May 30, 2010 Lesson 11 of 2 Corinthians 11-21a

Why was Paul so concerned for the Corinthian Christians? See verses 1-4, and cf. Gal 1:6-10. On what two grounds was he amazed that they should so readily tolerate these false teachers? See verse 4 and verses 19-20. But also see verses 13-15. What warning for our own day can be drawn from what Paul says about the false teachers, their methods, and their message? Is ‘another Jesus’ preached today? Answer: Paul was concerned that the Corinthians had accepted “another Jesus.” The Jesus preached by the Jews. 1) his love for them, 2) his sacrifices for them are the reasons he is amazed?? Oh, no wait I misread the question. They tolerate false teachers because 1) they (and note the sarcasm here) are so wise, and 2) they tolerate (and almost allow) abuse. I think satan, as v 13-15 indicates, walks around acting like a follower and many times appears as a god to be worshiped. Today satan comes in the form of the false apostle on late night TV that tries to sell you “holy water” for $19.95 that will amazingly fill your bank account with thousands of dollars. Satan comes in the form of an idol in our cars, TV’s, and homes. Yes, I do believe that there is “another Jesus” preached today, his new name is relativism.


In what ways does Paul distinguish his own way of life while Corinth from that of the ‘false apostles’? Have you learnt anything new about Paul’s character from this passage? Answer: I see a deeper side to Paul’s sarcasm.


Notes:
V5. An ironical reference to the intruders at Corinth who exalted themselves so highly.
V7-12. Paul refused to take money from the church in Corinth, and says that he will continue to refuse, one reason being that his enemies who, it is implied, did receive support from the church, would have liked to see Paul doing the same.

May 29, 2010 Lesson 10 of 2 Corinthians 10

In his third section of the letter (see introduction), Paul has specially in view the disaffected minority, who were being led astray by visiting preachers, who were enemies of Paul and of the gospel. His desire is to destroy the influence of these men, so that his visit, when it comes, may not be one of strife and conflict. In this chapter he twice refers to a charge, which his enemies made against him (10:1b, 10), that while he might be able to write vigorous letters from a distance, he was weak and ineffective when present in person. Paul answers that he has powerful weapons at his command, and that the church in Corinth falls within the sphere of his God-given authority.


Consider Paul’s description of his ministry as a warfare (v3-6). What is the aim he has in view? What fortresses have to be captured, and how is victory achieved? Have you known in your own experience: (a) of lawless elements in your own thought-life brought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and (b) of winning such victories for Christ in the thought-life of others? Answer: Paul’s aim, I think even though not specifically stated here, is to obey and become more like Christ. Well Ok the obey part is specifically stated. Yes I have seen thought elements brought under control in my own life. One of the most basic is when I was saved as a teen I quit swearing. I did pull back from the Lord a bit during my young adult years and some of those bad habits and thoughts returned. When I started getting back into the Word several years ago I once again dropped that habit. It is not something of my own, rather it is God controlling my tongue. This is just one way that others may see in me, but privately there are others. I hope that my thoughts are always on Him so that I may be a witness indirectly at first, and then directly.


What does Paul claim for himself in verse 7-16, and what hope for future service does he express? Cf. Rom 12:3; 15:18-24. What is the only form of commendation in which he is interested? Answer: I am not sure of what Paul is trying to claim here. I would say that the only commendation he seeks is the commendation that he boasts in the Lord not himself or the world.


Note: V16. ‘Done in another man’s territory’: an allusion to those who came to a church already founded by someone else, to make mischief there.

May 28, 2010 Lesson 9 of 2 Corinthians 8:16-9:15

Today’s portion falls into tow parts. First, in 8:16-24, Paul explains why he is sending Titus and two others to Corinth, and gives them his warm commendation. Second, in chapter 9, he shows the blessings of cheerful and generous giving.


What can we learn from Paul’s example of the duty of giving praise where praise is due? What picture do you have of the personalities of the Christian workers he describes? Answer: The only thing I am seeing is Titus and the two brothers are believers and they are highly respected by the church. I do see continuing into 9:5 and putting it all together that Paul praises the brothers and then reminds the Corinthians about the gift and Paul requesting it from them.


What lessons do we learn here about handling money? What kinds of giving does God value? What reward does he give? Answer: We learn that when we give generously God will give to us generously so that we may give more generously. God want giving from the heart not obligation.


Note: 9:15. ‘His indescribable gift’: i.e. the gift of Christ, so great as to be beyond description, the spring and pattern of our giving.

