As God’s partners, we beg you not to accept this marvelous gift of God’s kindness and then ignore it. For God says,
“At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you.” Indeed, the “right time” is now. Today is the day of salvation. —2 Corinthians 6:1-2
-What do you think it means that we are God’s partners?
-What would it look like to accept God’s gift of kindness and then ignore it?
-Are there any specific ways that you may be ignoring God’s gift of kindness?
We live in such a way that no one will stumble because of us, and no one will find fault with our ministry. —2 Corinthians 6:3
-How does Paul say that they live their lives?
-Would you say that you live your life in that way: why or why not?
In everything we do, we show that we are true ministers of God. We patiently endure troubles and hardships and calamities of every kind. We have been beaten, been put in prison, faced angry mobs, worked to exhaustion, endured sleepless nights, and gone without food. We prove ourselves by our purity, our understanding, our patience, our kindness, by the Holy Spirit within us, and by our sincere love. —2 Corinthians 6:4-6
-In what ways did Paul say that they show themselves to be true ministry partners of God?
-Based upon verse 6, what areas do you find it most difficult to show yourself a true ministry partner of God?
We faithfully preach the truth. God’s power is working in us. We use the weapons of righteousness in the right hand for attack and the left hand for defense. —2 Corinthians 6:7
-Based on the context of this passage, how is Paul faithfully preaching the truth?
-What is the weapon that Paul is referring to? What is his offense and defense? (What does that mean in a practical sense)
We serve God whether people honor us or despise us, whether they slander us or praise us. We are honest, but they call us impostors. —2 Corinthians 6:8
-When does Paul say they serve God in this way?
-What context or situation would it be ok for us to not be faithful servants of God?
We are ignored, even though we are well known. We live close to death, but we are still alive. We have been beaten, but we have not been killed. Our hearts ache, but we always have joy. We are poor, but we give spiritual riches to others. We own nothing, and yet we have everything. Oh, dear Corinthian friends! We have spoken honestly with you, and our hearts are open to you. There is no lack of love on our part, but you have withheld your love from us. I am asking you to respond as if you were my own children. Open your hearts to us! —2 Corinthians 6:9-13
-Have you ever felt like you were alone in your attempt to live righteously? Tell us about it.
-How does having others engaged with you make a difference in your commitment?
Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness? What harmony can there be between Christ and the devil? How can a believer be a partner with an unbeliever? And what union can there be between God’s temple and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God said: “I will live in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they will be my people. —2 Corinthians 6:14-16
-In the context of this passage, what does it mean to “not team up with unbelievers?
-Who or what is God’s temple that verse 16 is referring to and why is this passage important?
-How are we to show that He lives in us, walks among us and that we are his people?
Therefore, come out from among unbelievers, and separate yourselves from them, says the Lord. Don’t touch their filthy things, and I will welcome you. And I will be your Father, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” —2 Corinthians 6:17-18
-What does he mean by “come out from among unbelievers and separate from them”? (location or behavior?)
-What causes God to welcome us and shows us to be his sons and daughters?
-How are you going to walk this out this week?