In I Corinthians Paul twice promises that he would come to Corinth. Since that time, a long period has passed and the Corinthians wonder if he will ever come. He has put some heavy things on them in the first epistle and being unable to come in person he writes to encourage them in the second.
I. The Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
A. Disproves any Unitarian notions.
B. Reveals a relational aspect within the Godhead.
C. Presents God as our Father and Jesus as our Brother.
II.The Father of Mercies.
A. Mercies—pity, kindness, consideration or compassion.
B. Father used here because He produces what He is. He is the origin, the cause, the starting place of mercy.
C. Psalm 103:8 The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.
Psalm 103:11 For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.
Psalm 103:17 But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children’s children;
III. The God of All Comfort.
A. Consolation, come near, comfort, relief, support.
B. All—complete
In Extent—its Coverage.
In Amount—its Capacity.
In Time—its Circumstances
In Degree—its Completeness.
C. "God" used here instead of "father" because in order to relieve and support and comfort He has to be divine not just a father. To do these things He has to be God.
Conclusion: We see that the Lord is both our God and our Father. God who is able to do--Father who cares enough to do.
