The false god of comfort - Ecclesiastes 2:1-11

June 13, 2021 Speaker: Joel Scott Series: Battleground: The War that Wages Within

Topic: Battleground: The War that Wages Within Passage: Mark 12:30, Ecclesiastes 2:1–11, Hosea 14:8, 1 John 1:9

Where do we turn for comfort?

Food, Medicine, Shopping, Media, Pets

 

People do need comfort. Our world is confused, scary, violent and capricious.

-Mark Labberton Dangerous Act of Worship

 

What is the god of comfort?

Aligning one’s life to pursue:

- maximum pleasure

- irresistible experiences

- a lack of conflict at all costs.

 

False gods never fail to fail.

- Chris Wright

 

Desire itself isn’t wrong. Desire is part of being human. A sinful desire is a desire that is bigger than God.

-Tim Chester, You Can Change

 

It ought to be more than passing significance that comfort has not been high on God's methodology list. Wilderness? Exodus? Exile? Incarnation? Crucifixion? Taking up your cross? These elements of the biblical narrative suggest that God does not prize comfort.

-Mark Labberton

 

We have false idols because we don’t know God.

-Tim Keller, Counterfeit Gods

 

Dethrone the false god of comfort

1.Confess sin.

2.Repent.

3.Train your heart to receive from God.

 

We are always glad of comfort, and only with difficulty is a man stripped of self-love.

-Thomas a Kempis, Imitation of Christ

 

When comfort is withdrawn, do not immediately despair, but humbly and patiently await the will of Heaven; for God is able to restore to you a consolation even richer than before.

-Thomas a Kempis, Imitation of Christ

 

Be patient, my soul; await the fulfilment of God’s promise, and you shall enjoy the abundance of his goodness in Heaven. But if you hanker inordinately after the good things of this life; you will lose those of heaven and eternity.

-Thomas a Kempis, Imitation of Christ

 

Therefore, make right use of this world’s goods, but long only for those that are eternal. This world’s good things can never satisfy you, for you are not created for the enjoyment of these alone.

-Thomas a Kempis, Imitation of Christ

 

 

 

 

 

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