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Q2. (2 Corinthians 8:4, 7-9, 19) What does grace have to do with giving? What does giving look like when it isn’t accompanied by grace? What does it look like when grace prompts your giving? The greatest example of selfless giving is seen in our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. He gave up the riches in heaven when He came to earth as a man. On top of this He died on the cross so that we might share His riches in heaven. That is grace! A free gift – which I don’t deserve! When I think about His saving grace it definitely motivates me to Christian giving - in gratitude to what He has done for me. In contrast we see the Macedonians gave when they were poor, but Christ gave when He was immensely rich. So we can see from these examples that giving is a grace that both the rich and the poor should carry out. Giving without grace becomes an unpleasant task with no love or care involved at all. It is only an unpleasant burden.

Q1. (2 Corinthians 8:1-5) Why is it so difficult to give when we are stressed by circumstances and bills and pressures? What can we learn from the example of the Macedonians and the poor widow? How will this lesson affect your own giving? Giving should never be done reluctantly or under duress. I know this is a cliché and when we experience hardships and the pressures of debt it is most difficult to comply. Also, we live in a world that is more concerned with acquiring than giving. In Acts 20:35, Jesus told us, “It is more blessed to give than to receive”; we, however, often fail to experience this truth personally. I know that when we give with a cheerful heart we receive God’s blessings; but I also know that this should not be our motivation. Our gifts should rather be a thanksgiving to God. I can learn from both the Macedonians and the poor widow. I’m ashamed to say my giving has not always been adequate, I’ve sometimes held back, yet my Heavenly Father has blessed me abundantly.

Q4. (2 Corinthians 7:5) What are the distinctions between fear, faith, and courage? Why is being honest about our fears better than pretending we don’t have any fears? How did Paul deal with his fears? Fear of the Lord is wisdom; faith is complete trust in the Lord and His promises; courage is not being afraid knowing that our Lord is in control and He will always do what is best for us. It is better to be honest about our physical fears since our bodies have a built in defence mechanism if any of our fears should be realised. So acknowledging them allows us to cope better with them. All our other fears are controlled by our faith, which does not let these fears control us. As far as Paul is concerned I think he dealt with his fears by both faith and courage. He had a personal relationship with Jesus and knew his life was planned and he thus had all the faith and courage needed and had nothing to fear. I’m not alone for my Father is with me, With me wherever I go. Speaking words of faith, of courage and of love, He’s with me, He loves me, wherever I go. Faint not, nor fear, His arms are near, He changeth not, and thou art dear; Only believe, and thou shalt see That Christ is all in all to thee.

Q3. (2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1) What kind of separation is Paul calling the Corinthians to? How can they strike a balance between separating themselves from sinful practices that mess up their spiritual lives while at the same time maintaining friendships with pagan neighbours and co-workers? It is impossible for Christians to live a life totally without contact with unbelievers. So Paul is not calling for withdrawal from the secular world, rather he is warning them not to get themselves involved in any relationship that would undermine Christian values. The call to holy living is to be taken seriously; remembering that we were bought at a price and belong to God, made holy, and separated from defilement. We are therefore, to obey Jesus, and He issued the Great Commission containing orders for us to win souls for Him. To do this we have to go out into the world, maintaining friendships with unbelieving neighbours and co-workers; trying to win them over for our Lord.

Q2. (2 Corinthians 6:14-18) What are the reasons Paul gives us – both in his letter and by quoting Old Testament scriptures – that we should live holy lives? What kinds of temptations did the Corinthians face in their notorious city? We are to live holy lives separated from this evil world, since we have nothing in common with unbelievers and at the same time we are the temples of the living God. Paul asks five pairs of questions stating that, there is nothing in common between righteousness and wickedness, no fellowship between light and darkness, no harmony between Christ and Satan, nothing in common between believer and unbeliever, and no agreement between the temple of God (our church) and idols. So we can understand that we are to be distinct and separate from the beliefs and practices of unbelievers. The temptations Paul warns the Corinthians against is sexual immorality. In 1 Cor 6:18-20, he actually warns them to flee sexual immorality, and adds: “Every sin that a man does is outside the body; but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body” (1 Cor 6:18). We know that sex outside marriage inevitably and irresistibly works havoc on the offender; so we harm ourselves physically and spiritually. Since we are the temple of our Lord we offend God by rebelling and following our own desires instead of the leading by the Holy Spirit.

