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Q2. (2 Corinthians 3:2-3) In what sense are we “living letters”? In what way can people “read us”? Why is it so important to be authentic, not phony, in our lives? What happens when people “read” something in you that they admire and mention it to you? How might you respond appropriately? As believers we are Christ’s ambassadors, saints, representatives, and ‘living letters’, on this earth. People watch us and are quick to label us as hypocrites whenever we do not display proper Christian behaviour. Through the power of the Holy Spirit profound changes of heart, mind, and will occur in our outward behaviour. The world will notice this, and we are expected to display the fruit of the Spirit; joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, at all times. These changes are for all to see and we cannot fake them. It is when people consistently see this proper conduct that we can be effective in winning over souls for our Lord. It gives us an important opportunity to spread the Gospel.

Q1. (2 Corinthians 2:14-16a) In what sense is knowing God fragrant to people who are open to God? In what way is this fragrance repugnant to people who are closed to God? Have you suppressed your “fragrance” because some people are allergic to Christian perfume? If so, how can you regain the fragrance of Christ’s gospel? True believers, those who love Jesus, are always emitting a fragrance that is pleasing to God. When we meet a Spirit-filled believer we cannot help but sense this distinctive fragrance of our Lord Jesus – a rich bouquet of the fruit of the Spirit – joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. The world does not sense this aroma; to them this is a sign of weakness and therefore repugnant to them. All they smell is the pungent odour of death – eternal death. In years past I was not always wholly open about my Christianity – it often depended upon the company I kept. This is thankfully not true today. I cannot help but let everyone know whom I serve. By His grace, mercy, and love, and by diligently studying the Word and having fellowship with other believers I try to become more and more like my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Q4. (2 Corinthians 2:10-11) How does Satan take advantage of our unforgiveness? What are the symptoms in our own heart of unforgiveness? According to Matthew 6:14-15, how does holding unforgiveness hurt our spiritual lives? What would you have to do to really let go of your resentment and give it to God? Satan turns us into angry and bitter people – vulnerable to further entanglement. We have to put on the full armour of God so that we can take our stand against the devil’s schemes (Eph 6:11). As Jesus has warned us, how can we expect to have fellowship with our Heavenly Father if we are unwilling to forgive those who have wronged us. Just like God has forgiven us on numerous occasions for the wrongs we have done Him. We will only be set free of the sin of unforgiveness by unconditionally forgiving those who have wronged us.

Q3. (2 Corinthians 2:9) How does obedience to servant leaders help the church of Jesus Christ? How does obedience to self-serving leaders hurt the church? Are you obedient to those whom God has placed over you in the Lord? Why or why not? What is the relationship between obedience and church unity? Our true leaders have been given authority over us, and we as believers must be submissive to their authority if the church is to function properly. If our leaders are teaching the Word of God we must obey. If not it would be better if we had never heard the Word of God. The leaders will have to give an account to God one day – so they have this extra responsibility. Especially if they were self-serving and have hurt the church. Any church can never be united without total obedience to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Q2. (2 Corinthians 1:24) What does it mean to “lord it over” someone? What is the balance between (1) good, strong leadership, (2) micromanaging, and (3) a complete laissez-faire approach to leadership? What are the dangers of an authoritative leadership style? What are the dangers of a weak leadership style? To control or domineer that person. We must be careful because an authoritarian style of leadership can produce cooperation but not necessary respect and obedience. Leaders should be examples and not dictators. A good leader walks in front of his flock, not driving them from behind. 1 Peter 5:2-3 sums it up well, “Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers - not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock”. So, what is required is good, strong leadership and not a weak leadership style where the danger is of wandering and not being goal orientated. Strong leaders are needed also to enforce a good discipline in the church.

According to this verse, what does the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives signify? How does the Spirit unite us with God? What is the promise of future blessing inherent in the Spirit’s presence? The presence of the Holy Spirit within us is a seal of ownership – we now belong to God. We know He is our Father and we are His children – this awareness only comes with the presence of the Holy Spirit within our lives. God has promised to keep us in our relationship with Jesus Christ – remembering Christ is sufficient; He is everything!

