Lesson 1: Comfort in Uncomfortable Trials

Scripture Focus: 2 Corinthians 1:1-11.

Key Verses: 2 Corinthians 1:3 and 4.

Theme: "God's gracious comfort makes it possible to respond to trials with peace and confidence."

Overview: The Apostle Paul offered praise to God for His gracious comfort. Paul explained that trials never exhaust God's comfort. Because He comforts us in our trials, we can respond to them properly.

Reflections:
Grace is divine favor bestowed upon us. Peace is the rest made possible by grace.

As followers of Christ, He is our only true source of lasting peace during the storms of life because He is "the Father of mercies" and "the God of all comfort."

Purposes for sufferings might include opportunities for us to help others, be reassured of Christ's ever presence in our lives, be an example for others, rely whole-heartedly upon God, pray, and give thanks.

Why do you value grace? peace?

What is significant about God as being the God of all comfort?

Application: Respond to trials with peace and confidence.

Assignment: Share how God's grace impacted you during trials and Bible verses that provided you comfort.

The Journey Begins

Welcome to Calvary Baptist's adult Sunday school class. Our new Bible study series is entitled, "Abounding Grace: The book of 2 Corinthians." Class materials are written by James T. Dyet from Regular Baptist Press, Schaumburg, Illinois.

By the conclusion of the class, I trust we can confidently answer the following questions:

• What lifts your spirit when you're down?
• What strengthens your hands when they tire?
• What keeps your faith firm when doubts assail?
• What keeps your hope bright when trials envelope you?
• What will free you from the bondage of sin?
  

It is God's amazing grace which restores brokenness in our lives, that gives us peace in the midst of the storm, strengthens our weary flesh, frees us from sin's enslavement, and provides hope, direction, and confidence as we view life through the power of God's Word.