Q1. (2 Corinthians 6:3-13) Why do you think Paul shares so much about his various struggles with the Corinthians? How does this help them accept his apostleship as authentic? Have you ever complained about what you’ve had to put up with in your ministry? How does it compare to what Paul faced? Paul opens his heart to the Corinthians by explaining all he had to endure. He expects them to reciprocate and accept him in love. Unlike the other false teachers they could see what hardships and sufferings he had to go through to bring them the truth; they could see that his teachings came from our Lord and are authentic. I have read somewhere, “When a man is clothed in practical righteousness, he is impregnable.” Yes, I suppose like most people, I have complained; but it is nothing compared to what Paul had to go through. This makes me realise how the Lord has blessed me, and I’m forever grateful.

Q4. (2 Corinthians 5:18-6:2) If you, then, are called to be an urgent agent of reconciliation, how is this likely to affect your daily life? How will it affect how people perceive you? How will it affect how God perceives you? I need to be sharing the gospel with all my acquaintances, and also being an ambassador for Jesus here on earth. Not only am I to tell others about Jesus Christ and His free gift of salvation, but at the same time others should be able to see the fruit of the Spirit in me. Having been washed clean by the blood of Jesus, my Heavenly Father sees me as a righteous child of His.

Q3. (2 Corinthians 5:21) In what sense did Jesus “become sin” on our behalf? In what sense do we “become righteousness”? Jesus died on the Cross as the representative of all believers; He, who was sinless, bore the penalty of our sins and took our place. Only the blood of Christ, that is His death, was able to take away sins. We are covered by His blood and God sees us as righteous, that is fully acceptable to Him. This reminds me of the words “Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all”.

Q2. (2 Corinthians 5:18-20) How have we humans been reconciled to God? What did God do so that reconciliation could take place? In what sense are you an Ambassador of the Kingdom of God? In what sense are you a Minister of Reconciliation for Jesus Christ? Because of our sinful mind we are hostile toward God and we therefore need to be reconciled. Romans 8:7, “the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so”. In truth, however, we deserve to die because of our sin, but our Heavenly Father in His love and justice decided to exchange this hostility for a loving relationship with us believers. If there is any hostility, it exists only on our side; for God has removed all barriers for us being reconciled to God. This He accomplished by sending His One and only Son to die on the Cross for all our sins, past, present and future, hereby overcoming our separation from Him and bringing us back into fellowship. In other words, God made Christ to be sin for us - Christ who knew no sin - that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. This is a free gift – we only have to accept this gift, repent, and acknowledge Jesus Christ as our Saviour. God has shown us such unlimited love, grace, and mercy; all of which we do not deserve! As ambassadors we are our Saviour’s representatives here on earth. As ambassadors we have an important function, as Ministers of Reconciliation, to spread the good news of reconciliation.

Q1. (2 Corinthians 5:16-17) What does verse 17 teach us about the nature of a new believer? What changes in a person when he puts his faith in Christ? Why don’t old habits disappear immediately if everything has become new? Being a new creation, we no longer live to and for ourselves; Jesus Christ is now the centre of our lives. We see everything in a new light and we become more considerate of others as it’s not all about me. The lights of love, joy, peace, self-control, and kindness have been turned on within us. We now have the Holy Spirit in our hearts and with His help we gradually become more and more like Jesus. This sanctification takes time and we are no longer controlled by our sinful natures. Before conversion we did not possess the life-giving Holy Spirit who now lives within us and changes us from within. We read in Romans 8:9, “You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.” Old habits and evil thoughts do not disappear immediately, but over time old things pass away and all things become new.

