Date: February 16, 2020
Where Does Comfort Come From?
The Point: As God comforts us, we are to comfort others.
Get Into the Study
Use the following information to introduce Question #1.
Prevention magazine recently published a list of the 15 best foods to eat when you feel sick (especially colds and flu). Here’s their list, compiled by doctors and dietitians:
- Oatmeal
- Topped baked potato
- Green tea
- Honey
- Cereal
- Smoothies
- Nuts and seeds
- Elderberry syrup
- Chicken soup
- Ginger
- Cinnamon raisin bagel
- Citrus fruits
- Legumes
- Scottish oatmeal with honey
- Cinnamon tea
Say: The doctors and dietitians say these foods can help you feel better when you’re sick. Think about the things that help you feel better when you’re sick. Then direct attention to Question #1 (What do you find comforting when you’re sick?) and invite the group to respond.
Information for this post was gleaned from:
https://www.prevention.com/health/a20439569/what-to-eat-when-sick/
Study the Bible
Use the following information to supplement Question #4.
Ukraine is a country where war has been going on since 2014. For the parts of the country where fighting still continues today, the poverty and chaos makes life extremely hard. Food and jobs are scarce. But there is encouraging news despite the harsh living conditions. Christians are seeing that people are open to spiritual things and new churches are opening. Igor is a Ukrainian church planter who works in the part of the country where war is ongoing. He has planted six new churches in the past five years. Others are coming alongside Igor to help him in his work there. Two people, one from the United States and another from Israel, are moving to Ukraine to help Igor with the churches. “When the war started, people were confused and disappointed,” Igor said. “When we started preaching, we could see that their hearts were open to receive God’s Word. Before the war they had been closed. We want to do as much as we can while these hearts are open.” Igor has asked Southern Baptists to remember the people of Ukraine and to pray for them.
Say: Although travel to the Ukraine would be difficult, there are simple, powerful ways we can help Igor and others like him who are ministering in hard places. Then direct attention to Question #4 (Why do you think prayer is such an important part of the Christian life?) and call for volunteers to respond.
Information for this post was gleaned from:
https://www.imb.org/2020/01/17/good-news-amidst-war-ukraine/
— Donna McKinney wrote these Leader Extras. Donna is retired from a career with the federal government of the United States. She is a veteran Bible study group leader living in North Carolina.
Study the Bible (Option)
Display a picture of comfort food. Organize the group into several teams. Provide paper and a pen. Allow teams one minute to list 5-10 comfort foods. Invite teams to share their lists. Show the picture of a comfort food.
From Advanced Bible Study Teacher Guide, page 58.
Additional Questions
Icebreaker Questions
- What’s your favorite comfort food? Why?
- Who has been a consistent source of comfort in your life?
- When have you recently seen someone being comforted? What made you take notice?
2 Corinthians 1:3-4a
- What do these verses teach us about God’s nature?
- How can we seek out God when we’re in need of comfort?
- Why is it significant that mercy and comfort are listed as attributes of God?
2 Corinthians 1:4b-7
- What obstacles sometimes discourage us from reaching out to those who suffer?
- When have you experienced an overflow of God’s comfort in your own life?
- How can we encourage each other to lean on Christ in times of suffering?
2 Corinthians 1:8-11
- What steps have you taken recently to serve as a channel of comfort on God’s behalf?
- What helps you remain consistent in praying for other’s needs?
- How can our group pray for you today?
Member Extra
Send the following link to your group members as either a teaser before the group meets or as a follow-up thought:
Video
Here’s a brief video giving you an overview of this session: When Life Gets Hard, Session 6.
NOTE: Beginning March 1, the Bible Studies for Life videos will be replaced with podcasts. The podcasts are co-hosted by Chris Johnson and Lynn Pryor. The weekly 20-minute podcasts will be beneficial for both leader sand group members, with a closing 2-3 minute segment directed to the leader. The podcasts will be available through Ministry Grid, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Lifeway’s Digital Pass.
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