Comfort and Refreshing
David Wilkerson emphasizes the vital role of fellowship and encouragement in bringing comfort to those who are spiritually downcast, as illustrated by Paul's experience with Titus.
David Wilkerson emphasizes how the Holy Ghost brought comfort to Paul during his darkest times through the arrival of Titus. Paul, feeling cast down and weary, experienced a profound uplift as Titus shared encouraging news from the Corinthian church, which had responded positively to Paul's previous instructions. This fellowship and the refreshing spirit of Titus filled Paul with joy, demonstrating that God often uses people to bring comfort and renewal to one another. Wilkerson reflects on the importance of community and support in overcoming struggles, highlighting that even in tribulation, God provides what we need for the battle.
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How did the Holy Ghost bring comfort to Paul during his downcast times? The apostle himself tells us: "God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus" (2 Corinthians 7:6). Titus arrived in Macedonia with a refreshing spirit, and suddenly Paul's heart was lifted. As the two men fellowshipped, joy flooded through Paul's body, mind and spirit, and the apostle wrote, "I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all my tribulation" (7:4). Paul was declaring, "I still face problems, but the Lord has given me what I need for the battle. He has refreshed me through Titus."
Throughout my years in the ministry I've seen men and women of God come to the end of their endurance, cast down low and utterly confused. I've anguished over these dear brothers and sisters in their pain, asking the Lord, "Father, how will these servants of yours ever get out of such a pit of suffering? Where is the power that will bring them out? What can I say or do to help them?"
I believe the answer is found right here, in Paul's testimony. Here was a man so deeply weary that he was no longer himself. Paul was at the darkest time of his ministry, as cast down as he'd ever been. Yet within a few short hours, he was completely out of that dark pit and reveling in joy and gladness. Once again, the beloved apostle felt loved and needed.
How did this happen? First, let's look at what happened in Corinth. When Titus arrived there to meet with the church leaders, he received his own glorious refreshing. An awakening was taking place in the church because they had heeded Paul's instruction, and now God was blessing them mightily.
Titus arrived back in Macedonia with the encouraging news: "Paul, the brethren in Corinth send their love! They've removed the sin that was in their midst and dealt with the false prophets. They no longer despise your sufferings but instead rejoice in your testimony."
This refreshing word, brought by a dear brother in the Lord, immediately lifted Paul out of his pit: "God that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us [me], by the coming of Titus" (2 Corinthians 7:6). Do you see the example here? God uses people to refresh people. He didn't send an angel to refresh Paul. The comfort this man received came through the refreshing of Titus' spirit, who in turn refreshed Paul's.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Introduction to Paul's struggles
- The role of Titus in providing comfort
- The impact of fellowship on spiritual well-being
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II
- The significance of encouragement from others
- The transformation of Paul's spirit
- God's method of using people for comfort
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III
- The awakening in the Corinthian church
- The importance of addressing sin in the community
- The joy of mutual support among believers
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IV
- God's promise to comfort the downcast
- The necessity of sharing burdens
- The cycle of refreshment in the body of Christ
Key Quotes
“God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus.” — David Wilkerson
“I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all my tribulation.” — David Wilkerson
“God uses people to refresh people.” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- Seek out fellowship with other believers to find encouragement in difficult times.
- Be a source of refreshment for others by sharing uplifting words and support.
- Address issues within the community to foster a spirit of joy and unity.