Overview
We have reason to wonder at Paul–he delighted in weakness, welcomed hardship as a friend and thanked God for obstacles. These eleven studies show you how this foundational Christian disciple learned to rely on God's great promise: "My grace is sufficient for you."
Introduction
Getting the Most Out of 2 Corinthians
This section introduces the topic, explains the structure followed in each study and offers tips for those approaching the study on their own as well as those participating in a group.
Session One
Our Comforting God
What is the connection between the sufferings of Christ and the comfort of Christ? In what ways have you experienced God's comfort in a difficult situation?
2 Corinthians 1:1-11
Session Two
Always Yes in Christ
What do you think Paul means in saying we are "the smell of death" to some and "the fragrance of life" to others? How does the thought that Christianity spreads like a fragrance challenge your church or Christian group?
2 Corinthians 1:12-2:17
Session Three
Every-Member Ministry
How do you respond to the idea that you may be the only letter from Christ that some people ever read?
2 Corinthians 3
Session Four
This Treasure
Why do you think many Christians in the Western world live as though they prefer to be "at home in the body," squeezing all they can out of life now?
2 Corinthians 4:1-5:10
Session Five
Ambassadors for Christ
Why do you think Paul would tell the Corinthians, who are already Christians, "Be reconciled to God"?
2 Corinthians 5:11-6:13
Session Six
Good Grief
What clues does this passage give us for ministering to someone who is tempted to marry outside the faith?
2 Corinthians 6:14-7:16
Session Seven
The Need to Give
What care does Paul take to avoid any suspicion of dishonesty or self-interest as he handles this large gift? What would be an equivalent strategy in our own day?
2 Corinthians 8-9
Session Eight
Spiritual Warfare
Paul says he is not waging war "as the world does." What types of worldly weapons and strategies do you think he has in mind? In what situations are we tempted to use these tactics today?
2 Corinthians 10
Session Nine
Super-Leaders
What words might the Corinthians have used to describe their experience of being led by these charismatic giants? In contrast, what does Paul boast about as the mark of his own leadership?
2 Corinthians 11
Session Ten
My Burden Carries Me
How do you react when a person shares spiritual experiences that seem completely beyond your reach? Why do you think Paul refrains from boasting about such an exalted experience?
2 Corinthians 12
Session Eleven
Examine Yourselves
Why does the cross represent the heart of what Paul has been saying to the Corinthians? In what ways do we shrink from our daily cross and find our power elsewhere?
2 Corinthians 13
Total number of pages - 64 pages
Paul Stevens is Professor Emeritus of Marketplace Theology and Leadership at Regent College (Vancouver, British Columbia), and a marketplace ministry mentor. He has worked as a carpenter and businessman, and served as the pastor of an inner-city church in Montreal. He has written many books and Bible studies, including the LifeGuide® Bible Studies 1 Corinthians (with Dan Williams), Job, Revelation, End Times and Spiritual Gifts.