Paul knows that God answers prayers and that the people will witness this, giving them an opportunity to see God in action and at the same time a reason for thanksgiving. We, as believers, are all united with Christ and with each other. We know from what Jesus told us, if even only as little as two believers pray together their prayers will be heard and answered. It not only enhances our relationships with fellow believers but also allows us to build a close relationship with God Himself. Having been a Christian for so many years I have on numerous occasions experienced the grace, mercy, and love of God in answering intercessory prayers. I know it is these prayers that help us turn the tide against the dark and evil powers of this world. Knowing that God is always in control.

God allows us to face these certain crises situations in order that we learn not to trust in ourselves, but to put our trust in Him. It is when going through a most difficult period in my life that I experienced the wonderful sense of God’s presence and peace and purpose. I had come to a new appreciation of the power of God – the God who raises the dead (v9). I got to know my Heavenly Father more personally and I experienced a deeper confidence and understanding of a God who comforts and sustains. This has taught me to rely solely on my Lord’s promises – He will be there for me. When the chips are down there is no time for pride. We might think we are in control but this is an illusion. When being deeply tested we discover the power of God and of prayer and thanksgiving. It is because of this stronger sense of God’s presence and power in my life that I have become a much more effective servant to Him.

Q1. (2 Corinthians 1:3-7) What kind of comfort do you receive from your faith in God? From your personal daily relationship with God? How might you share the blessing of this kind of comfort with a friend or relative who is currently suffering? What words of comfort can you bring to others? I know that all good things have their origin in God and that they come to me through Jesus. In the same way the comfort I receive from God overflows through my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Knowing this and that my Heavenly Father is Sovereign; completely in control, as well as being continually involved with His creation - is a comfort to me and gives me absolute peace. This reminds me of one of my favourite verses, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Phil 4:6-7). I often experience this God-sent comfort as I study the Word, or during my quiet time. The reading of psalms can also be a great source of comfort. Psalm 107:6, “Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress.” Christian friends very often provide great comfort. God comforts us by giving us strength, encouragement, and hope to cope with all our problems. He may allow us to experience difficulties so that we are then able to comfort others. This is the way God in His sovereignty can take a traumatic experience and redeem it and create a blessing for others.Since, as believers we are united with Christ and with each other, we are to share this comfort we receive. We must be less self-centred and listen to others without interruption – being sensitive to their deepest fears and worries. There are so many incidents that can propel us into grief and sorrow, and in our grief and tears many of us turn to God for comfort, guidance and hope. We hope that God will draw near to us, answer our deep questions and fill an aching void. In the same way our Lord comforts and strengthens us in our hardships and trials, are we to comfort others needing our sympathy and encouragement. We can be sure He will give us the strength to endure.

Q4. (5:13-14) What does it tell us about the status of the Lamb that he is worshipped alongside "him who sits on the throne"? Here we see the Lamb, because of His obedience to the Father, being exalted to the place of highest honour. In John 17:5 we read Jesus

Q3. (Revelation 5:5) What has the Lamb done to "triumph" and so become worthy to take the scroll and open its seals? (Hint: See the "for" or "because" clause in 5:9 for the answer.) He, the Lamb, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, is acclaimed as worthy to carry out judgment because of His redemptive work on the Cross. Over and above redemption, our Lord has made all believers kings and priests to worship Him, to witness for Him, and to reign with Him for eternity.

Q2. (Revelation 5:6) Decode (that is, identify) each of the following symbols that relate to the Lamb:

Q1. (Revelation 5:5) Why is the Lamb called "the Lion of the tribe of Judah" and "the Root of David"? What do these titles signify about him?