Q4. (2 Corinthians 5:10-11a) How does Paul’s mention of the Judgment Seat of Christ fit the context here? How should our belief that we Christians will appear before the Judgment Seat of Christ to be judged for our works affect (1) our desire to please him? (2) Our motivation to persuade people to receive Christ? Whether in the body or out of it, our goal is to please and serve our Lord Jesus, and the Judgment Seat of Christ will reveal what we have done. It is not the loss of salvation which is the issue – for our salvation is secure and cannot be lost. How faithfully we have used our time, and how well we have pursued opportunities, and how single-minded we have been in our Christian service, is at stake. We are not saved by good works but for good works. Paul reminds us that we have been saved not for a life of aimlessness or indifference but for a life of service. A healthy fear of the Judgment should be motive enough for every believer.

Q3. (2 Corinthians 5:7) What does it mean to walk by faith, not by sight? Why can’t nonbelievers understand this kind of living? What aspects of your life are guided by your senses rather than by your faith? How can you bring a faith perspective into these areas? To walk by faith is to live our lives by things which are unseen and at the same time having complete trust in Jesus Christ. In other words, we focus our attention not on visible things that are temporal but on those that are invisible and timeless. 2 Cor 4:18, “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” We also read in 1 Peter 1:8-9 “Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” To walk by faith, is to live in the confident expectation of things that are to come. Although unseen we have a personal relationship with our Heavenly Father, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. This is in contrast to the unbelievers who are influenced by the things they see. They put their faith in wealth, power, fame, recognition, and all the material things of this world. It is because of this spiritual blindness that they cannot understand our kind of living. Being retired I sometimes am concerned about my financial position. Exorbitant medical costs and overall rising cost of living is a concern; but then I think back on how good the Lord has been and all my concerns are swept away, knowing that He can be trusted. Besides, it is not about me but about Him and how I will please and serve Him. I live for Christ. I live by faith!

Q2. (2 Corinthians 5:6-8) How do Paul’s words comfort you when you consider your death? What do Christians believe happens when we die? What will happen to us if we die before Christ returns? What will happen to us when Christ returns? Certainty about the future enables me to be brave in this present live. Absence from the body means to be present with the Lord (v 8). Therefore I do not fear death as I know I will be with Jesus. Our spirit immediately goes to be with our Lord and Saviour. There is a state between death and the coming of Christ; this is a disembodied state, but our spirit is still with Jesus. Finally when Jesus Christ returns we receive our glorified bodies. Come soon Lord Jesus!

Q1. (2 Corinthians 5:1-5) In what sense are our bodies like tents? If we were to truly look forward to our “house not made with hands,” how would it affect our daily lives here? Our physical bodies are but just a temporary dwelling place, and are suited to life here on earth, but our future glorified bodies will be especially designed for life in heaven. We know this because God has promised this and has given us the Spirit as a guarantee. Knowing this we should be focusing on eternity and not so much on our materialistic life here on earth which will pass like the blink of an eye. We must put our trust in Jesus Christ. He – and he alone – is the source of true salvation. Trusting in him admits you to citizenship of a city not made with hands but which is stronger than any human structure. Cities come and (sometimes) go. Heaven is for eternity.

Q5. (2 Corinthians 4:15-18) In what way do problems and physical deterioration help us toward “an eternal weight of glory”? Why is it so easy to focus on temporal matters to the exclusion of eternal things? Why is a focus on eternal things so important to our spiritual growth? What can we do to help shift our focus? We realise that our present problems and physical deterioration are of such insignificance when compared to the time we will spend in eternity. Because of our loss of faith we may find it easier to focus on temporal things and forget eternal things. It is only when we focus on eternity that we get a true perspective of what is important and can then grow spiritually. To get this true perspective we need to study the Word; getting to know the absolute truth. We have to fix our eyes upon the unseen; the glory of Christ and the rewards that awaits us as His true and faithful servant.

