Letters Study #5
2 CORINTHIANS: Treasure that Shines through Clay
If last week’s “straightforward” letter from Paul to the Corinthian Christians sounded like a demanding coach, his follow up letter to these same believers (whom he deeply loved) assumes the tone of a passionate parent. Paul could be tough, but he also could be tender.
As he explains to them in 2 Corinthians 11:2-3, “I feel a divine jealousy for you, since I betrothed you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ. But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ.”
Displaying his heart for the Lord and for them, Paul urges 5 key perspectives for staying true to the Savior
This week’s teaching unpacked the Corinthian church challenge:
Get STARTED—get the ball rolling by reviewing the chart above, and then discussing
- Which of the 5 “Let’s” sections above peaks your interest most?—Trusting in Tough Times, Forgiveness of others, Serving the Ministry of Reconciliation, Being Generous, or having discernment regarding Cunning Deceivers
Explore the WORD—As a group, focus in your time on 2 Corinthians 8-9. Here are some study steps.
First, READ the chapters together (preferably out-loud)
Second, RECONSTRUCT the situation Paul is addressing.
(Historical Note: There has been a famine in the land of Palestine for several years. Christians especially in Jerusalem and Palestine are struggling with enough to eat and live on. Paul has been gathering a gift for them from among the churches around the Mediterranean. Here, he speaks to the Corinthian church about their part. Someone with a Study Bible may have some good ‘background’ information😊)
Third, SHARE YOUR OBSERVATIONS from Paul’s appeal in these chapters:
➢What is he asking the Corinthian believers to do?
➢What example does he set before the Corinthians?
➢How else does Paul appeal to the Corinthians? What are the reasons he asks them to be generous?
➢What applications for your own “stewardship” practice do you draw from this?
Prioritize APPLICATION Are you hearing the Spirit of God speak to you about GENEROSITY in these chapters?
➢ What are you hearing? How do these chapters express our Christ Community Church value of RADICAL GENEROSITY: Living Generously to Impact our World?
➢ Is there any step you are being urged by the Spirit to take when it comes to being generous with God and others? One of our life questions is – How are my investments doing?
➢ Will you follow through?
“Thanks for being a part of the LETTERS Summer Gather teaching series! Let the Word have sway!” Pastor David