[Sermon notes / 설교노트 ]
Title: Relational Joy: Whose Comfort Do You Seek? (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)
관계적 기쁨: 누구의 위로를 받고자 하는가? (고린도후서 1장 3절-4절)
1.Biblical scripture / 성경본문
(2 Corinthians 1:3-4)
[3] Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort,[4] who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.
(고후 1:3-4, 새번역)
[3] 우리 주 예수 그리스도의 아버지이신 하나님을 찬양합시다. 그는 자비로우신 아버지시요, 온갖 위로를 주시는 하나님이시요,[4] 온갖 환난 가운데에서 우리를 위로하여 주시는 분이십니다. 따라서 우리가 하나님께 받는 그 위로로, 우리도 온갖 환난을 당하는 사람들을 위로할 수 있습니다.
2. Live Notes / 설교 노트
Fill in a few blanks as you listen. After the sermon, tap Copy to save/share.
이 노트는 설교를 듣는 동안 빈칸에 짧게 적어보신 후, 자신의 노트에 옮겨 보세요
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Relational Joy: Whose Comfort Do You Seek?
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God." (NIV)
Introduction: The First Call
When something difficult happens—perhaps a boss unfairly loses their temper with you—who is the first person you call? Is it a close friend, a parent, or a significant other?
Most of us instinctively seek human comfort first because it is visible and immediate. However, the question we must ask today is: "Whose comfort do you ultimately seek?" Is it the fleeting comfort of people, or the eternal comfort of God? The health and maturity of our relationships depend on this answer.
C-1. The Signal of Deficiency
When we cling only to human comfort, our relationships inevitably become "sick." Whether it is a dating couple, a married pair, or a single person seeking companionship, no human being can fully satisfy the deep voids within us.
As C.S. Lewis once said, "If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world." The thirst we feel in our relationships is actually a signal of longing that only God can satisfy. We are broken vessels; when two empty vessels clash, they only produce a hollow sound.
C-2. The Source of Comfort: People are Only Channels
In 2 Corinthians 1:3, God is described as the "God of all comfort." He is not just a provider of comfort; He is the Source. The flow is clear: God → Me → Others.
The world sees us through the lens of performance, salary, and titles. But God sees us with "different eyes"—He sees us as His masterpiece. When we encounter this divine gaze, we gain the freedom to fail. We no longer burn with the fire of needing validation; instead, we burn with the joy of being unconditionally loved.
Remember: A sunset is beautiful, but it is only a channel for the beauty of the Creator. Similarly, a friend’s comfort is a channel, not the source. When we stop mistaking the channel for the source, we can remain steady even when people disappoint us.
C-3. Mature Solitude: Standing Alone Before God
True spiritual maturity begins with "Mature Solitude." This is not about rejecting people; it is about training ourselves to stand as a "single one" before God.
Before running to people, we must learn to run to Him. Try "Micro-Solitude": before sending that text message to vent your frustration, spend 3 minutes "transmitting" your heart to God. When we fill ourselves with God’s validation first, we gain the emotional "gravity" needed to love others without being swayed by their opinions. Even Jesus frequently withdrew to solitary places to be with the Father (Mark 1:35).
C-4. Kingdom Outward: Comforting Your VIPs
Those who have been comforted by God can truly comfort others. This is the essence of sharing the Gospel. When your VIP (person of interest for mission) is hurting, do not just offer your own words. Offer them the comfort you have received from the Source. True wisdom is treating others with compassion and willingly taking on the labor of making peace.
C-5. Kingdom Community: A Church that Comforts
Our mission is to win souls and make disciples. This happens when:
Small Groups: Become channels (not sources) of God’s grace.
Couples: Pray together for 10 minutes, seeking God’s comfort first rather than demanding it from each other.
Parents: Seek God’s comfort to raise children with a full heart, rather than relying on children for their own emotional fulfillment.
Conclusion: The God of All Comfort
Ultimately, we must ask again: "Whose comfort do you seek?" Human comfort is necessary, but it is never enough. Only the God of all comfort can satisfy your soul.
This Week’s Practice:
Practice Mature Solitude: Spend 30 minutes with God before calling a friend during a crisis.
Recognize the Channel: When someone comforts you, acknowledge it as a gift from God.
Comfort your VIP: Share a word of encouragement rooted in God’s love.
Key Message
"Only when I stand alone before God can I truly stay with others. True maturity in relationships happens when we face God, the ultimate source of all comfort."
One-line Prayer
"Lord, help me seek comfort from You first, not from people. And let me comfort others with the comfort I have received. Amen."
Worship Frontier Church of Boston..
3. Week Notes / 주중 노트
WEEK Notes is a devotional journal for reflecting on God's word throughout the week.
WEEK Notes는 말씀을 한 주 동안 붙잡고 살아내기 위한 짧은 묵상 노트입니다.