Six years, two visits, and two letters after planting the church at Corinth, Paul writes once more to his spiritual children with a message of reconciliation, encouragement, and challenge. As the Corinthians elevate themselves through self-protection, Paul shares the mind-bending logic of the gospel. Suffering, weakness, and humility are part of God’s paradigm for joy. In this new cruciform way of life, we can embrace the paradox of the cross and experience the transformative power of a God whose love was made known through the sacrificial death of Jesus—for only in our weakness can we find God’s strength.
WEEK 1: The God of All Comfort
August 16 2 Corinthians 1:1-11
WEEK 2: Hurt in the Church
August 23 2 Corinthians 1:12-2:13
WEEK 3: Ministers of the New Covenant
August 30 2 Corinthians 2:14-3:6
WEEK 4: A Glorious New Way
September 4 2 Corinthians 3:7-18
WEEK 5: Jars of Clay
September 13 2 Corinthians 4:1-12
WEEK 6: New Bodies
September 20 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:10
WEEK 7: A Message of Reconciliation
September 27 2 Corinthians 5:11-6:2
WEEK 8: A True Minister
October 4 2 Corinthians 6:3-13
WEEK 9: Holiness in the Temple
October 11 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1
WEEK 10: Godly Sorrow vs. Worldly Sorrow
October 18 2 Corinthians 7:2-16
WEEK 11: Generosity and Joy
October 25 2 Corinthians 8:1-24
WEEK 12: The God of Provision
November 1 2 Corinthians 9:1-15
WEEK 13: Spiritual Authority
November 8 2 Corinthians 10:1-18
WEEK 14: A Suffering Servant
November 15 2 Corinthians 11:16-33
WEEK 15: A Thorn in the Flesh
November 22 2 Corinthians 12:1-10
WEEK 16: Spiritual Discipline
November 29 2 Corinthians 12:11-13:2
WEEK 17: Spiritual Testing
December 6 2 Corinthians 13:3-10
WEEK 18: Joy, Peace, and Maturity
December 11 2 Corinthians 13:11-14
Nobody Like You | Red Rocks Worship | Apple Music
Psalm 33:6-7 • Exodus 15:11 • Phil 2:5-11 • Jeremiah 10:6
Christ Our Savior | Grace Church Worship | Apple Music
Lamentations 3:21-26 • Ephesians 2:8-9 • Titus 3:5-6
Dwell | Aaron Keyes | Apple Music
Psalm 91:1 • Isaiah 54:17
Christ Be Magnified | Cody Carnes | Apple Music
Psalm 34:1-3 • Romans 6:3-5 • Revelation 5:11-13
Call Upon the Lord | Elevation Worship | Apple Music
Psalm 18:3-2 • 2 Corinthians 3:17 • Hebrews 13:5-6
Faithfulness | Hillsong Worship | Apple Music
Lamentations 3:22-23 • Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 • Romans 15:13
More Grace | Grace Church Worship | Apple Music
James 4:6-10
Not Anymore | Grace Church Worship | Apple Music
Isaiah 12
This We Know | Vertical Worship | Apple Music
Isaiah 55:8-9 • Hebrews 10:23 • Colossians 2:15 • 1 Corinthians 15:55-57 • 1 Peter 1:3-7
There Is a Fountain | Grace Church Worship | Apple Music
Zechariah 13:1 • John 1:29 • Hebrews 9:12-14
The One Who Saves | Hillsong Worship | Apple Music
1 Chronicles 16:31-35 • Ezra 3:11 • Jeremiah 33:11
Build My Life | Passion | Apple Music
Matthew 7:24-27 • Colossians 2:6-8 • Psalm 145:3
King of Kings | Hillsong Worship | Apple Music
Romans 1:16-17 • Hebrews 12:1 • Acts 18
Never Be the Same | People & Songs | Apple Music
John 4:13-14 • 2 Corinthians 5:17 • Romans 8:11
I See the Lord | Vertical Worship | Apple Music
1 Chronicles 29:10-12 • Psalm 99:1-3 • Isaiah 6:1-3 • Psalm 19:1-4
In Your Presence | Elevation Worship | Apple Music
Psalm 16:7-8 & 11• Deuteronomy 31:6 • Romans 8:31-34
Be Thou My Vision | Apple Music
Deuteronomy 4:28-29 • Jeremiah 9:23-24 • 1 Corinthians 1:26-31
More Like Jesus | Passion | Apple Music
John 3:30 • 1 Peter 2:21 • Romans 8:29 • Ephesians 4:22-24
This I Believe | Hillsong Worship | Apple Music
1 Corinthians 15 • John 3:16 • Romans 1:16-17 • Hebrews 1
No Greater Love | Grace Church Worship | Apple Music
John 15:13 • Romans 5:1-11 • Ephesians 5:2 • Galatians 5:13
In Christ Alone | Passion | Apple Music
Jude 1:24-25 • Philippians 3:7-11 • Romans 8:38-39
