First Watch - The New Commission

LESSON 7 - HOW TO GIVE

Acts 17:11 - 11 Now, the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. (NIV)
Hebrews 5:11-14 - 11 We have much to say about this, but it is hard to make it clear to you because you no longer try to understand. 12 In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! 13 Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. 14 But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.
1 Peter 3:15, 16 - 15But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.
Proverbs 27:17 - 17 Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend. (KJV)
Matthew 28:19, 20 - 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

LESSON 7 - HOW TO GIVE

Background / Lesson Scriptures: 2 Corinthians 8:1 – 24

Key / Focus Scripture(s) – 2 Corinthians 8:8 – 9 “I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. 9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.”. (NIV)

Guided Discussion – Questions
Why do you think the Bible places such a high priority on giving to others?

Pointed / Direct Questions
1. Paul strategically begins the next section not with an appeal but with an example. What circumstances were the churches in Macedonia facing as Paul was collecting for the Christians in Jerusalem? How does Paul describe their spirit in giving (see verses 1 – 4)?
2. The believers in Macedonia went beyond Paul’s expectations not only in their giving but in their willingness to give themseleves to the cause. What is the lesson that Paul wants the believers in Corinth to take away from their example (see verses 5 – 7)?
3. Paul is clear that he is not instructin gthe believers to give but asking them to willingly partner with him in the effort. Why would an instruction to give have defeated his purpose? What did he call on the believers to remember about Jesus (see verses 8 – 9)?
4. How does Paul say the believers will benefit as a result of their giving (see verses 10 – 12)?
5. What potential misconception about giving did Paul want to clear up (see verses 8:13 – 14)?
6. The verse that Paul quotes from Exodus refers to the story of God giving manna to the Israelites in the wilderness. God distributed the resources equally and instructed no one to try to hoard the food. How do you think this supports Paul’s claim that there should likewise be equality in sharing resources in the church (see verse 8:15)?
7. Paul includes these words to show that he has appointed Titus and other delegates to serve as his representatives for the collection. Why was Titus the ideal candidate to collect the offering from the believers (see verses 8:16 – 17)?
8. Why did Paul appoint Titus (and the others unnamed delegates) to collect the money from the Corinthians instead of collecting it himself (see verses 8:20)?
9. What was the Macedonian churches’ order of priority in their giving (see verses 8:8)?
10. What advise did Paul offer concerning the Corinthian Christians’ previous willingness to give (see 8:10 – 11)?
11. What potential for equality did Paul see in the Jerusalem church’s spiritual abundance and the Corinthian Church’s material abundance (see 8:14)?
12. What instruction did Paul give the Corinthians for when Titus and the unnamed brother in Christ arrived (see 8:24)?
13. What obstacles keep believers in Christ from being more generous with their resources?
14. What is your attitude toward giving? What can you do to give more to God’s work?

REFLECTING ON THE MEANING – JOURNALING YOUR RESPONSE
15. How can you better practice this kind of sacrificial giving this week?

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LESSON 6 - SPEAKING THE TRUTH IN LOVE

Acts 17:11 - 11 Now, the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. (NIV)
Hebrews 5:11-14 - 11 We have much to say about this, but it is hard to make it clear to you because you no longer try to understand. 12 In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! 13 Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. 14 But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.
1 Peter 3:15, 16 - 15But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.
Proverbs 27:17 - 17 Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend. (KJV)
Matthew 28:19, 20 - 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

GETTING STARTED What are some ways that people have spoken “the truth in love” to you? [Your Response Here]

