Vision 2022 // The Gospel in All of Life

 

As the Apostle Paul reflects on his ministry among the Corinthians church, a church he planted, he reminds Christians of the necessity of proclaiming Christ, living in such a way that commends Christ to others, and finding our confidence for these things in Him alone.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

HEAD: QUESTIONS AIMED AT OUR MINDS TO HELP US UNDERSTAND GOD’S WORD.

  • Read Acts 18. How does this background on the origins of the church at Corinth help you better understand 2 Corinthians 2:14-36?

  • On the outside, Paul was anything but impressive. He was an afflicted, often rejected apostle. But in the final paragraph of chapter 2 (v.14-17), Paul describes himself in terms of triumph and glory. What is Paul getting at?

  • In ancient times, leaders were often validated through recommendation letters—much like the references we provide when applying to a school or for a job. Paul has no such letter, but he has something even better; what is it, according to 3:2? What does Paul mean?

HEART: QUESTIONS AIMED AT OUR AFFECTIONS TO HELP US LOVE GOD

  • Read 3:3 again with a special focus on the phrase, “not on tablets of stone, but on tablets of human hearts.” What does this mean? Use other scripture to support your answer.

  • What does Paul identify as the source of his confidence before God (3:4)? How does this encourage your heart when you feel insufficient for the work God has called you to?

HANDS: QUESTIONS AIMED AT OUR HANDS TO HELP US LIVE FOR GOD (PERSONALLY, COMMUNALLY, AND MISSIONALLY)

  • What does it mean to be a peddler of God’s word (2:17)? How can the church be on guard against peddlers of God’s word like those who came in to lead the Corinthians astray?

  • Through us Jesus spreads the knowledge of him everywhere (2:14). Are you living and speaking in such a way that spreads the knowledge of Christ? How can you grow in this area?