The Lord is Great and Mighty | Grace Church Worship
Psalm 40 • Ezekiel 36:26
All Things Together | 10,000 Fathers | Apple Music
Revelation 22:13 • Colossians 1:17
Yes I Will | Vertical Worship | Apple Music
Psalm 130:5-8 • Philippians 2:9-11 • Isaiah 28:30
All Things New | Brett Younker | Apple Music
2 Corinthians 5:17 • 2 Corinthians 5:21 • Isaiah 61:3 • Romans 3:25-26
Christ Be Magnified | Cody Carnes | Apple Music
Psalm 34:1-3 • Romans 6:3-5 • Revelation 5:11-13
Endless Surrender | Grace Church Worship | Apple Music
Hebrews 4:12 • Philippians 3:8-11 • Titus 3:3-8
Singing in the Victory | Austin Stone | Apple Music
John 14:27 • 1 Corinthians 15:54-57 • Romans 8:35-39
Behold | Grace Church Worship | Apple Music
Philippians 2:6-11 • 1 Peter 3:18 • Isaiah 53:3-5 • Revelation 19:11-16
Overcome | Elevation Worship | Apple Music
Romans 8 • Psalm 145:13 • John 16:33
Hope of the World | Hillsong Worship | Apple Music
John 3:14-17 • 1 Chronicles 16:23-25 • Psalm 33:20-22 • Ephesians 2:4-7
Once For All | CityAlight | Apple Music
Romans 6:10 • Hebrews 10:19-22 • 1 Peter 3:18 • Revelation 4:11
What a Savior | Hillsong Worship | Apple Music
John 9:35-39 • Psalm 71:14 • Psalm 149:4
Who You Say I Am | Hillsong Worship | Apple Music
1 Peter 2:9-10 • John 8:36 • Romans 8:14-17
Great and Mighty King | Elevation Worship | Apple Music
Psalm 47:6-8 • Revelation 5:11-14 • Isaiah 6:1-3
The Lord is Great and Mighty | Grace Church Worship
Psalm 40 • Ezekiel 36:26
O Praise the Name | Hillsong Worship | Apple Music
Matthew 27-28 • 1 Corinthians 15:3-7 • Revelation 7:9-12 • Hebrews 9:28
Hope to Carry On | Grace Church Worship | Apple Music
1 Thessalonians 3 • 1 Thessalonians 1:3 • 1 Peter 1:7
Never Be the Same | People & Songs | Apple Music
John 4:13-14 • 2 Corinthians 5:17 • Romans 8:11
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/never-be-the-same-feat-kurtis-parks/1254109532?i=1254109995
Call Upon the Lord | Elevation Worship | Apple Music
Psalm 18:3-2 • 2 Corinthians 3:17 • Hebrews 13:5-6
Come Thou Fount (We Praise You) | Grace Church Worship | Apple Music
Ephesians 2:7-8 • 1 John 3:1-3 • Titus 3:4-6 • 1 Corinthians 1:22
Worthy of it All | Grace Church Worship | Apple Music
Psalm 51:16-17 • Psalm 139:23-24 • Amos 5:21-24
Not Anymore | Grace Church Worship |Apple Music
Isaiah 12
I Will Look Up | Elevation Worship | Apple Music
Psalm 57:7-11 • Isaiah 26:1-8 • 2 Samuel 22:26-31
Trust You (You are Good) | Grace Church Worship | Apple Music
Mark 9:24 • Luke 12:27-32 • Psalm 107:28-30
Christ Be Magnified | Cody Carnes | Apple Music
Psalm 34:1-3 • Romans 6:3-5 • Revelation 5:11-13
More Grace | Grace Church Worship | Apple Music
James 4:6-10
Fully Devoted | Life.Church Worship | Apple Music
Romans 12:1 • Ephesians 4:16 • Ephesians 3:20
Faithfulness | Hillsong Worship |Apple Music
Lamentations 3:22-23 • Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 • Romans 15:13
Greater Than All Our Words | Grace Church Worship | Click here to listen
Psalm 19:1 • Romans 12:1 • Job 40:4
Hallelujah for the Cross | Chris McClarney | Apple Music
Colossians 1:13-20 • Isaiah 53:5 • Romans 2:4
Man of Sorrows | Hillsong Worship | Apple Music
Isaiah 53 • 1 Timothy 2:5-6 • Hebrews 5:5-9
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/man-of-sorrows-live/659487245?i=659487505
Mighty God (Another Hallelujah) | Elevation Worship | Apple Music
Mark 4:39 • Revelation 19:6-8
Give It All | Grace Church Worship | Apple Music
Psalm 101:1 • Romans 12:1 • Romans 5:8 • Galatians 2:20
Hallelujah for the Cross | Chris McClarney | Apple Music
Colossians 1:13-20 • Isaiah 53:5 • Romans 2:4
All Things Together | 10,000 Fathers | Apple Music
Revelation 22:13 • Colossians 1:17
The Lord is Great and Mighty | Grace Church Worship
Psalm 40 • Ezekiel 36:26
I Surrender | All Sons & Daughters | Apple Music
Romans 12:1 • Luke 22:41-43 • Matthew 6:19-21
What a Savior | Hillsong Worship | Apple Music
