2 Corinthians 5:11-6:13

1.Review what Paul said in verse 10. What did this knowledge compel him to do? He tried to persuade them of the urgency of Judgment Day coming soon. 2.Paul’s detractors in Corinth were judging his motives. So far in this letter, Paul had been revealing his heart and motives. In this respect, what hope did Paul express in verse 11? He points out that God’s knows his motives and hopes they will see it to be true

3.Explain the line of thought in verse 12. Focus on these phrases: “not trying to commend” He was accused of trying to promote himself “an opportunity to take pride in us” They would say that they knew a different Paul than what his critics imagined Paul to be “can answer those” Paul hoped they would defend him “seen rather than [unseen]” Paul was being judged based on a human idea of success – wisdom, power speaking skills and success, not on his faithfulness

4.What compelled Paul to do what he did? The Love of Christ 5.Paul wrote, “One died for all, and therefore all died.” Apply those words to yourself, to your unbelieving neighbor. He died for everyone, no one is excluded 6.How are you tempted to live for yourself? How does your hope in Christ steer you in the other direction? We are tempted to follow our sinful nature It points us away from us and this world to others and heaven

2 Corinthians 5:16–6:2 1.Some define Christians as nice people, as people who live by the golden rule, or as people who believe in God. How did Paul describe Christians in verse 17? We are new creations eager to serve God 2. How did Paul describe the “ministry of reconciliation” in verse 19? Sins are not counted against us 3. What has God made us to be? His Ambassadors of this message of reconciliation

4.As Paul preached the message of God’s reconciliation in Christ, he did make an appeal to his hearers to do something. What was that? (verses 20,21) Be reconciled = believe it! 5. How does this message of reconciliation affect our evangelism efforts? It is finished! We go and tell 6.How do we make sure we don’t receive God’s grace in vain? We stay close to the Means of Grace

2 Corinthians 6: Paul did not detract from the gospel. Rather, he commended himself to people by his sufferings and the help he received from God. Evaluate Paul’s life based on what he suffered with great endurance for the gospel (three groups of three). some general afflictions Trouble hardship distress afflictions others caused him Beating imprisonment riots afflictions he allowed himself to endure Hard work, sleepless nights, hunger

the godly attitude he displayed as he carried out his ministry (two groups of four). Purity, understanding patience kindness In the Holy Spirit, sincere, love, truthful speech and the power of God the tools God gave him (one group of three). Weapons of righteousness Glory and dishonor Good report and bad how the world viewed him in contrast to what he really was in Christ (seven contrasts).

2.The Corinthians accused Paul of treating them heartlessly. After everything Paul had said, he could respond to this accusation. What did he say? We love you anyway! 3.Agree or disagree. If Christians today aren’t suffering much for the gospel, it probably means they aren’t doing much to fulfill their call as Christ’s ambassadors. Answers will vary 4.Agree or disagree. If Christians today aren’t filled with the Holy Spirit, with joy, with growth in faith, they aren’t doing much to fulfill their call as Christ’s ambassadors. Answers will vary