Consolation & Comfort
ZADOK PUBLICATIONS - Dr. C. R. OLIVER
May 1, 2016
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Introduction:May 1, 2016 Consolation & Comfort These two elements (consolation and comfort) team to fill a great need in the body of Christ today. Buffeted with daily outbursts of mistrust and deception and coupled with a barrage of misguided "words" from questionable sources, the people of God seek consolation and comfort. They seek a steady hand, a quietening word and an understanding support. So, this month's newsletter reveals the true sources of comfort and exposes the false comfort laid before many. Note: Traditionally, this newsletter is setup for those wishing a resource for a Bible Study format, but creates interesting reading for those who seek a non-agendized format. The Twins: Born from the same parent root Consolation and comfort come from similar root words and are related very closely to the great "paraclete (one who comes alongside)" known as the Holy Spirit. Here are the textual derivations of the two. The pronouncement of Jesus that the Father would send a Helper (the Holy Spirit) was promised to be a close beside "Helper" or "Comforter."Consolation: Paraketos was the exact word John used in John 14:15-18.NT:3875 parakletos (par-ak'-lay-tos); an intercessor, consoler: 15 If ye love me, keep my commandments. Thank the Lord for John's writing of these passages, revealing a primary source of reliable comfort-the Holy Ghost. Biblical Sources of True Comfort: l. God, Himself, is shown many places in Scripture in the role of Comforter. 2. Comfort that comes directly from Scripture. 3. Comfort that comes from the Holy Spirit. 4. Comfort coming from the hearts of saints, as they minister to others. I. The Comfort that comes directly from God in His role as Comforter: Many times in David's writings, God is shown to actively participate in the comfort of His saints. The Old Testament is rife with examples of His compassion and tenderness-all of them are acts of comfort. One of the most widely quoted of these passages is Psalm 23. Psalm 23:4 A fertile, but much longer, passage is in Hosea, the book of gross infidelity, persistent forgiveness and eventually, restoration. These verses serve as "end time" promises for a despairing people. Of course, the Hebrew word for comfort is different from its Greek counterpart. Leb is the word used in Hosea.OT:3820 Hosea 2:14-20 Most other times in the Old Testament, a different word was used to convey comfort. Isaiah uses this descriptive word nacham in his text.OT:5162 Isaiah 66:12-13 II. The Comfort which comes from the Scriptures: Again, David understood the great power of relying upon the Word of the Lord. Knowing the Scripture, in times of stress and chaos, is a primary steadying source. In health issues there is hope in turning to healing passages, reading them and putting one's faith in what is written. Sadly, most of the congregations have not "owned" what was written and are not as convinced about the source of David's words as he is in the following passages. Psalm 119:49-50 Sometimes, even searching the Word leaves one asking the question of Psalm 119:82. However, Paul, in Romans, establishes the authority of the Word over every situation of life. With strong affirmation, he challenges each reader to know what the Scripture has to say about their condition or circumstance. Believers are to be Word People. It is one thing to acknowledge the infallibility of the Bible, but another to embrace it as infallible in every area of one's life. Romans 15:1-6 God is shown to be present in His Word. So, the great power of the Scriptures lies in the fact that God watches over it; He brings it to pass in the faith-filled person who is depending on it. No one can separate the comfort from God Himself and that which is provided in the confidence of His never changing, always active, Word. In Him, there is no shadow of turning (vacillation). His word is Him. The storehouse of His promises offers a comfort the world simply cannot comprehend - but we can!!! Notice please, the combinations that are used with the word "comfort" throughout the New Testament. Two were mentioned in the title of this work: consolation and comfort. In the passage above are two more: "patience and comfort." Waiting on the manifestation of a promise will often try the patience of the believer - but one element of victory is overcoming the seeming gap between belief and fruition. III. The Comfort which comes from the Holy Ghost The Comforter is described in several ways throughout the Scriptures. His powerful hand is evident in the creation, as well as in the "still small voice" of Elijah's cave. In the following passage, much can be garnered from marshalling the power of the Spirit to surround the believer by walling away the enemies of the soul. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 "Establishing" is a gigantic aspect of comfort. For someone to be established in a word or work means having enough resources to maintain one's "staying" power, regardless of circumstances. To be established connotes longevity and has the ability to "stand." Oh! When the Holy Spirit establishes something, it is permanent! His open door is such that no man can shut it. "Everlasting consolation" has no end; His "good hope" is enough. The infusion of grace upon all this is "over the top coverage." Listen Church, we are to wait for His establishing grace before we endeavor to conquer. 2Thessalonians 2:16, 17 ought to be the blessing over every departing congregation on Sunday morning. Stalwart Christians are a "demand factor" in this world. When every member of the house of God understands it is the purpose of the Spirit to establish him in good works and the word-immaturity will no longer continue to rule the order of the day. In the early church, their words and works were established through the comfort of the Spirit. Acts 9:31 It is extremely comforting to know the Spirit has your back! It is comforting to know that as you minister, there will be evidences of miracles, signs and wonders following you. It is comforting to know jail doors can open supernaturally and prayers are for prevailing, not failing. It is comforting to know that even if rocks are the response of the crowd, there is an open heaven to receive you. It is comforting to know that when standing before kings and hostile authorities, the Spirit will cause one to remember long forgotten passages that well up inside to bring power and response. It is comforting to know that fellowship in the Spirit is something not impossible. Walking in Holy Ghost comfort is different than receiving an occasional boost. Walking in the comfort of the Spirit is a continual supply for every need, and such can assure a Paul when he declares it to the Philippians or a David in the Psalms. Psalm 71:21 IV. The Comfort that comes from fellow Believers In the Old Testament, one of the admonitions to the prophet Isaiah was to "comfort" God's people. Isaiah 40:1-5 Within the confines of this passage is prophecy about John the Baptist. John quoted this verse in offering the message of repentance to Israel. His presence became a comfort for those believers who had been true to the Word in the face of a deceit - filled clergy. "The mouth of the Lord" is credential enough. Further into Isaiah, another manifesto is issued. It is the passage Jesus quoted, at the start of His ministry, in Luke 4. His mission statement was encapsulated in these verses. Isaiah 61:1-3 Paul followed Jesus' example, as the early church believed one of its chief duties was to comfort fellow saints. The purpose of being comforted was to comfort others who faced tribulations. In the anonymity of the modern church, this becomes a missing factor. As constituents face personal battles and overwhelming circumstances it is more necessary than ever to have this ministry. 2 Corinthians 1:3-12 Glean from this passage the wealth of reference to "participation." We are to join Paul and his entourage, involving ourselves in the life events of others. Paul gained comfort from the Corinthian church. They partook of his sufferings and in like manner were "partakers" in his consolation. It is always a reciprocal matter. This is why it is absolutely necessary to always be about the business of building up others and edifying the body of believers. The cyclical nature of these endeavors is explained clearly in verses 3-4. Also, it is great comfort for anyone to know that others are lifting them in prayer, listening in the Spirit in their behalf and doing spiritual warfare for them. Paul's instruction about comforting one another does not end in edict. It broadens throughout the epistle. His concern for the punished brother, who received "church discipline," ushered in a realm of forgiveness which had been lacking on their part. A great lesson is to be learned in this aspect. First, a brother or sister, who receives discipline over a matter, is more likely to welcome such correction if the model includes a period of "re-establishment" flowing in his or her direction. Such is similar to a child who receives punishment and then crawls up in the father's lap to "get restored." 