Q5. In what way does each celebration of the Lord's Supper anticipate a future Passover meal? (Matthew 26:29; Luke 13:28-29; 14:15; 22:30; Revelation 19:9; 1 Corinthians 11:26) The Lord

Q4. Why is it so important to forgive those who have offended us before partaking of the Lord's Supper? Our Lord Jesus died on the Cross and shed His blood to forgive us our sins, and it would be the height of hypocrisy to expect Jesus to forgive us our sins but not for us to forgive others who have hurt or offended us. In what sense are the Lord's Supper and unforgiveness incompatible? (Consider Matthew 26:28; 1 Corinthians 11:27; Matthew 6:14-15; 5:23-24; James 5:16.) The Lord

Q3. (Matthew 26:28) Why should the words, "This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins" fill us with sorrow? Why should they fill us with joy? These words remind me of how Jesus suffered for my sins. We have the bread symbolizing the breaking of Christ

Q2. Compare the annual Jewish Passover celebration meal in Jesus' day with the Christian's celebration of the Lord's Supper. Where are the similarities? Where are the differences? The Jews celebrate the fact that the Passover lamb redeemed the people of Israel from slavery in Egypt. The Christians celebrate the fact that Jesus redeems His people from slavery to sin. But the Jews celebrate a once off historical occurrence that only applied to their nation. Although, we as Christians also celebrate historical facts, it applies to all nations and all peoples all over the world

Q1. (Exodus 12) In what way did the lambs on the first Passover protect the families of God's people? The Israelites followed God's instructions by smearing the blood of a lamb on the doorframes of their homes. This sprinkled blood provided protection from death when God destroyed the Egyptian firstborn. What is the primary point of comparison between the first Passover lambs and what Christ did for us as our Passover Lamb? In the same way that the blood of an animal was the means of deliverance and of escaping death, so Christ

Q5. Extra Credit: In what sense have we been set free or released from slavery to sin? We read what Jesus said in John 8:34, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin.

Q4. According to the slave-ransom analogy, who is the slave? All unbelievers. What is he enslaved by? Sin. Who offers the ransom? Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. If Satan is involved in the enslaving process, why isn't the ransom paid to him? We were never owned by Satan

Q3. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) How should we disciples apply the principle: "You are not your own, you were bought with a price"? How should this affect our living? Every believer is indwelt with the Holy Spirit, and in addition we are not our own. Therefore we should not be using our bodies and lives in anyway we desire. We were bought at a price and are obligated to present ourselves as unblemished and pure for Him. We are to do our best for God

Q2. What comparisons do you see between Jesus and the role of the Old Testament type of the Kinsman-Redeemer? I see Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour, as our beloved Kinsman-Redeemer who willingly gave His life to set us free from bondage. He is the ultimate Kinsman-Redeemer who rescues us from sin, death, and the eternal separation from God.

Q1. In the New Testament world, what class of humans were freed by payment of a redemption price or a ransom? Slaves were the class of humans freed by payment of a redemption price or by a ransom. Why do you think that Jesus, Peter, and Paul used this analogy in this week's theme verses. We were all slaves to sin and have been rescued by the payment of an infinite ransom. That is the precious blood of Jesus

Q5. Which single New Testament passage best sums up for you the lessons of Isaiah 53? Why did you chose this passage? (Select from Matt. 26:38-42; Luke 22:37; John 1:29; Romans 3:24-26; 2 Cor 5:20-21; 1 Peter 2:24-25; 1 Peter 3:18; Philippians 2:5-11 - or any other passage you can think of.) Philippians 2:5-11. In these verses I see the true nature and character of Christ that is depicted in Isaiah 53. Jesus, having equality with God, still humbled Himself and made Himself nothing by becoming a servant and a man. I see the humiliation, weakness, and obedience of the Suffering Servant of Isaiah 53:12. Yet He was still the all-knowing, omnipresent, and all-powerful Lord our Saviour! He did not have to die on the Cross for us, yet He did it willingly. This is grace, mercy, and love! What a Mighty, Gracious, and Loving Saviour we serve!

Q4. In addition to our sins, the Servant also bears the punishment deserved by sinners. In what sense, if any, did Jesus bear the punishment due you when he died on the cross? Again, the wages of sin is death; that is what we deserve as punishment for our sins. At the same time we will spend eternity in hell. We also deserve God