IBC Richmond

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?

APPLICATION QUESTIONS:
Are you afraid to die? What is the cause and remedy for the fear of death?

How would you explain death to a child? How does the resurrection help you understand death and explain death from a Christian point of view?

How will faith in the resurrection compel believers to live here-and-now? Discuss the incentives for service and sanctification listed in 1 Corinthians 15:30-34.

Why is death an enemy? When will death end? Are believers living in God’s kingdom according to 1 Corinthians 15:24-26?

APPLICATION QUESTIONS:

What must a person believe to be a Christian? Define the Gospel in as few words as possible.

Why does “according to the Scriptures” make the resurrection believable? How does this type of logic inform how Christians read the Bible?

What is grace? Does God’s grace impact your life as Paul described? What difference has it made?

Do you ever feel unworthy? How does the Gospel address inferiority?