May 21, 2010 Lesson 2 of 2 Corinthians 1:12-22

To what does Paul’s conscience bear witness regarding his relations: a) with the world, and b) with fellow believers? Can you say the same? Answer: Paul’s conscience is clear of the world because he lives his life under the wisdom of God. That is not to say Paul is perfect and did not make mistakes. Paul is simply trying to explain to the Corinthians that he had to change his plans for the glory of God!


Paul makes the remarkable claim that his reliability is to be compared with the eternal faithfulness of God. What does he tell us here about God’s faithfulness? What three special functions of the Holy Spirit are referred to in verse 21, 22? Answer: Stand firm, sets His seal upon us, and anoints us. It says that God is a promise keeper. God always upholds His end of the deal. We as part of the world do not always keep up our end, but God does.

Notes:
Verse 12 ‘not according to worldly wisdom: cf. 1 Cor 2:6; Jas 3:13-18.
V13. ‘It is simply untrue that I send any private communications. The only letters which I write are those which you read out to the congregation – ay, and which you do recognize as the expression of my mind, and will never cease, I hope, to recognize as such, (way).
V20. ‘He, who has God’s son, Jesus Christ, has all God has promised’ (Denny). When we believe this and utter with thankful hearts as appropriating ‘Amen’, we glorify God.

May 20, 2010 Lesson 1 of 2 Corinthians 1:1-11

After a formal greeting and introduction Paul opens his letter on a note of praise. What particular aspects of God’s character does Paul give praise for? Why do you think these should be particularly singled out in this letter? Can we learn from Paul’s experiences any new lessons about the Christian in his personal relationships with God? Answer: This one is above my head. I can see that Paul is talking here about the comfort and strength of God. One thing I found interesting is when researching this a bit one person more or less said to replace comfort with strength. It reads a bit different yet the same.


What reasons does Paul give in this passage for wanting the Corinthians to be fully aware of the extent of his sufferings? What spiritual gain would they get from his sufferings (v6)? What part are they to play, and with what result (v11)? How faithful are we in our support of those whose Christian lives entail more than a usual amount of sufferings? Answer: Paul suffered, and relayed this to the Corinthians so they could better understand that in times of great hardship that reliance on God is the only way. V6; If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. In other words what Paul has suffered he hopes that the Corinthians will learn from that situation that God is with them. Paul’s comfort is their strength.


Compare the formal greetings of this letter with similar ones in the other epistles (e.g. Gal 1:1). ON what grounds does Paul rest his claim to apostleship? How does he describe the church in Corinth in spite of its defects? What blessings does he ask for its members? How far are these blessings real to you? Answer: He rests his claims of apostleship on God; God said it and it is true. I am missing the description of the church in Corinth.


Note: V8-10. ‘To be uninformed’: in the sense of ‘to underrate’. The Corinthians knew of the affliction, but not of its gravity. ‘I absolutely despaired of life. Yes, and when I asked, what shall be the end? The whispered answer of my heart was Death. This taught me to rely no more on my own strength, but upon God alone, for He can raise up men actually dead’ (Way).

May 19, 2010 Lesson 35 of Psalm 41

David from his sick-bed thinks of the words, thoughts and attitudes of other people, some of whom visited him. Note the different ways they added to the sufferings of David. In contrast to this, think of ways by which you can consider the poor, weak and those who are sick. Answer: Unless I am missing the point here I don’t see how David’s enemies adding to his suffering can compare to how I see or treat the poor, weak, and sick. David’s enemies here are out to see his destruction, even after his death by spreading lies. They have a reason to be two-faced with him. I treat the poor, weak, and sick as best that I can. I will say, however, that it has been pressing on my heart to volunteer more these days. To get out and help in the church and the community so that others may see the love of Christ through us.


Amid the ‘fighting without and fear within’ (2 Cor 7:5), how did the psalmist’s faith finally gain the victory? Answer: The psalmist finally gains victory by turning to the Lord and putting his faith on the Rock.


Note: V1 ‘Has regard for’: the Hebrew implies wise as well as kindly consideration. LXX: ‘He that understands.’

May 18, 2010 Lesson 34 of Psalms 40:11-17

What are the reasons for the psalmist requiring God’s help? Answer: His troubles, which are obviously many, and his enemy who wish to take his life once again.

On what grounds does he ask for God’s help, and what does he see as the results of an answer to his prayer? What lessons can we learn for our own prayer life? Answer: He asks for help on the grounds that God is the mighty deliverer. ????