SETTING THE STAGE We all have “blind spots” in our lives where we cannot see—or do not want to believe—the truth about ourselves. Some of our blind spots are caused by our vanity. We refuse to acknowledge the truth about ourselves, even though it is apparent to everyone else in our lives. Some of our blind spots are caused by pride. We convince ourselves that we are knowledgeable or skilled in certain areas when we actually are not. Some of our blind spots are caused by willful ignorance. We do not want to know the truth because we are afraid it might constrain us or ruin our fun. The believers in the city of Corinth had many spiritual blind spots . . . issues that the apostle Paul knew he needed to call to their attention in love so that their vision could be corrected. As previously noted, the apostle wrote the letter we know as 1 Corinthians to point out certain problems in the church, address questions the believers had, and admonish and encourage them to live according to the principles they had been taught. The believers had generally accepted this advice and taken steps to put it into practice. But then . . . opponents of Paul arrived on the scene and called his sincerity, integrity, and motives into question. As a result, many of Paul’s former friends in the Corinthian church were now rejecting him and questioning his authority. Paul was saddened by this reaction—but he did not allow it to deter him. He did not change his approach in ministering to the Corinthians or recant any of his previous statements. Rather, he drafted what is referred to as the “severe” or “sorrowful” letter to point out how the believers had been blinded to the truth. In this section of 2 Corinthians, Paul recounts the joy that he experienced when he learned from his coworker Titus that the believers in the city had taken his letter to heart. As painful as it had been for him to write those words, it appears that it had all been worth it. The believers in Corinth still liked and respected Paul . . . which was a good step toward their reconciliation.

EXPLORING THE TEXT
A Renewed Appeal

(2 Corinthians 7:1–4) 1 Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. 2 Open your hearts to us. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have cheated no one. 3 I do not say this to condemn; for I have said before that you are in our hearts, to die together and to live together. 4 Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my boasting on your behalf. I am filled with comfort. I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation.

1. Paul opens this section by reminding the believers of the promises that he has just cited from the Old Testament (see 6:16–18). How should the believers live in light of having received all these promises from God (see verse 1)? [Your Response Here]

2. Paul renews his appeal for the believers to open their hearts to him. What defense does he offer here for his actions? How does Paul describe the intent behind all of the words, sermons, and teachings that he had given to them (see verses 2–4)? [Your Response Here]
Titus’ Report to Paul (2 Corinthians 7:5–7)
5 For indeed, when we came to Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were troubled on every side. Outside were conflicts, inside were fears. 6 Nevertheless God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, 7 and not only by his coming, but also by the consolation with which he was comforted in you, when he told us of your earnest desire, your mourning, your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced even more.

3. Paul now returns to his discussion of the “severe” or “sorrowful” letter that he mentioned writing (see 2:1–11). What was Paul’s situation in Macedonia when he received the report back from Titus on how the Corinthians had received the letter (see verse 5)? [Your Response Here]

4. What effect did Titus say the letter had on the believers? What effect did this news have on the apostle Paul (see verses 6–7)? [Your Response Here]
The Corinthians’ Repentance (2 Corinthians 7:8–12)
8 For even if I made you sorry with my letter, I do not regret it; though I did regret it. For I perceive that the same epistle made you sorry, though only for a while. 9 Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that your sorrow led to repentance. For you were made sorry in a godly manner, that you might suffer loss from us in nothing. 10 For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death. 11 For observe this very thing, that you sorrowed in a godly manner: What diligence it produced in you, what clearing of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what vehement desire, what zeal, what vindication! In all things you proved yourselves to be clear in this matter. 12 Therefore, although I wrote to you, I did not do it for the sake of him who had done the wrong, nor for the sake of him who suffered wrong, but that our care for you in the sight of God might appear to you.

5. Paul’s “severe letter” had caused a degree of distress on the believers. In spite of this, why did Paul say that he did not regret writing it (see verses 7–10)? [Your Response Here]

6. What did Paul say the believers’ godly sorrow would produce in them (see verses 11–12)?
[Your Response Here]
The Joy of Titus (2 Corinthians 7:13–16)
13 Therefore we have been comforted in your comfort. And we rejoiced exceedingly more for the joy of Titus, because his spirit has been refreshed by you all. 14 For if in anything I have boasted to him about you, I am not ashamed. But as we spoke all things to you in truth, even so our boasting to Titus was found true. 15 And his affections are greater for you as he remembers the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling you received him. 16 Therefore I rejoice that I have confidence in you in everything.