John 9:35-39 • Psalm 71:14 • Psalm 149:4
Yes I Will | Vertical Worship | Apple Music
Psalm 130:5-8 • Philippians 2:9-11 • Isaiah 28:30
Singing in the Victory | Austin Stone | Apple Music
John 14:27 • 1 Corinthians 15:54-57 • Romans 8:35 39
King of Kings | Hillsong Worship | Apple Music
Romans 1:16-17 • Hebrews 12:1 • Acts 18
Who You Say I Am | Hillsong Worship | Apple Music
1 Peter 2:9-10 • John 8:36 • Romans 8:14-17
Center My Life | Austin Stone Worship | Apple Music
Hebrews 12:2 • Matthew 6:21,33 • Galatians 2:20 • Colossians 3:1
Hallelujah for the Cross | Chris McClarney | Apple Music
Colossians 1:13-20 • Isaiah 53:5 • Romans 2:4
Whole Again (Wondrous Cross) | Grace Church Worship | Apple Music
Colossians 1:20 • Hebrews 9:14 • Ephesians 1:7 • 1 Peter 2:24
Endless Surrender | Grace Church Worship | Apple Music
Hebrews 4:12 • Philippians 3:8-11 • Titus 3:3-8
This I Believe | Hillsong Worship | Apple Music
1 Corinthians 15 • John 3:16 • Romans 1:16-17 • Hebrews 1
This We Know | Vertical Worship | Apple Music
Isaiah 55:8-9 • Hebrews 10:23 • Colossians 2:15 • 1 Corinthians 15:55-57 • 1 Peter 1:3-7
All Things New | Brett Younker | Apple Music
2 Corinthians 5:17 • 2 Corinthians 5:21 • Isaiah 61:3 • Romans 3:25-26
Sovereign Over Us | Aaron Keyes | Apple Music
Isaiah 43:2 • Isaiah 55:8-9 • Romans 8:28
In Christ Alone | Passion | Apple Music
Jude 1:24-25 • Philippians 3:7-11 • Romans 8:38-39
More Like Jesus | Passion | Apple Music
John 3:30 • 1 Peter 2:21 • Romans 8:29 • Ephesians 4:22-24
Exalted Over All | Vertical Worship | Apple Music
Philippians 2:6-11 • Colossians 1:15-20 • Hebrews 12:2
Hark the Herald Angels Sing | Christy Nockels | Apple Music
Luke 2:8-18
Build My Life | Passion | Apple Music
Matthew 7:24-27 • Colossians 2:6-8 • Psalm 145:3
God With Us | All Sons and Daughters | Apple Music
Joshua 1:9 • John 1:14 • Psalm 68:19-20
In Your Presence | Elevation Worship | Apple Music
Psalm 16:7-8 & 11• Deuteronomy 31:6 • Romans 8:31-34
Faithfulness | Hillsong Worship | Apple Music
Lamentations 3:22-23 • Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 • Romans 15:13
Angels We Have Heard on High | Chris Tomlin | Apple Music
Luke 2:8-18
Hope Has Come | Grace Church Worship | Apple Music
Luke 1:26-2:20 • Matthew 1:18-2:12
Man of Sorrows | Hillsong Worship | Apple Music
Isaiah 53 • 1 Timothy 2:5-6 • Hebrews 5:5-9
Behold | Grace Church Worship | Apple Music
Philippians 2:6-11 • 1 Peter 3:18 • Isaiah 53:3-5 • Revelation 19:11-16
Joy to the World | Hillsong Worship | Apple Music
Luke 2:11 • Psalm 98
The First Noel | Grace Church Worship | Apple Music
Luke 2:8-20
Christ Be Magnified | Cody Carnes | Apple Music
Psalm 34:1-3 • Romans 6:3-5 • Revelation 5:11-13
Never Be the Same | People & Songs | Apple Music
John 4:13-14 • 2 Corinthians 5:17 • Romans 8:11
O God of Our Salvation | Grace Church Worship | Apple Music
1 Chronicles 16:29
These daily readings will help prepare you for the upcoming teaching you will hear this weekend at Grace Church. These passages will create some context for the sermon by showing you Scriptures the teacher might be quoting and some passages that contain related ideas. Our hope is that as you follow this reading plan, it will help you become more defined and directed by Scripture.
WEEK 1: The God of All Comfort
WEEK 2: Hurt in the Church
WEEK 3: Ministers of the New Covenant
WEEK 4: A Glorious New Way
WEEK 5: Jars of Clay
WEEK 6: New Bodies
WEEK 7: A Message of Reconciliation
WEEK 8: A True Minister
WEEK 9: Holiness in the Temple
WEEK 10: Godly Sorrow vs. Worldly Sorrow
WEEK 11: Generosity and Joy
WEEK 12: The God of Provision
WEEK 13: Spiritual Authority
WEEK 14: A Suffering Servant
WEEK 15: A Thorn in the Flesh
WEEK 16: Spiritual Discipline
WEEK 17: Spiritual Testing
WEEK 18: Joy, Peace, and Maturity
In the past, are there times you have made choices that caused you to suffer for Christ? If so, how did those choices affect your faith?