Q4. (2 Corinthians 4:8-12) How does it encourage you to know that Paul went through tremendous stress and pressure? What effect did these sufferings have on the way people could see Christ in Paul? Why is pain necessary to spiritual growth? How does our pain allow others to assess our authenticity as Christians? We are encouraged to know that even the great apostle underwent tremendous stress and pressure. It is because of this that we learn never to be disheartened; knowing that the Lord never abandons His own. It is through Paul’s sufferings that the power of God, in human beings, is revealed. In Paul’s weakness the power of Christ is shown. As Paul is kept in a place of weakness we notice he preaches with much greater power and strength. Normally, we would be inclined to think that Paul could have served the Lord more efficiently given a trouble free opportunity. But the gospel teaches us differently. God, in His infinite wisdom, sees fit to allow His servants to be touched by sickness, sorrow, affliction, persecution, difficulties, and distresses. All are designed to break the clay pots so that the light of our Lord Jesus Christ might shine out more clearly. I know from personal experience that when I’m going through painful or stressful situations I grow spiritually; it is then when I get on my knees. I draw closer to my Heavenly Father and I experience His peace knowing that He will never forsake me. This is also the time when others can see if we are true Christians or just going through the motions of being a Christian. We thank the Lord for His grace and mercy!

Q3. (2 Corinthians 4:7) What truth is Paul seeking to communicate by this analogy of a treasure in a pottery jar? What does the clay jar represent? What does the treasure represent? What’s the paradox here? Here Paul contrasts a priceless jewel with its container. The jewel, or the treasure, is “the knowledge of God … in the face of Christ” (v6). The clay jar in which this treasure is contained, is our body which is subject to decay, and therefore powerless. I think God has done this deliberately to teach us that this all-surpassing power is from Him (v7). This gives us a deepening sense of our own unworthiness compared with the splendour of His message. I can only imagine if this priceless treasure was placed in a strong, permanent body, what fatal consequences it would have; resulting in proud and sinful man. God’s power is made perfect in weakness. The paradox we have here is about power in weakness. Earthen vessels, marred, unsightly, Bearing Wealth no thought can know; Heav'nly Treasure, gleaming brightly— Christ revealed in saints below! Vessels, broken, frail, yet bearing Through the hungry ages on, Riches giv'n with hand unsparing, God's great Gift, His precious Son! O to be but emptier, lowlier, Mean, unnoticed and unknown, And to God a vessel holier, Filled with Christ, and Christ alone! Naught of earth to cloud the Glory! Naught of self the light to dim! Telling forth Christ's wondrous story, Broken, empty - filled with Him! Tr. Frances Bevan

Q2. (2 Corinthians 4:3-4) Since Satan has blinded people’s eyes to the truth, is there any hope for them? What strategies must we use to overcome spiritual blindness? How many people are likely to find Christ without intercessory prayer? Yes, but only if the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ should shine on them. We need to earnestly pray for them, interceding on their behalf. We must also proclaim the gospel; they have to hear the good news of Jesus, Romans 10:14 “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?” The work of the Holy Spirit is vital in sharing the gospel – He can lift the veil and open spiritual eyes.

Q1. (2 Corinthians 4:1-2) How do questionable ethics and ministry practices hurt the work of Christ? What is Paul’s alternative in verse 2b? Every time we add or take away something from the gospel we weaken its power. We see this when people try to make the gospel more acceptable and support worldly values that conflict with the Christian life. A lot of the prosperity teachings we hear so often today is nothing but a form of religious materialism. We have to be able to discern the truth from a lot of false teachings that is prevalent today, as they not only harm our faith but also the work of Christ. Paul states that the word of God must be told truthfully. All must be clear, honest, and sincere, with no deception. We must also try and live the Word in our lives for all to see.

Q4. (2 Corinthians 3:18) Why is character change directly related to time deliberately spent in God’s presence? What is the theological word for the process of maturing in Christ? Have you noticed a change in the “degree of glory” you’re experiencing now compared to a few years ago? Why or why not? The more time we spend in His presence the more we reflect His glory. This is a process and is dependent on the time we spend in Scripture reading and meditation, prayer, worship, witnessing, Christian fellowship, and self-discipline. The theological word is sanctification. We must actively strive to obey God, and be careful not to back-slide through laziness. However, we must be careful not to rely on ourselves only; this can make us proud and arrogant. We must put our trust in Jesus and yield to Him; He is to be in and before all we do. Turn your eyes upon Jesus; Look full in His wonderful face; And the things of earth will grow strangely dim In the light of His glory and grace. Thankfully, compared to a few years ago the Lord has changed me. My wife and family have told me they notice a difference and I am forever grateful to my Heavenly Father for the love and patience He has shown me over the years. But I know the Lord has still a lot of work to be done on me.