7. Paul has thus far described his own joy (and relief) at hearing the Corinthians had responded favorably to his “severe letter.” But how did Titus feel after he spent time with the Corinthian believers (see verse 13)? [Your Response Here]

8. Paul had “boasted” to Titus about the church in Corinth—and now they had proved that his high opinion of them was justified. What was it about the believers in Corinth that caused Titus to feel especially affectionate toward them (see verses 14–15)? [Your Response Here]

REVIEWING THE STORY Paul reminded the believers in Corinth of the promises they had received from God and again appealed for them to open their hearts to him. He stated that he had done nothing to deserve their criticism and made it that he didn’t want to condemn them but restore his fellowship with them. Paul then expressed his joy at receiving the good news from Titus that the believers had responded well to his “severe letter.” He recognized that his letter had caused them distress but did not apologize for his words. After all, that sorrow had led to their repentance. He ended the chapter by recalling Titus’s personal love and affection for the Corinthians.

9. What did Paul encourage the Corinthian believers to do (see 2 Corinthians 7:1)? [Your Response Here]

10. What condition was Paul in when he came to Macedonia (see 2 Corinthians 7:5)? [Your Response Here]

11. What is the difference between godly sorrow and the sorrow of the world (see 2 Corinthians 7:10)? [Your Response Here]

12. What did Paul rejoice about concerning the Corinthian Christians (see 2 Corinthians 7:16)? [Your Response Here]

APPLYING THE MESSAGE
13. When was the last time you felt genuine sorrow over something that you did? [Your Response Here]

14. What are some of the positive effects that godly sorrow has produced in your life? [Your Response Here]

REFLECTING ON THE MEANING
Paul told the Corinthian believers, “For even if I made you sorry with my letter, I do not regret it” (2 Corinthians 7:8). After all he had nothing to regret, for he was speaking the truth about them in love. If we follow Paul’s example and likewise speak God’s truth in love, there is a good chance we will have to deal with offended reactions and hurt feelings—just as Paul did. When this occurs, we need to keep the following points in mind.
First, we need to remember we are responsible for the message but not the response. In one of Jesus’ parables, he compared spreading the message of the gospel to a farmer sowing seeds (see Matthew 13:1–9, 18–23). The seed either flourished or failed depending on the ground (people’s hearts) on which it fell. The farmer was not responsible for the outcome—just for sowing the seeds.
Second, we need to remember that popularity is overrated. Generally speaking, the more that we try to please other people in our lives, the less that we will seek to please God. Popularity can alter our perspectives and our priorities. Those who desire it will be tempted to compromise their principles to attain it, while those who have popularity will be tempted to compromise their principles in order to maintain it. For Christians, such compromises can damage our witness and cause us to miss out on God’s plans for our lives. As Jesus put it, “For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost?” (Luke 9:25).
Third, we need to remember that godly sorrow is good. Sorrow is often the result of the Holy Spirit’s work in our conscience—our realization that something is wrong. Sorrow is the motivation for us to change and compels us to admit our wrongdoing, ask for forgiveness, and restore our relationship with God. When this occurs in our hearts, what was once painful becomes something joyous.
This is the exact message that Paul wanted the believers in Corinth to understand.

JOURNALING YOUR RESPONSE
What is the hardest thing about speaking the truth in love? [Your Response Here]

Credit:
Jeremiah, David . 2 Corinthians: The Call to Reconciliation (Jeremiah Bible Study Series) (p. 72). Harper Christian Resources. Kindle Edition.

LESSON 5 - UNEQUALLY YOKED

Acts 17:11 - 11 Now, the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. (NIV)
Hebrews 5:11-14 - 11 We have much to say about this, but it is hard to make it clear to you because you no longer try to understand. 12 In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! 13 Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. 14 But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.
1 Peter 3:15, 16 - 15But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.
Proverbs 27:17 - 17 Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend. (KJV)
Matthew 28:19, 20 - 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

LESSON 5 - UNEQUALLY YOKED

Background / Lesson Scriptures: 2 Corinthians 6:1 – 18

Key / Focus Scripture(s) – 2 Corinthians 6:17 – 19 “14 Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? 15 What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? 16 What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.” (NIV)

Guided Discussion – Questions
How are your relationships with Christian friends different from your relationships with non-Christian friends?