How have you cultivated a relationship wherein you can receive comfort from God? What particular events helped you develop that trust?
Can you think of ways that you have brought comfort to others? How might you be able to comfort others in the future?
God can’t fill you if you’re already full. Consider some of the ways you tend to fill yourself with easily accessible comforts. How can you make conscious choices to empty yourself for God?
In response to the Corinthians’ rejection, Paul explains that in order to receive comfort from God, we must lean into suffering. Allowing suffering to empty us creates a void that God can fill with life and strength.
Furthermore, suffering enables us to be mediators of God’s comfort to others just as Jesus has comforted us.
Paul also explains that he is choosing suffering in order to serve the Corinthians. This choice mirrors Jesus’ suffering on the cross in order to give us life.
Belief in Jesus’ resurrection is central to our faith. If we believe in the certainty of life after death, then we will be free to take risks and give our resources for God’s kingdom.
Allowing God to rescue us in difficult moments now is merely a foretaste of our ultimate salvation. We can cultivate a deeper faith by leaning into suffering and trusting him with the outcome.
Real ministry is difficult work. Can you think of a time when you encountered rejection while serving someone for Christ? How did it affect you?
Our culture is full of false teachers (spiritual, political, cultural, etc). Can you identify a false teacher who has swayed you in the past?
Consider the role of the Holy Spirit in your life. How have you experienced stability from the Holy Spirit during a difficult time?
What cultural or spiritual voices do you tend to fill your mind with? In what ways could any of those voices be distorting the truth? How can you lean into God’s Word and community for clarity?
In an effort to reach out to the believers at Corinth, Paul explains that he has chosen a simple, honest form of ministry to them so that they may grow in their faith in God.
False teachers have swayed the church with flash and power. We must likewise be wary of voices in our culture that promise the benefits of Christianity without suffering.
Paul also explains that he is choosing the Corinthians in the same way God has chosen us as believers. By declaring the ultimate “yes” in Jesus, God fulfilled his promise to us at great cost.
The instability of our circumstances exposes who we really are—where we find comfort and where our treasure is.
Like the church at Corinth, we need to be careful whom we listen to and how much we listen to. We must turn to God’s Word and biblical community to find truth.
We are inclined to trust our own ability to discern truth. Ultimately, we must be willing to trust God more than easy or clever answers.
We all crave affirmation. Consider whether affirmation from God or people is more important to you. How can you move towards pouring your life out as a sacrifice for God whether or not you are affirmed by others?
Are there people in your life who have experienced life change as a result of your influence? Who in your immediate context can you influence for Jesus?
Have you ever experienced rejection because of your stance on a biblical or moral issue? How did that affect you? When has that happened recently, or if it hasn’t, why do you think that is?
Consider your life in the context of church versus your life at work or in your day-to-day activities. Is there a disparity between the two? If so, what step can you take this week to represent Christ more fully?
Paul explains to the church at Corinth that the true fruit of gospel ministry is life change—genuine transformation is rooted in the power of Jesus.
Even in the midst of difficulty and loss, believers can take heart in the ultimate victory of the resurrection.
All believers are called to live out the gospel to others—the primary purpose of our regular, daily tasks is to spread the knowledge of Christ. Some will receive it and be transformed; others will reject the truth.
In our culture in particular, the exclusivity of Christ can be difficult to swallow. The message of the gospel is both empathetic and hostile to humanity—we must acknowledge our sin in order to receive God’s grace.
Like Paul, we must serve others with the mindset that God is watching and be mindful of our motives.
The legitimacy of our ministry is the life change of those around us. While only the Holy Spirit can change lives, we must consistently hold out the gospel to others.
We all struggle with sin. How can your sinful weakness—your inability to keep God’s law— teach you about your need for God’s grace and power?
Discuss your experience of God. Has “the veil” been taken away for you? If so, how did your relationship with God change as a result?
Consider God’s resume in your life. How has he already shown his glory by changing you? In what ways can your past encourage your faith moving forward?
We are called to reflect God’s glory to those around us. What are some specific ways you can do that in your everyday life?
In order to point the Corinthian believers towards the power of Christ, Paul explains that the Old Covenant, the law, is insufficient in and of itself—it is merely a teacher that points us to the New Covenant.
In Christ through the Spirit, the New Covenant gives us the power to live out the relationship with God that we were created for.
When we are transformed by the gospel, the Holy Spirit gives us new desires and abilities. We gain both the desire to obey and the power to do so.
We should be more captivated by God’s resume in our lives than our own abilities. Looking back at how he has transformed us can prompt us to move forward in faith.
The gospel transformation begins when we turn to Jesus in a personal way. Only then will the veil be removed so we can experience the true glory of God.
Once we have seen God’s glory through Christ, then we can reflect it to others and be changed into his glorious image.
