2nd Corinthians 7:5-7, “For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears. Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus; And not by his coming only, but by the consolation wherewith he was comforted in you, when he told us your earnest desire, your mourning, your fervent mind toward me; so that I rejoiced the more.”
The Greek word for “comforteth” is parakaleo, which means, “to call near.” That is, when we are cast down in our mind and feelings, God draws near to us to solace our grieving soul.
Also, one of the ways that our good God comforts us as saints is with another believer (in this case Titus). 2nd Corinthians 7:6b, “God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus...” I love that! This Scripture passage confirms the precious truth God sometimes uses other saints to comfort us in our humiliation and depressed state of soul. The Holy Spirit works through believers. This is the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-25).
Don't Become A 'Dead Sea' Christian
One of my favorite sermons by Pastor Jack Hyles (1926-2001) is titled, 'FILLED WITH HIS FULNESS.' In his sermon, Dr. Hyles teaches the biblical truth that God doesn't give the fruit of the Holy Spirit TO ME; but rather, THROUGH ME to give to you. That is a beautiful truth!
God never intended for us to become DEAD SEA saints. Let me explain. The Jordan River in Palestine flows downward into the Dead Sea, but the Dead Sea has no outlet. That is why the Dead Sea is so, well, dead. The Jordan River is a fast moving river, which makes it very muddy. You might remember the Old Testament story of Naaman the leper, whom the humble prophet Elisha told go bath in the muddy Jordan River seven times to be healed. Naaman was angry and humiliated, preferring to bath in the Damascus River that was clean. The reason why the Jordan River was so filthy is because it flows fast down south into the Dead Sea.
“What makes the Dead Sea dead? Because it is all the time receiving, never giving out anything. Why is it that many Christians are cold? Because they are all the time receiving, never giving out anything.” —Pastor D.L. Moody
The Dead Sea (997 feet deep) has the highest salt concentration of any body of water in the world (34%). The Dead Sea is so salty that you can easily float on its surface without even holding your breath. You don't want to become a Dead Sea Christian, where you take in blessings all the time, but never pass on any of those blessings to others. A mature Christian walks in the indwelling Holy Spirit, so that God can love, care and help others THROUGH that believer. That is why we read in Galatians 2:20, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” Jesus lives the Christian life through us as born again children of God, by His Holy Spirit (Romans 8:9).
God Comforts His Hurting Children
What a beautiful passage. 2nd Corinthians 7:5-7, “For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears. Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus; And not by his coming only, but by the consolation wherewith he was comforted in you, when he told us your earnest desire, your mourning, your fervent mind toward me; so that I rejoiced the more.” The Apostle Paul spoke praises that not only had Titus comforted him and his companions, but the church at Corinth had comforted Titus when he was among them. We need encouragement and comfort in the Lord from each other as Christian believers.
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