Knock Knock - The Comforted

Know

1. What is one thing that you have bought because it advertised itself as ‘the most comfortable’?
2. Do you have any scars? What’s the story (if you feel OK with sharing)?

Grow

1. What do you think of Vladimir Putin’s statement: “Our aims are absolutely clear: They are a high living standard in the country and a secure, free and comfortable life. A secure, free and comfortable life.”? What do you think were the aims or goals of our ancestors (in the Dark Ages and the Middle Ages etc)?
2. What is the connection between living for your own comfort and living a meaningful / satisfying life?
3. Read 2 Corinthians 1:4-5. Discuss the idea that the concept of Biblical comfort develops resilient people in the face of difficult circumstances. How have you seen this in your life, or in the lives of Christians you know?
4. How is joy different to happiness? Can you have the one without the other?
5. What’s the difference between false comfort and true comfort?
6. Read Isaiah 40:31. Do you ever think “God, you don’t care or understand”. How do we know this thinking is wrong?
7. Read Romans 8:32. Often we think of the cross as the ultimate in God’s giving. However in Romans 8:32, Christ’s death is shown as the start of God’s giving. What does this verse mean by “all things”?
8. Read 2 Corinthians 7:6-7. Dan talked about comfort cascading down from one person to another (The Church at Corinth > Titus > Paul). When did you experience comfort from a believer that, in turn, you could pass on to someone else?
9. Why is when we are least comfortable that we are most able to comfort others? What’s the connection here?

Show

1. Think of ways that you have been comforted. Think of one person this week that God would have you reach out to with the comfort with which you have been comforted.