One of the challenging facets of the gospel is the truth that our hearts are full of darkness without Jesus. What is your reaction to this idea? What does Scripture say about it?
It’s very easy to be consumed by our culture and captured by ideas that appeal to us, so we must be cautious about whom and what we align ourselves with. What voices or organizations do you find appealing? Why do you think that is?
As believers, we all have a responsibility to share the gospel with those around us. When have you seen the gospel shared with credibility and power where God alone was glorified? How can you grow in this area?
Part of following Jesus is being willing to suffer with and for him. What have you ever risked or lost for the gospel? What kinds of sacrifices do you think God is calling you to make now in order to further his kingdom?
As Paul unpacks the gospel, he explains that it has nothing to do with charisma or talent. The gospel is powerful in and of itself.
Many cannot receive the gospel because they are blinded by Satan. We must be mindful of Satan’s influence and power in our culture.
Instead of trying to align ourselves with a powerful leader or movement, we are free to be servants since our status is secure in Jesus.
Our inherent weakness as vessels of the gospel only serves to amplify God’s power. The very nature of the gospel is that God became weak in the form of a man to serve others.
We all have a responsibility to share the gospel humbly and with sincerity.
Part of our calling as believers is to enter into the sufferings of Christ. We must be willing to deplete and diminish ourselves for the sake of others—only then can God fill us with his glory.
We all experience big life changes that can be disorienting, both good and bad (marriage, divorce, loss, parenting). In the midst of those times, what specific steps can we take to align ourselves with God’s purpose for us?
God has given each of us a particular story. How committed are you to telling your story to others? When was the last time you shared your faith journey with someone else?
Paul calls us to “fix our gaze on things we cannot see.” Why is this challenging? What are some concrete steps you can take to orient yourself to God’s ultimate mission?
On the day we stand before Jesus, our true selves will be revealed. Is this encouraging or sobering to you? Why?
In this passage, Paul points us to a future day when all believers will be resurrected and stand before Jesus. Looking toward this time orients us to God’s purpose in and through us.
Paul is passionate about telling his story of faith—he knows God has entrusted him with a mission to share his life-change story with others.
Even though our outer selves are slowly dying and we experience trials here on earth, we can rest in the fact that our inner selves are becoming more powerful as we share in Christ’s sufferings.
In fact, our bodies are temporary, and we can look forward to glorified bodies that will be able to bear up under the weight of God’s eternal glory in heaven.
At the end of time, we will all stand before Jesus and give an account of our lives. We can be comforted that the one who will judge us is also the one who took judgment for us on the cross.
The reality of this resurrection day should be orienting to us—we work towards God’s purposes, rest in his promises, and align our lives with his mission.
The nature of the gospel is transformative. What are some of the significant life and character transformations you’ve experienced as a result of the gospel?
What do you think of when you hear the phrase “fear of God”? What is the biblical truth around this idea?
When we are controlled by Christ’s love, we will put the spiritual growth of others above our own comfort. What does that look like practically for you? What else in your life is competing for control (job, approval, children, security)?
How would you explain the message of reconciliation through Christ to someone? What can you do to be a more effective ambassador of Christ in this world?
With the future day of judgment in mind, Paul explains that he is motivated by the fear of God to share the gospel.
Likewise, we should be more compelled by the fear of God than the need for man’s approval as we speak truth to those around us.
We should also be gripped by the love of Christ. Just as Jesus put our need for salvation before his own status, so we should put the need for others to know the reconciliation of Christ before our own comfort.
Living sacrificially does not grant us salvation, but it does demonstrate where our faith is.
We are a renewed humanity—God is forming us in Christ through his Spirit. We should curate and develop our new lives in alignment with our status as sons and daughters of Christ.
As ambassadors of Christ, our mission is to reconcile others to God just as Christ reconciled us by his sacrifice.
True ministers suffer for their people. Is there someone in your life God may be calling you to suffer for? What are some practical ways you can bless that person?
Think of a time you were squeezed and the fruit of the spirit did not come out. How was that different compared to a time when you were able to respond with grace?
Paul warns us not to put our hope in false teachers and false kingdoms. To what voices in your life are you tempted to give your allegiance other than Christ and his kingdom?
The goal of the Christian life is to so boldly represent God’s reconciliation that other people want to be reconciled too. On a scale from 1-10, how boldly is your life proclaiming God’s reconciliation in your own life?
Think about your circles of influence where you serve as a spiritual leader. What areas need growth in regard to unity, credibility, and full dependence on Christ?
Credibility is the link to leadership. The way we live is evidence of our authenticity and effectiveness in leading others.
Spiritual shepherds impoverish themselves to bring blessings to other people. The greatest example of this kind of sacrifice is Jesus’ work on the cross.
The Holy Spirit gives us the ability to respond to those who oppose us with humility and grace and to love, serve, and give our lives away.
If you’re going to be a spiritual leader, you’re going to suffer for people.
Jesus invites us to be unified with him, as a family, and to live out our reconciliation in a way that makes others want the same reconciliation.