2 Corinthians 2:5-8 Notice the admonition to FORGIVE and COMFORT. These attributes form another coupling with comfort. Such should be the nature of the church, instead of leaving a trail of "bludgeoned believers" who have fallen away. I think at this point, I am reminded of a denomination which made headlines because of the manner in which they passed judgment on one of their prominent pastors. On television, they resembled red hatted Cardinals coming from an ecclesial trial. They were not "restorers." The leaders of that denomination lost an opportunity to be a huge witness concerning Christian love; instead, they displayed only a desire to preserve their dignity. Paul continually was grateful for the consolation of others. 2 Corinthians 7:13 Spiritual refreshing is a part of the work of comfort. Missionaries, especially, need this ministry lavished on them. They need to be refreshed. Often their interactions with churches and individuals are less than lifting. Pastors, in all settings, need such "refreshing." I have sat with pastors in conferences and felt the greatest need they had was not another sermon, but for a genuine "soul brother (Someone they could trust with their inner most person - I guarantee there are few settings for such openness.)." Paul took a strange turn in Thessalonians. He urged the congregations to comfort one another by studying and proclaiming the second coming of Christ. "With these words" refers to the passage just before this phrase. After all, there is great comfort in knowing there is an end to tribulation and one's King is coming. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 Note: Paul joins "edification" with "comfort" in the following passage. (Here is another coupling.) I Thessalonians 5:11 Although some individuals, and even groups, shine in the area of comfort and edification, the majority of folk think such endeavors are only ministry's forte. No, this a congregational duty and blessing. Comfort is joined with two other partners in the following verses. 1 Corinthians 14:3-5 This criteria for prophetic utterance is far from adhered to in our momentous day. Thousands of prophetic "words" will be credited to the Lord this year alone - many will be judgment and opinion, based on man's reasoning. Perhaps this is why major emphasis is given to edification in these verses. Why? Could it be Prophesies are a big vehicle for edification, exhortation and comfort? Prophetic words, tongues and interpretation of tongues, should not be relegated just to Pentecostals. Yes, just as the Baptism of the Holy Ghost is not believed nor practiced in congregations outside Pentecostal realms, does not negate the need for such activity. (I know Baptists, and others, explain away these passages. However, in light of this study, just how wise is such obfuscation? Rejection of the doctrine does not excuse them, or their congregations, from the spiritual duty to edify by these methods. To say one believes the Word requires adherence to its commands.) Philippians 2:1-5 Think of the loss to a congregation if the several elements found in the Philippians passage are absent. 1. Consolation in Christ. 2. Comfort in Love. 3. Fellowship in the Spirit. 4. Affection and Mercy. 5. Personal Joy. 6. Reciprocal care (preferring another's interest above one's own). Should these ingredients be missing, a gap occurs in the congregation at large-; a gap often filled by the false and unscrupulous "wolves in sheep's clothing." V. A look at False Comfort Peter's second epistle is filled with descriptions of those offering false hope using twisted Scriptures. Jude chimes in with a treatise that parallels 2 Peter's warnings. All of them must have examined the caution of Zechariah. Zechariah 10:2-3 My anger joins God's anger against those who give vain comfort, and believe me, there are a lot of them floating around today. Shepherds, in verse three, should be termed, "clergy." The mess in America today lies squarely in their laps. Choosing to duck the message of the Spirit has landed the church in the wrong pond. Being "off course" is now not an easy correction. Gatekeepers have throttled the prophetic work and muffled the "message from the men of God." There is no venue among congregations that allow an uncensored platform. Like in the days of Jeremiah (who harbored the ONLY word from God) who was silenced by the majority of those who were uttering to the multitudes (having heard nothing from the Lord), we have no testing of the prophets. This is no new phenomenon. John Wesley's message was so disdained in his day, the only place he could stand without hassle was atop his father's grave. C. G. Bevington was so harassed among the Congregationalists, he was forced to sleep for weeks in a hay shock. He did this in order to be within distance of the area where God ordered him to minister. He drank snow water and was fed supernaturally by the animals. Bevington ministered in the Twentieth Century. 2 Peter 2:1-3 Until Next month, Dr. Cosby R. Oliver, PhD. |
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