Pointed / Direct Questions
1. Paul considered himself to be a “worker” with God in not only spreading the message of Christ to non-believers but also in helping believers to live the way that God wanted them to live. In this regard, how could believers “receive the grace of God in vain” (see verse 1)?
2. Paul quotes Isaish 49:8. What does Paul say about the “day of salvation” (see verses 2)?
3. Paul shows that the way he has lived his life testifies to his sincerity in bringing the gospel to the Corinthians. What are some of the positive traits that Paul lists that reveals what it means to be a true minister of the gospel (see verses 3–10)?
4. What are some of the struggles that Paul lists that reveals what a true minister of the gospel will be forced to endure at times?
5. Paul passionately exclaimed to the believers in Corinth that he had opened his heart and his life to them. What did he request in return (see verses 11–13)?
6. Paul desires for the believers to reciprocate his affections, but he knows there are barriers that stand in the way. What does he imply these barriers were? What is Paul calling to the believers’ attention through the four questions he asks (see verses 14–15)?
7. Paul now comes to the heart of the matter as to why believers should not enter into compromising relationships with non-believers. What do you think it means to be a “temple of the living God” (see verse 16)?
8. According to Paul’s quotation from Isaiah 52:11, what did God say His people had to do as a result of His dwelling with them? What did He promise in return (see verses 17–18)?
REVIEWING THE STORY
9. What was the apostle Paul able to confidently say about his ministry (see 2 Corinthians 6:3)?
10. What did Paul say that he was able to do even though he was poor (see 2 Corinthians 6:10)?
11. What was it that restricted the Corinthian Christians from embracing Paul (2 Corinthians 6:12)?
12. How did Paul want the Corinthian believers to think of themselves (2 Corinthians 6:16)?

APPLYING THE MESSAGE
13. What is the difference between the way other people see you and the way God sees you?
14. How would you know if you were unequally yoked with an unbeliever?

REFLECTING ON THE MEANING
15. What are some ways you can make sure you are maintianing spiritually healthy relationships with unbelievers?

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First Watch delayed until next week... due to the LOVEFEST Marriage Conference

LESSON 4 - THE GOSPEL OF RECONCILIATION

Acts 17:11 - 11 Now, the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. (NIV)
Hebrews 5:11-14 - 11 We have much to say about this, but it is hard to make it clear to you because you no longer try to understand. 12 In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! 13 Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. 14 But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.
1 Peter 3:15, 16 - 15But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.
Proverbs 27:17 - 17 Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend. (KJV)
Matthew 28:19, 20 - 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

LESSON 4 - THE GOSPEL OF RECONCILIATION

Background / Lesson Scriptures: 2 Corinthians 5:1 – 21

Key / Focus Scripture(s) – 2 Corinthians 5:17 – 19 “17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 18 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.” (NKJV)

Guided Discussion – Questions
What is the longest you have ever been estranged from a loved one?
Pointed / Direct Questions
1. Paul has just noted that even in the midst of affliction, perplexity, persecution—and in the face of death—believers are able to hold on to the hope they have received through Christ. To what hope can we cling if our “earthly house” (our body ) is destroyed (see verse 1)?
2. How does keeping our focus on eternity help us to navigate the trials of this world? How does this require walking by faith and not by sight (see verses 4 – 7)
3. Paul follows up his discussion on the hope we have received with some practical takeaways on how these truths should affect our lives. How does Paul say we should conduct ourselves? What should we remember as we consider our actions (see verses 9–10?)
4. When Paul says we should know the “terror of the Lord,” he is saying we should hold Him in reverential awe as the future judge of the world. How should this truth compel us to tell others about the gospel (see verse 11)?
5. Paul again returned to the defense of his ministry when he was with the Corinthians. In what does he want the believers to “boast” (see verse 12)?
6. What does Paul say motivated all his actions? How does he say that we should live in light of knowing the truth that Jesus died for our sins (see verses 13 – 15)?
7. Paul had learned to not judge people in terms of “the flesh” or outward appearances but on the spiritual condition of their hearts. What does Paul say about a person who has received Christ? What changes have taken place in that person’s life (see verses 16–17)?
8. Paul states that it was God who reached out to sinful humankind and made the initial steps toward restoration. What task has He given to us in this respect? In what ways are we to be “ambassadors for Christ” (see verses 18–21)?

