and then extend it to others. [39:32]
3. Overcoming Barriers to Comforting Others: Fear, bitterness, and self-righteousness can prevent us from offering comfort. By relying on God's promises and His presence, we can overcome these barriers and be effective comforters. [46:41]
4. The Power of Presence: Sometimes, the most powerful way to comfort someone is simply to be present with them in their suffering. This act of "paracleting" mirrors how God is present with us in our trials. [50:46]
5. Prayer and Preparation: We are encouraged to pray for the Holy Spirit's guidance and to be prepared to offer the hope we have in Christ to those in need. This preparation involves being ready to share the good news of Jesus and to provide practical support. [56:08]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[31:58] - Opening Prayer
[32:44] - Reading from 2 Corinthians
[33:31] - Introduction to Paracletos Series
[34:19] - Recap of Previous Weeks
[35:08] - The Concept of Paracleting Others
[35:53] - The Impact of Isolation
[36:36] - The Image of Paracleting
[37:35] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
[38:09] - Paul's Suffering and Comfort
[38:45] - Jesus and the Holy Spirit
[39:32] - Jesus' Model of Seeking Comfort
[41:04] - The Importance of Prayer
[42:25] - The Need for Hope and Peace
[43:10] - Barriers to Comforting Others
[46:41] - Overcoming Fear
[47:21] - The Power of God's Presence
[50:46] - Practical Steps to Comfort Others
[56:08] - The Role of Prayer in Comforting
[57:10] - Summary and Encouragement
[58:14] - Resources and Volunteering Opportunities
[59:17] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. 2 Corinthians 1:1-4 (MSG): "All praise to God and Father of our Master, Jesus the Messiah! Father of all mercy! God of all healing counsel! He comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, he brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us."
2. Luke 5:16 (NIV): "But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed."
3. Deuteronomy 31:7-8 (NIV): "Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the sight of all Israel, 'Be strong and courageous, for you shall go with this people into the land that the Lord has sworn to their fathers to give them, and you shall put them in possession of it. It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.'"
### Observation Questions
1. According to 2 Corinthians 1:1-4, what is the purpose of God comforting us in our trials? [32:44]
2. How did Jesus seek comfort during His challenging times, as mentioned in Luke 5:16? [39:32]
3. What promise did Moses give to Joshua in Deuteronomy 31:7-8, and how does it relate to the theme of comfort? [54:40]
4. What are some barriers mentioned in the sermon that prevent us from comforting others? [43:10]
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of "Paracletos" deepen our understanding of God's role in our lives during difficult times? [33:31]
2. In what ways does Jesus' reliance on the Holy Spirit for comfort serve as a model for us? [39:32]
3. How can the promise in Deuteronomy 31:7-8 encourage us when we are called to comfort others? [54:40]
4. What practical steps can we take to overcome the barriers of fear, bitterness, and self-righteousness in order to comfort others effectively? [46:41]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you received comfort from God during a difficult period. How did that experience equip you to comfort someone else? [32:44]
2. Jesus often withdrew to lonely places to pray. How can you incorporate this practice into your own life to seek comfort and guidance from God? [39:32]
3. Identify a specific fear or barrier that prevents you from comforting others. What steps can you take this week to overcome it? [46:41]
4. Think of someone in your life who is currently going through a hard time. How can you be present with them in their suffering, mirroring the concept of "paracleting"? [50:46]
5. How can you prepare yourself spiritually and emotionally to offer comfort to others? What role does prayer play in this preparation? [56:08]
6. Have you ever felt the tangible presence of God during a time of prayer or worship? How did that experience impact your ability to comfort others? [51:12]
7. What practical actions can you take this week to show God's love and comfort to someone in need? How can you ensure that your actions are guided by the Holy Spirit? [56:37]
Devotional
Day 1: God Comforts Us to Comfort Others
Our trials and hardships are not just for our personal growth but also to equip us to support others in their times of need. This reciprocal relationship of receiving and giving comfort is a cornerstone of our faith. When we experience God's comfort, it is not meant to be hoarded but shared. This sharing of comfort creates a community of believers who support and uplift each other, reflecting God's love and mercy. By comforting others, we become conduits of God's grace, helping to alleviate the burdens of those around us. [32:44]
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (ESV): "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."
Reflection: Think of a recent trial you have faced. How can you use the comfort you received from God to support someone else who is currently going through a similar situation?
Day 2: Jesus as Our Model
Jesus relied on the Holy Spirit for comfort during His most challenging times. Whether it was the death of John the Baptist or His agony in Gethsemane, Jesus sought comfort through prayer and then performed miraculous acts. This model teaches us to seek God's comfort first and then extend it to others. By following Jesus' example, we learn to prioritize our relationship with God, especially in times of distress, and to draw strength from Him to serve others. [39:32]
Hebrews 5:7-8 (ESV): "In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you sought comfort through prayer. How did that experience equip you to help someone else in their time of need?
Day 3: Overcoming Barriers to Comforting Others
Fear, bitterness, and self-righteousness can prevent us from offering comfort to others. These barriers can be overcome by relying on God's promises and His presence. When we allow these negative emotions to control us, we become ineffective in our ministry to others. However, by trusting in God's word and seeking His guidance, we can break down these barriers and become effective comforters. This involves a conscious effort to let go of our fears and prejudices and to embrace the love and compassion that God has shown us. [46:41]
Ephesians 4:31-32 (ESV): "Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."
