For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website.

Lesson 13, 1-2  Corinthians: Christ's Humility Amidst Suffering (13 minutes), explores Jesus' humility and gentleness even in the midst of severe pain and suffering.

Background:

• Paul penned 4 Corinthians letters (1 Corinthians 1:1, 5:9; 2 Corinthians 1:1, 7:8), c.53-55 AD.
• Clement of Rome wrote to the Corinthians c.95 AD, urging them to remain unified. The younger leaders had risen up against their elders -- redolent of the old troubles (1 Corinthians 1, 3...).
• In 2 Corinthians, Paul's authority is under attack. He does not defend his ministry with credentials or a resume. Rather, as he argues, the true mark of leadership is suffering.
• It may seem easy enough to be loving when life is easy and events are calm, but how about when we are under pressure? At such times, 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 takes on new meaning.

Challenge questions:

• What am I like when I'm in physical or emotional pain? Do I still put others first?
• If I had been the one on the cross, how would I have related to the soldiers? the criminals? the religious leaders who put me there? my friends who had abandoned me?
• When I'm tired, hungry, etc., do I become rude, demanding, grouchy, or self-focused?
• What parts of the day ahead of me are likeliest to strain my goodwill -- to tempt me to forget humility? Thinking about Christ, may I be prepared for what comes.

Next lesson: Ephesians & Colossians -- The Cosmic Christ.