The Scripture commands us to engage the world (1 Cor. 9); however, we are also called to holiness. What is your response when the Scripture creates this kind of tension?
Paul explains that believers must be in the culture but not of the culture. We must consider these questions—What engages your affections? What captivates your imagination? What do you worry about at night or think of first thing in the morning? What do your answers reveal about your primary allegiance?
We must also consider our motivations. Why do we do what we do? Even “good” or “Christian” activities can be selfishly motivated. How can you grow in self-awareness around this issue?
Consider the two elements of practical holiness—cleansing and completing. What do you need to “cleanse” from your life? How can you take steps towards completing your holiness?
The Scriptures often pull us into tension. When there is a gap in our understanding, we must humble ourselves and accept God on his terms. God’s Word can be trusted over our feelings.
As believers, we are called to live in the culture but not of the culture. We must avoid entangling relationships wherein we are not free to obey Christ.
Although it is not inherently wrong to have an earthly role (parent, spouse, American, etc.), we must guard against over-identifying with these roles. Instead, our primary identity should be in Christ.
Holiness is not something that we earn—it is conferred on us by our Heavenly Father through the sacrificial death of Jesus.
As believers, we are the temple of God. This should be clarifying to us—God so desired a unique and intimate relationship with us that he made the incredible sacrifice of his Son.
The outworking of our holiness includes both the cleansing of sin and the ongoing work of perfecting holiness in the fear of God. We must constantly work towards completing the identity that has been conferred upon us.
The church is not primarily a place of comfort—it is a place of growth. God often uses pain as a catalyst for our growth. In the past, how have you responded when someone pointed out a painful truth about you? Were you able to grow from that experience?
The distinction between admitting wrong, confessing, and repenting is vital for our growth as believers. How have you misunderstood these terms in the past? How can a true understanding help you grow?
Consider the past five years of your life. Is there obvious fruit of confession and repentance? Do other people believe in the work of God that’s going on inside of you? Why or why not?
Is there someone whom you need to help move towards repentance? Are you willing to love them in the way that Paul loved the Corinthians more than himself? What will that look like?
Even as Paul acknowledges the past sins of the believers at Corinth—and his severe rebuke—he rejoices in their repentance.
Paul loves the Corinthians more than himself. He was willing to risk their relationship in order to help them grow. We must also be aware that correction is an integral part of discipleship and life change.
Being confronted with our own sin is painful, but it is a necessary catalyst for growth. We must lean into godly sorrow.
Confession is more than simply admitting wrongdoing—it is agreeing with the biblical community around you and God’s view of your sin.
While confession involves words, repentance involves action and takes place over time. We must continually evaluate the fruit of repentance in our lives.
Although we often want to feel repentant before moving away from sin and towards God, we must choose obedience first. God will energize our souls to a new way of living after we yield our words and actions to him.
How we spend our money is indicative of the state of our hearts. Where are you prone to spend money? What does that reveal about the idols in your heart (comfort, adventure, security, etc.)?
Paul challenges the Corinthians to finish what they started, give eagerly and in proportion to what they have, and sacrifice to meet others’ needs. In which of these areas can you grow? Is your priority to give generously, then save wisely, then live appropriately. Why or why not?
Take some time to pray about how God is leading you and your family to give. What priority does generosity have as a value in your home? How can you grow in honoring the Lord with your finances in the same way you honor other commitments?
How connected are you to the mission of the church? Read about what the church is doing and celebrate how your generosity helps accomplish the mission. (wechoose.gracechurchsc.org)
Paul’s description of the Macedonians is a paradox—they are impoverished and persecuted yet they are filled with abundant joy. This is evidence of the gospel at work in their lives.
The believers at Corinth have grown in their faith; however, Paul urges them to excel in generosity as well.
Money is an accurate reflection of what we value, fear, and place our trust in. How we spend our money and the extent of our generosity reveal the idols of our hearts.
Jesus provides the ultimate example of sacrificial giving. He became poor, both physically and spiritually, in order to make us rich. We can never out-give what Jesus has given us.
Giving should come from the overflow of a thankful heart—we must give eagerly and sacrificially, placing our trust in God instead of our own resources.
We all feel that inherent sense of fear and caution when it comes to giving money away. When you face those fears honestly, what does it reveal about your heart and what or whom you trust? Is what you are currently giving a validation of your beliefs?
Consider the concept of being a cheerful giver. Do you struggle with this? Why or why not? Can you point to a time in your life when you were able to give cheerfully?
Do you feel pressure to provide for yourself and your family? How does your thinking need to change in order to view God as your provider?
Giving is a ministry—Jesus embodied this when he became poor in order to give us life. For whom have you become poor? Has there been a time when someone else became poor to enrich your life? How did that affect you?
What is the next step you need to take in the area of giving? Do you need to have a conversation with your spouse? A trusted friend? Meet with someone who can help you budget?
The believers at Corinth and the Jewish Christians in Jerusalem don’t have much in common other than their faith. However, generosity is powerful—many Christians are inspired to help those in need because of the Corinthians’ giving.
