IBC Richmond

Application Questions:

Why is there a danger of losing heart in Christian work? How does God’s mercy keep Christians from discouragement?

What does it mean to be spiritually blind (2 Corinthians 4:4)? Who blinds? What are results of spiritual blindness? What cures blindness?

What are practical works a Christian can do to “serve for Jesus’ sake”?

Where did God say, “Let light shine out of darkness”? Why is light a metaphor for the Gospel? How does the theme of light unite the whole Bible?

Application Questions:

Do you identify with Paul when he writes, “our sufficiency is from God”? How are you insufficient in your own strength and dependent on God’s?

How does the Holy Spirit minister to a believer in 2 Corinthians 3?

When a friend asks, “Why don’t Christians follow the Old Testament commands?”, what is a reasonable answer? How does 2 Corinthians 3:12-18 inform your answer?

Explain Christian freedom that comes from the Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:17).

Application Questions:

Should Christians view themselves as victorious soldiers or captured enemies in Christ’s triumphal procession?

What does the “aroma of Christ” metaphor represent in 2 Corinthians 2:14-16?

How can the same message and messenger be a fragrance of life to some and death to others? Why is there no middle ground when it comes to Jesus Christ?

What is the danger of “peddling God’s Word”? What does this mean? How can it be recognized and avoided?

Application Questions:

Why did Paul write a severe letter to the Corinthians rather than visiting?

How does patience and the elapse of time help church discipline and restoration?

Who practices church discipline in the local church? Where does authority reside? Why does Paul write, “this punishment by the majority is enough” in 2 Corinthians 2:6?

How does Satan outwit Christians and churches? How does Scripture equip you to resist Satan’s designs?

Application Questions:

Is all boasting pride? When (if ever) should Christians boast?

How can you simplify your life to please the Lord and live with more godly sincerity?

When will a Christian give an account of his/her life to the Lord?

What steps should you take to read and understand Scripture correctly

Application Questions:
What suffering has God allowed for your comfort? Describe the circumstances of suffering. Reflect on the who, what, when, where, and why of God’s comfort through the suffering.

How does suffering identify a Christian with Christ?

Have you experienced bonding with other believers through difficulty? What level of openness did suffering require or cause?

Name a strategy to “patiently endure” (vs. 6) suffering that you experience. How can endurance respond to suffering?

Application Questions:

Why did Paul write 2 Corinthians? What can be learned from Paul’s transparent emotions?

What does it mean to be a saint?

If you described yourself as ‘broken,' to what event, condition and limitation would you be referring? How has God used your brokenness as a ministry to others?

What is apostolic authority? How is it present in the church today?

Application Questions:

What principles of generosity can be learned from the Corinthian “collection for the saints”?

When does God require flexibility in your life? Do you initially react in faith or in fear when plans changes? How should you apply “if the Lord permits” (vs. 7) to your calendar?

In what way does God use friendship to bless your life? What can be learned from the examples of Timothy, Apollos, Stephanas, Fortunatus, Achaicus, Aquila, and Prisca in 1 Corinthians 16:10-20?

What was Paul’s goal by concluding the letter with Christian love and the return of Christ?

APPLICATION QUESTIONS:

How does a seed planted in the ground illustrate the resurrection of the body from death?

When will believers resurrect and receive glorified bodies?

According to 1 Corinthians 15, what can be known about the resurrected body? What similarities will a resurrected body have to a natural body?

Since the resurrection makes the Christian life worthwhile according to 1 Corinthians 15:58, how does that motivate your faithfulness?