REVIEWING THE STORY
9. What reason does Paul give as to why Christians “groan” in this present world (see 2 Corinthians 5:2)
10. What will happen when we appear before the judgement seat of Christ (see 2 Corinthians 5:10)?
11. Whom does Paul say was able to impress the Corinthians Christians (2 Corinthians 5:12)?
12. What is true of anyone who is in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17)?

APPLYING THE MESSAGE
13. How would you explain to an unbeliever what happens when you stop living for yourself and start living for Christ?
14. How can you prevent yourself from becoming overly impressed by people who “boast in appearance and not in heart” (2 Corinthians 5:12)?

REFLECTING ON THE MEANING
15. What is the most challenging aspect of being an ambassador for Christ?


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LESSON 3 - TREASURE IN EARTHEN VESSELS

Acts 17:11 - 11 Now, the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. (NIV)
Hebrews 5:11-14 - 11 We have much to say about this, but it is hard to make it clear to you because you no longer try to understand. 12 In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! 13 Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. 14 But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.
1 Peter 3:15, 16 - 15But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.
Proverbs 27:17 - 17 Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend. (KJV)
Matthew 28:19, 20 - 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

LESSON 3 - TREASURE IN EARTHEN VESSELS
Background / Lesson Scriptures: 2 Corinthians 4:1 – 18

Key / Focus Scripture(s) – 2 Corinthians 4:7 – 10 “7But we have this precious treasure [the good news about salvation] in [unworthy] earthen vessels [of human frailty], so that the grandeur and surpassing greatness of the power will be [shown to be] from God [His sufficiency] and not from ourselves. 8 We are pressured in every way [hedged in], but not crushed; perplexed [unsure of finding a way out], but not driven to despair; 9 hunted down and persecuted, but not deserted [to stand alone]; struck down, but never destroyed; 10 always carrying around in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the [resurrection] life of Jesus also may be shown in our body.” (AMP)

Guided Discussion – Questions
What is a failure in your life that you have worked hard to overcome?

Pointed / Direct Questions
1. The apostle Paul has just discussed the benefits of the new covenant and what it means for believers in Christ. He now returns to discussing his role as a minister of that new covenant. Why does Paul say that he has no reason to lose heart in spite of the trials he faced? What does Paul state that he has renounced (see verses 1–2)?
2. Some had claimed that Paul’s gospel was obscure and that his methods were under-handed. How does Paul respond to these charges? What does he say is really happening if people are not able to see the truth of the gospel he proclaims (see verses 3–6)?
3. Why does Paul say that God entrusted the “treasure” of the gospel to an “earthen vessel” like himself (see verse 7)?
4. What paradoxes of the Christian life does Paul highlight in verses 8 – 9? What was Paul willing to endure so the message of salvation could reach the lost (see verses 11 – 12)?
5. Paul quotes the psalmist who wrote, “I believe, therefore I spoke, I am greatly afflicted” (Psalm 116:10). Why couldn’t Paul remain silent about Christ (see 2 Corinthians 4:13–14)?
6. How does Paul conclude his aurgument that he was sincere in his ministry to the Corinthians? What had he endured for their sake (see verse 15)?
7. The trials that Paul had endured took their toll on his physical health. But why did he refuse to lose heart even in the face of this fact (see verse 16)?
8. How did the apostle Paul consider his trials in this world? How did his perspective enable him to continue his ministry to reveal the “unseen” truths of the gospel (see verses 17–18)?
REVIEWING THE STORY
9. What title did Paul use to refer to Satan (see 2 Corinthians 4:4)?
10. How did Paul describe the impact of the difficulties he faced (see 2 Corinthians 4:8 – 9)?
11. What does Paul say empowers us to speak the message of Christ (see 2 Corinthians 4:13 – 14)?
12. What is the essential difference between the things that are seen and the things that are not seen (see 2 Corinthians 4:18)?
APPLYING THE MESSAGE
13. What are some ways that you “hard-pressed” on every side? What encourangement can you take from Paul’s outlook on the trials we all endure in life?
14. What are some ways that you keep your focus on the promises of eternity with Christ? How does this help you to endure the momentary afflictions in this life?
REFLECTING ON THE MEANING / JOURNALING YOUR RESPONSE
15. When you think of your most recent failure, where are you on the list of the five things to do?

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