Final Exam Time

2 Corinthians 13: 1 – 10

What was the most difficult question you have ever faced on an exam?

Based on previous context, what is Paul’s reasoning for making a third visit to Corinth?
Upon what grounds does Paul consider that he has actual authority in that church?
Why is Paul planning to be harsh with them on his next visit?
How do we know when it is appropriate to be harsh in how we minister to others?
Why is real authority so difficult for us to accept in our culture?
How can we become more open to godly authorities in our lives?

Spend 10 minutes meditating quietly on verse 4a.
Why is Paul bringing up the example of Jesus’ ministry again with them?
What are some ways that you have noticed your weakness in your life this week?
What are some ways that you have seen the life-giving power of God in your life?
What similar responses should we have in our lives both to power and weakness?
What do you need to change in your worldview to gain a “cross” perspective on life?

How does a person go about testing themselves to see if they really are a follower of Jesus?
Why does Paul tell them that they need to go through this painful personal inventory?
Why is Paul concerned that they may come up with a false impression of his walk?
What has convinced you in the past month of Jesus’ real presence in your life?
How can we ensure that we perform a fair evaluation on ourselves?
Why would it be particularly difficult to evaluate the sincerity of someone else’s walk?
How then can we discern if a leader should be followed or not?

Things that really are worth bragging about

2Corinthians 11: 21 - 12:10

What are some kinds of things that you hear people brag about in everyday conversation?
Why are those kinds of things viewed as pride-worthy?

Based on this passage, describe the relationship between the Apostle Paul and the church in Corinth. Why is he so intensely flipping out in this conversation? Who is Paul comparing himself to in this passage? Why in the world has he resorted to personal comparisons and ad hominem arguments?

Describe in detail Paul’s lifestyle while on mission for Jesus. Why is it often that difficult for those who are swept up into Jesus’ story? Why does Paul see his suffering, difficult times, and inabilities as something that he is comfortable bragging about?

What are some ways that you suffer in your life’s mission? How do we change our perspective to view those sufferings more positively rather than pessimistically?

Describe the spiritual vision that Paul discusses at the beginning of chapter 12. Do you think this happened to him or to someone else? Why or why not? If this happened to Paul why does he choose not to brag about this experience? Why then does he mention this event if not to boast about it?

How would such a mystical event be helpful to someone going through the kinds of suffering that Paul is experiencing? Why do you think Jesus allowed Paul (or whoever that was) to have that amazing revelation?

What are some ways that you have experienced Jesus in your everyday life this week? What can we do to place ourselves in a better position to receive that kind of existential grace? How can you use your experiences of Jesus’ presence to adjust your perspective on the suffering you face for being a disciple?

What do you think Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” might have been?
Why would God allow this “messenger of Satan” to afflict Paul even when he asked for help?
What did Paul learn about Jesus and his relationship with him from having this disability?

Why are Christians truly strong only when they recognize their weakness?
What are some weaknesses you have in your life tonight?
Have you thanked God lately for the weaknesses he has allowed in your life?