In order for God to provide a great harvest, we must be willing to release the seed. If we hold on to our resources, then they are useless to serve God and others.
When we examine our hearts around the idea of giving financially, we must question where our trust is. Are we consumed with security, comfort, or status? Or are we truly trusting God to provide for us?
Having the freedom to give cheerfully shows that we trust in God and not our money.
God is our ultimate provider. Not only will he provide for our needs, but he will also provide us with enough to bless those around us. Not all that God sends to us is for us.
Our giving proves our obedience to the gospel. Jesus became poor so we could be rich. When we minister to others through giving, we model God’s generosity to the world.
We all have a sphere of influence wherein we can exercise authority over others. Consider who these people are in your life. How are you using your authority to serve God and others? What sense of responsibility do you feel for those under your authority?
Discuss the difference between worldly and godly weapons. Where do you see worldly weapons at work in your life? How can you respond to or exercise godly weapons to further the kingdom?
God has placed authority over all of us in various forms. How do you respond to authority in your life (whether it is good or bad)? What does your response indicate about your belief in God’s sovereignty and ultimate authority over you?
As Paul defends his God-given authority, he is both direct and kind. He has clarity around God’s purpose and his responsibility, yet he’s humble and willing to make himself vulnerable.
Worldly weapons harness our fears and ambitions—they are impressive, yet they lack power to effect lasting change.
In contrast, godly weapons demand life change. While God’s truth may not always be flashy, it interrupts the normal flow of our lives and brings us to a point of decision.
In his previous letter, Paul explains that not all division is bad. Distinctions reveal the true state of our hearts.
In our culture, we often substitute influence for authority. However, influence has no real power other than what is granted by the one being influenced.
God-given authority functions without the consent of the governed. God created us to come under his authority, and it’s good for our souls to do so.
Paul argues that his suffering validates the authenticity of his faith and ministry. How have you seen this truth play out in your life or the lives of others? What kind of suffering have you experienced for the gospel? In what ways has it affected your faith?
In the United States, we enjoy many freedoms, benefits, and protections as Christians that allow us to practice our faith and advance the gospel in ways that are rare in the history of the Church. What are some ways that this prosperity and affluence can hurt us as a church body and as individuals?
In the season of Covid-19, have you struggled more with sacrificing your personal freedom in order to come under authority and bless others? Or have you struggled more with fear and taking risks? What does this reveal about your heart? How can you grow in this area?
Paul’s life has been supplanted by the mission of the gospel—he is consumed with concern, empathy, and responsibility towards those under his care. How can you take one step towards growth in this area? Who is God calling you to be on the hook for?
Paul feels responsible to prepare the Church for Jesus, and he’s concerned that they are being deceived by false teachers who appear godly but are actually agents of Satan.
These false teachers have built their credentials on birthright, and Paul explains that the true measure of spiritual authenticity and authority has nothing to do with this. Genuine faith is made evident through suffering.
In our culture, we do not typically suffer as Paul did for the gospel. This can be a disadvantage—the benefit of persecution is that it reveals whether or not our faith is real.
Paul chooses to put himself in situations where he will be oppressed, lose personal freedoms, and be exposed to death in order to advance the gospel. We must consider if we would be willing to follow this path.
In carrying the burden of many churches, Paul has been supplanted by the mission of the gospel. He not only feels responsible for them, he also feels great empathy and is concerned more about them than himself.
When Paul discusses his “thorn in the flesh,” he implies that it is a gift from God. This idea—that God purposefully causes his children to suffer—creates tension for us. Why? How can we view suffering in a way that honors God and advances the gospel?
According to Paul, pride is a greater threat to our souls than suffering. Why is this difficult for us to process and believe? Can you think of a time when God humbled you through suffering? How did that grow your faith?
Consider our response to suffering. God is sovereign over every aspect of our lives and has a purpose for suffering; however, like Jesus—we can and should plead for God’s mercy. What does this look like practically in our lives?
Paul’s suffering is a direct result of serving others sacrificially for the sake of the gospel. How are you serving others in such a way that it puts you in a position of weakness and dependence on God? What steps do you need to take in this area?
Although Paul has true reasons to boast—experiencing an incredible vision of heaven—he chooses to boast in his weakness.
In order to check Paul’s pride, God afflicts him with a thorn in the flesh. While this idea creates tension for us, the Scripture is clear that God values our humility over our personal comfort.
God is not the author of evil, but God is sovereign over evil. We can take comfort in the truth that God grew a body in the person of Jesus and subjugated himself to a people whom he knew would reject and torture him.
Although we cannot know God’s purposes for our suffering, we can and should cry out for his mercy. In this way, we express our ultimate dependence on him.
Weakness kills self-reliance. When we embrace our weakness, we can rest in God’s grace, which is our connection to his glory. Indeed, our weakness keeps us connected to God and his sufficiency.
Paul was spiritually powerful because he leaned into his weakness for the sake of advancing the gospel. We must likewise deny ourselves and serve others sacrificially in order for God’s power to work through us.
