Comfort in Christ

Comfort in Christ

Introduction:

Rom. 8:31-35 was written to Christians struggling through hard times. It is intended to give Christians assurance/comfort. How confident are we in our salvation? How comfortable are we in trusting God & that He has really forgiven us? Some carry HUGE burden of guilt and never experience the comfort offered through Jesus. Others feel their lives are meaningless. “How could God ever love me?” We are the greatest investment God ever made! Nothing external of ourselves can separate us from Jesus’ love. If our hearts belong to Jesus, NOTHING can remove us from His love.

I. Jesus teaches on _____________________ – Mk. 2:1-12

A. 2:1-4 – man paralyzed. People let him down through a _________ to see Jesus.

1. 2:5 – Jesus is amazed at their faith. Son, your sins are forgiven.

2. Is there a lesson here on the _______________ effect of sin?

a) Condemnation paralyzes & _______________.

b) 2:6-7 – the scribes question this. This is __________ job – not yours.

B. 2:8-12 – Jesus: Why do you doubt MY authority to forgive sin?

II. Do we doubt God’s ability to forgive?

A. Eph. 2:1, 12 –we were without ____________ without Christ

1. We used our faith & were B, R, C, B. Do those things: God says you are forgiven! It’s like the sins of the past were ___________ _______________.

B. 1 John 1:5-10 – this letter is written to __________________.

1. Main emphasis in the book is the Christians assurance of forgiveness.

2. 1:9-10 – here are statements of __________.

a) honest w/self & w/God? Confess our sins? God forgives!

C. Comfort in Christ can be found in 1 John 3:19-20.

1. We have firm assurance that God will demonstrate His forgiveness.

2. 3:21-24 – He wants us to make ____________ the pattern of our conduct.

D. This all possible b/c of His forgiveness. We can be ______________ w/in & w/o!

1. We can be comforted by the fact that in Him we can be defined by God’s ________________; not our _____________!

III. Some remain so guilt-ridden that they never experience comfort in Christ.

A. Some so guilt-ridden they are spiritually ___________________!

1. Eph. 2:10 - Jesus did not become sin so that we could be mediocre!

B. Back to Mark 2:9 - Jesus wants us to _____________ spiritually.

C. 2 Cor. 5:21 - Why did Jesus become sin? So we might become _______________!

D. Trusting in God’s transforming forgiveness is one of the most liberating things we can do!

1. 2 Cor. 3:17-18 – we are being transformed into His _______________!

E. Don’t doubt the authority and grace of God!

1. Experience the comfort that can be found by letting go & ____________ in God’s power to save!

IV. There is great comfort & happiness to be found in Christ!

A. Imagine going from guilt & ___________________ to being with Christ!

1. Eph. 2:6 – seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.

2. Experience the comfort, peace, and joyous expectation in Him!

B. Do you have this comfort?

1. Have the comfort knowing that Jesus is your ____________? 1 John 2:1

2. Have the comfort of knowing that Jesus is ____________ on your behalf? Romans 8:33-34

C. Seek the comfort that is found only in Christ!



Comfort in Christ Introduction: Rom. 8:31-35 was written to Christians struggling through hard times. It is intended to give Christians assurance/comfort. How confident are we in our salvation? How comfortable are we in trusting God & that He has really forgiven us? Some carry HUGE burden of guilt and never experience the comfort offered through Jesus. Others feel their lives are meaningless. “How could God ever love me?” We are the greatest investment God ever made! Nothing external of ourselves can separate us from Jesus’ love. If our hearts belong to Jesus, NOTHING can remove us from His love. I. Jesus teaches on _____________________ – Mk. 2:1-12 A. 2:1-4 – man paralyzed. People let him down through a _________ to see Jesus. 1. 2:5 – Jesus is amazed at their faith. Son, your sins are forgiven. 2. Is there a lesson here on the _______________ effect of sin? a) Condemnation paralyzes & _______________. b) 2:6-7 – the scribes question this. This is __________ job – not yours. B. 2:8-12 – Jesus: Why do you doubt MY authority to forgive sin? II. Do we doubt God’s ability to forgive? A. Eph. 2:1, 12 –we were without ____________ without Christ 1. We used our faith & were B, R, C, B. Do those things: God says you are forgiven! It’s like the sins of the past were ___________ _______________. B. 1 John 1:5-10 – this letter is written *to __________________.* 1. Main emphasis in the book is the Christians assurance of forgiveness. 2. 1:9-10 – here are statements of __________. a) honest w/self & w/God? Confess our sins? God forgives! C. Comfort in Christ can be found in 1 John 3:19-20. 1. We have firm assurance that God will demonstrate His forgiveness. 2. 3:21-24 – He wants us to make ____________ the pattern of our conduct. D. This all possible b/c of His forgiveness. We can be ______________ w/in & w/o! 1. We can be comforted by the fact that in Him we can be defined by God’s ________________; not our _____________! III. Some remain so guilt-ridden that they never experience comfort in Christ. A. Some so guilt-ridden they are spiritually ___________________! 1. Eph. 2:10 - Jesus did not become sin so that we could be mediocre! B. Back to Mark 2:9 - Jesus wants us to _____________ spiritually. C. 2 Cor. 5:21 - Why did Jesus become sin? So we might become _______________! D. Trusting in God’s transforming forgiveness is one of the most liberating things we can do! 1. 2 Cor. 3:17-18 – we are being transformed into His _______________! E. Don’t doubt the authority and grace of God! 1. Experience the comfort that can be found by letting go & ____________ in God’s power to save! IV. There is great comfort & happiness to be found in Christ! A. Imagine going from guilt & ___________________ to being with Christ! 1. Eph. 2:6 – seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus. 2. Experience the comfort, peace, and joyous expectation in Him! B. Do you have this comfort? 1. Have the comfort knowing that Jesus is your ____________? 1 John 2:1 2. Have the comfort of knowing that Jesus is ____________ on your behalf? Romans 8:33-34 C. Seek the comfort that is found only in Christ!