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 forgiveness – Mk. 2:1-12

A.    2:1-4 – man paralyzed. People let him down through a roof 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 crippling effect of sin?

a)    Condemnation paralyzes & numbs.

b)    2:6-7 – the scribes question this. This is God’s 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 hope 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 never committed.

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

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

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

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 truth the pattern of our conduct.

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

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

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

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

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 walk spiritually.

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

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 likeness!

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

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

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

A.    Imagine going from guilt & hopelessness 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 advocate? 1 John 2:1

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

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