The topic of discipline is addressed throughout Scripture. Take some time to discuss the difference between formative and corrective discipline. What is something new you are learning about this topic? How can you grow in understanding around the issue of biblical discipline?
Receiving correction is difficult. In what ways do you struggle to receive correction from someone else? How has God worked in your life through someone’s loving rebuke?
Sometimes acceptance is not loving. Have you ever let fear of man (rejection, conflict) keep you from speaking the truth to someone about their sin? Is there anyone in your life that God is prompting you to speak to?
The world tells us “don’t judge.” However, God calls us to use judgment and discernment with wisdom and love, particularly towards other believers. What does this mean for us practically? How can we turn our energies towards growing in humility ourselves and helping others grow?
Although Paul is defending his authority, his primary purpose is to strengthen the believers at Corinth. Because of his fatherly love, he wants them to know the truth and grow in spiritual power.
Like the Corinthians, we often fail to take sin seriously. We must be wary of its destructive power and far-reaching consequences.
The redemptive nature of repentance is that it aligns us with God and allows the Holy Spirit to give us new energy and power.
Throughout Scripture, God has set patterns of discipline, which is evidence of his loving pursuit of his children.
We must be willing to humble ourselves to receive correction from others. Furthermore, we must be willing to risk rejection in order to lovingly rebuke a brother or sister who is caught in sin. God has called us to be holy, and it is not loving to accept what he hates.
Consider the concept of self-examination. Does looking within and reflecting honestly on the state of your soul come easily to you? Why or why not? Why is self-examination important to our spiritual growth?
We often avoid or reject correction because it is disruptive and uncomfortable. What are some ways you can actually seek out correction in your life? What spiritual authority do you need to lean into during this season?
In order to both give and receive correction, we must know God’s Word. What steps do you need to take in order to know the truth of the Bible more fully?
Correction is easier before the crisis. When is a time you have experienced this principle either by accepting or rejecting early correction, and what were the consequences?
Like the Corinthians, we often create our own version of Christianity. However, we must be sure that we are under God’s Kingdom—that our purposes are aligned with his.
One way we can adopt a posture of weakness and humility is to develop the discipline of self-examination. We must honestly examine our souls so that we can lean into our weaknesses and experience God’s power.
Although our culture emphasizes living authentically, God directs us to live humbly and to be willing to receive the correction of spiritual authority. While correction is disruptive and challenging, it is a powerful gospel tool for growth.
Correction is easier before the crisis. As a body of believers, we must seek to create a culture wherein we are willing to step into ambiguous situations for the sake of the truth.
In order to receive or give correction well, we must know God’s Word.
If we want an authentic experience of God, we have to do it on his terms and under his kingship.
Our joy and the gospel are inextricably linked. How does the cross act as a calibrating weight in your life during both difficult and peaceful times? When you struggle to find joy, how can you come back to the gospel?
Growing in maturity is a personal choice. We can measure our maturity by our willingness to come under authority, own our sin, and change our lives. In which of these areas do you need to grow?
Offering encouragement is much more than extending mercy—we must press in and challenge each other to move towards life change. How can you grow in encouraging others? How can you grow in receiving encouragement?
It’s tempting for us to elevate our personal agenda above the gospel. How should the gospel impact our relationship with others who disagree with us on secondary or amoral issues? How can you grow in living harmoniously with such people in your life?
As we come to the end of 2 Corinthians, Paul pushes us to make a choice—do we or do we not want to be God’s people? While following God is not easy, he is always faithful to care for us.
One mark of a true believer is joy. Because the cross has dealt with our sinful past and we have a future hope of eternity with God, we can be joyful at all times and in all circumstances.
While the church is the context in which we find the resources to grow, we must own our personal growth by fully engaging the church in every way available.
Our culture often portrays encouragement as extending mercy. However, biblical encouragement means to come alongside, exhort, and move someone to change.
Uniformity is not the same as harmony and peace. We must seek to place the gospel and our relationships with each other above our own personal agenda.
In the process of pursuing joy, encouragement, maturity, and harmony, we find God’s faithful presence, the love of Christ, and the fellowship of the Spirit.
Paul has a long and complex history with the church at Corinth. As their spiritual father, he has walked with them through the growing pains of rebellion and rebuke. After intense and vocal rejection of his authority following the writing of 1 Corinthians, Paul writes a “severe” and corrective letter (2 Cor. 2:3-13) to the Corinthians. This letter is now lost, but we know that the majority of the church responded with repentance and a desire for reconciliation.
In Macedonia, Paul reunites with Titus, who is able to give an encouraging report of the church at Corinth. In response, Paul writes the epistle of 2 Corinthians and sends it with Titus back to Corinth. The primary message of 2 Corinthians is a defense of both Paul’s apostolic authority and the message of the gospel. He encourages the faithful majority at Corinth to lean into suffering, rebukes the minority of those at Corinth who still question his authority, and challenges the believers to give generously as an outgrowth of their faith in Christ.
Two years later, Paul travels to Corinth once more and is reunited with the believers there. During his three-month stay, Paul writes the book of Romans.