Reflection: Identify a barrier that has prevented you from comforting someone in the past. What steps can you take today to overcome this barrier and extend God's comfort to that person?
Day 4: The Power of Presence
Sometimes, the most powerful way to comfort someone is simply to be present with them in their suffering. This act of "paracleting" mirrors how God is present with us in our trials. Being present means offering a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, or just sitting in silence with someone who is hurting. It is a tangible expression of God's love and a reminder that they are not alone. This presence can provide immense comfort and hope, even when words fail. [50:46]
Romans 12:15 (ESV): "Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep."
Reflection: Think of someone who is currently going through a difficult time. How can you be present for them this week, offering your support and comfort?
Day 5: Prayer and Preparation
We are encouraged to pray for the Holy Spirit's guidance and to be prepared to offer the hope we have in Christ to those in need. This preparation involves being ready to share the good news of Jesus and to provide practical support. By staying connected to God through prayer, we become more attuned to the needs of others and more equipped to respond effectively. This readiness to serve is a vital aspect of our Christian walk, enabling us to be vessels of God's love and comfort. [56:08]
Colossians 4:2-3 (ESV): "Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison."
Reflection: How can you incorporate regular prayer into your daily routine to prepare yourself to offer comfort and hope to those in need? What specific steps can you take to be more attuned to the Holy Spirit's guidance?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "There is a God who cares, a God who knows, and a God that loves you so much that he will sit in it with you. In July last year, I did some mental health first aid training, and the instructor said something very striking, and it was quite similar. It was very similar to what Ben said. She said, Sometimes you just need to sit with a person in the rubble." [36:36] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We sympathise and we empathise with those loved ones. We empathise with others. We see people in war-torn areas. We see people with terminal illness. With relational struggles. We see the need and we want to do something about it. Well, so does Jesus. He knows, not just sympathises, he knows what you're going through. He walked his entire life in our shoes. As the saying goes. He did that to know your suffering and to know what we need. He knows it personally. What we need is hope." [42:25] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We don't have to fear because unlike on the television series, we are not alone. He's got this. He's with you and he won't leave you. You know what? Maybe it's not fear that stops you from interrupting your day to comfort another. And these next two examples that I'll give you do come from personal experience, so please forgive me. The first one is bitterness. Does anyone have that needy person in their life? The one that is always asking for help and never says thank you? Well we can get bitter and resentful and that is not of God. Just keep being there for them." [47:21] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "God is good. He is good despite all this. A good God created a good world. With good people in it. To do good work. So that we might live a good life. This is a quote from John Dixon. God is good. And there is always a choice for us to do good as comforters. As I said we can't always fix the problem. And often it may be that we need to refer people on to others. We might just be able to pivot and send them on to others who have more expertise. We could do that. But God might step in and do something too. So it is always good to pray. It is good to ask." [49:00] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We are provided comfort by the God of comfort in order to provide comfort to others. The Paracletos sits with us in the rubble as we come alongside others. Jesus relied on the Holy Spirit's comfort and guidance and so should we. We need to be aware of our fears and our biases in order to comfort well. We are promised his presence, his guidance and peace in all situations. All we need to do is pray. And most importantly, providing comfort is a witness to the love of God in your life and an opening to a conversation about God entering into theirs." [57:10] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "In week one, Ben introduced us to this key verse. And he spoke to us about the Paracletos, the comforter, and explained that in this Christian life, we should not expect to be comfortable. He also gave us some clarity around the Greek word paraclete, which is a verb to comfort and encourage others. We can be paracleted by somebody else. Then week two, Sandy looked at the comforter, the Holy Spirit in us. She walked us through some passages in James, in the New Testament that reminded us that we will have trials, we'll have temptations, suffering, and even persecution. But we should trust God in our situation and that it is possible to find joy." [34:19] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Now, I want you to look at it once more. There are actually three people in this picture. There's you. There's the other. And then there's God, the Holy Spirit. We can't see him. But he is there. We know he's there. Thank you. The third person of the Trinity. He comes and he lives in us. He comes alongside us when we are alone. But also, we comfort others. He is our guide. We don't have to do this alone." [38:09] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Jesus relied on the Comforter. Strange, isn't it? But he did. He relied on the Comforter. He was fully God and fully human. And was himself comforted by the Holy Spirit on many occasions. So what did he do when he needed comfort? I don't know. I'll give you an example. There was a time when he received the news of his cousin's death. That was John the Baptist. And what he did, he'd retreated to a solitary place. And we can confidently assume that he prayed. When he was pressed and pressured by the crowds, he prayed." [39:32] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We also have a responsibility to listen and be obedient to the Holy Spirit whispers. It's little nudges. His whispers, his nudges. Even if we don't understand we don't want to. This is the reality. Often, I just don't. We don't listen and we don't act. It's a reality, isn't it? Are you agreeing with me here? You think, yes. I don't. And I wonder why. Why do we balk when we, when I see someone upset? Why? Or we know that they need to be heard. Why don't I just pick up the phone? Why don't I just get in the car? Why do I sometimes turn the other way?" [43:10] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We are promised his presence, his guidance and peace in all situations. All we need to do is pray. And most importantly, providing comfort is a witness to the love of God in your life and an opening to a conversation about God entering into theirs. So as you go through this next week, pray for opportunities to show God's love by offering comfort to someone else. Sometimes all you can do is be with someone. You know what, if you're confident in this, you may also consider volunteering. There's a great book called Careline, there's Lifeline and you might be able to comfort many if this is something that you find okay." [57:44] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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