Paul’s Introduction It is common for Paul to state that he is an apostle in his introduction. In this letter, the assertion of Paul’s apostleship is particularly important. In Corinth, there was a great dispute over what Paul had written and his detractors had argued against his authority. A lot of 2Corinthians was written in defense of his apostleship.

Paul’s Introduction We note that he says that his apostleship is by the will of God. He specifically states that it is not an assignment of Paul’s own assertion but directly from God.

Discussion Question: What does the word “saint” mean? What does it take to become a saint?

Phil 4:21-22 “21 Greet all the saints in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me send greetings. 22 All the saints send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar's household.” (NIV)

Saints The term “Saints” is used over 50 times in the New Testament.

GRACE & PEACE Paul uses the phrase “Grace and Peace” in most of his letters (10 times). Peter used the same phrase in his letters as did John in the book of Revelation. Thus the phrase is believed to be a common one used at the time.

Discussion Question: How does God give us comfort? (1:4)

Romans 8:28 “28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (NIV)

Discussion Question: How can we comfort others? (1:4)

Discussion Question: How does the sufferings of Christ overflow into our lives? (1:5)

Isaiah 53:5 “5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed .” (NIV)

2Timothy 3:12 “In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,” (NIV)

1Peter 4:12-19 Open your Bibles and read this text.

James 1:2-4 (1:6) Please open your Bibles to this text.

Discussion Question: What is “the day of the Lord Jesus”? (1:16)

Discussion Question: How was everything “Yes” in Jesus? (1:16)

What does “Amen” mean? (1:20) Discussion Question: What does “Amen” mean? (1:20)

“AMEN” “so it is, so be it, may it be fulfilled.” It was a custom, passed from the synagogues to the Christian assemblies, that when he who had read or discoursed or had offered up prayer to God, the others responded Amen, and thus made the substance of what was uttered their own.

Discussion Question: What did it mean to be “anointed”? (1:21)

2Sam 2:4 “4 Then the men of Judah came to Hebron and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah.” (NIV)

Discussion Question: How is the Holy Spirit a “deposit” or “earnest” for a guarantee? (1:24)

Discussion Question: How can our faith make us stand firm? (1:24)

Discussion Question: What did we learn from 1Corinthians about the problems of that church that Paul wanted to have straightened out? (2:3)

THINGS TO BE CORRECTED Expel an immoral brother (1Cor 5:1-5) Quit having lawsuits (6:1-8) Stop sexual immorality (6:12-19) Straighten out marriage problems (chapter 7)

THINGS TO BE CORRECTED Deal with food sacrificed to idols (chapter 8) Straighten out the abuse of the Lord’s supper (11:33) Straighten out the abuse of spiritual gifts (chapters 12-14 Correct serious error over the resurrection (chapter 15)

Discussion Question: Paul describes how he wrote a letter of correction to them. How should we correct those that we love when they are wrong? (2:4)

Galatians 6:1 “6:1 Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. 2 Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfil the law of Christ.” (NIV)

Matthew 18:15-17 15 "If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.”

Matthew 18:15-17 “16 But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that `every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.' 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.”

1Cor 5:1-12 (2:5) Please open your Bibles to this text.

What was the purpose of their “disfellowship”? (2:6) DISCUSSION QUESTION What was the purpose of their “disfellowship”? (2:6)

How are we to treat someone who has repented? (2:7) DISCUSSION QUESTION How are we to treat someone who has repented? (2:7)

Those Who Repent Verse 7 says to forgive and comfort them. Verse 8 says to reaffirm our love for them. This means a LOT of communication in language, body language and activity.

DISCUSSION QUESTION How does Satan try to outwit us when it comes to what discussed in this passage? (2:7)