Q3. (2 Corinthians 3:18) Moses glowed by spending time with God on Mt. Sinai, in his tent of meeting, and in the Tabernacle. How can we get a similar glow of the Spirit in our lives? In what way is meditating on Scripture beholding God? Is the low plane of Christianity in our day related to the time we spend in communion with the Lord? What is God leading you to do to increase your glow? We can get a similar glow of the Spirit by spending more time with Jesus, and by having a right relationship with Him. For this to happen we must confess and forsake our sin. We will notice that the more we are occupied with the glory of the risen, ascended, exalted Lord Jesus Christ, the more we are being transformed into His image. This produces in us the ‘fruit’ of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. It should be noted that it is the occupation with Christ that transforms us, not the occupation with self that only brings defeat, nor the occupation with others that only brings disappointment. By meditating on Scripture our spiritual blindness is removed and we are able to behold the glory of God. As we behold the Lord of glory, study Him, contemplate Him, gaze on Him adoringly, the Spirit of the Lord works in our life the marvellous miracle of increasing conformity to Christ. From personal experience, the less time I spend with the Lord the more I feel alienated from Him. The moment I start meditating and studying His Word and start spending more time in prayer do I grow spiritually and experience His complete peace. I feel I am a much better person than years ago. I have much more patience and a more gentle outlook on life. Since knowing the Lord I feel a changed person – I give Him all the glory and thank Him for His patience with me.

Q2. (2 Corinthians 3:16-17) Why is the Holy Spirit essential to help people see truth clearly and be able to grasp it? What enables people to come to Christ at all? What kind of freedom does the Spirit give us when we become Christians? The Holy Spirit takes away spiritual blindness by opening our hearts and minds to the Word. It is the Holy Spirit that enables us to come to the Lord at all. Then He helps transform us little by little so that we eventually resemble our Saviour Jesus Christ. The freedom we enjoy on becoming Christians is freedom from bondage to the law; freedom in understanding Scripture; and freedom in coming to the Lord.

Q1. (2 Corinthians 3:7-11) Why did Moses’ face glow? Why did he cover it when he was out with the people? Why didn’t more people’s face glow in Moses’ time? What’s the difference between the spread of God’s glory in Moses’ time when compared to our own time? Moses was reflecting the glory of God. The same way when we live in fellowship with God our lives will reflect His glory. Moses veiled his face so that the people would not see the fading glory of the law. The people’s face did not glow in Moses’ time because they were spiritually blind by not having Jesus Christ. The glory of God in Moses’ time was temporary. Its function was to reveal sin, and to show the holy requirements of God. Today we are blessed freely by His grace through redemption that is in Jesus Christ. Today salvation is dependent on God and not on man.

Q4. (2 Corinthians 3:6a) Why is a Christian’s spiritual health so closely related to his or her involvement in ministry? What are the consequences of dropping out of church – for the believer? For Christ’s Kingdom? When we think of the suffering our Lord had to go through and His love for us, we naturally want to serve Him. Because of His grace, mercy, and love we have been saved. This makes me so grateful and humbles me and empowers me to serve Him in any capacity at the church. I prefer serving Him by doing the work others are not so keen on. These menial tasks have to be done, and there are not so many volunteering to do them. By dropping out of church we are depriving ourselves of the opportunity of serving Him and at the same time the church is a bit less effective in the community.

Q3. (2 Corinthians 3:4-6) What is the balance between the need for training in ministry (either in the local church or in schools) and personal submission to the Spirit of God? Are you able to “listen to the Spirit’s voice” in your own life? Why would this ability be so important in being a competent minister? Only our Lord can make us competent to win souls for Him. Without submitting to the Holy Spirit there can be no ministry – we cannot do it on our own. For it is the Holy Spirit that empowers and enables ministers to understand scripture and to have an effective ministry. Yes, by the grace of God, I have been given the power of discernment and this helps me to stay on the straight and narrow. This ability would be vital for any minister and would enable him to spot false teachings.