There is a short introduction available for the book of 2 Corinthians. You can read it here.
The God of All Comfort - 2 Corinthians 1:1-11
Understand It
- How did Paul describe God? (1:3)
- Why do you think Paul began his letter by praising God? (1:3)
- What does God do when we are troubled? (1:4)
- How does God involve Himself in our troubles? (1:4-5)
- What did Paul’s distress produce for the Corinthians? (1:6)
- In what way is patient endurance produced in Christians? (1:6)
- Why did Paul tell the Corinthians about the hardships he had endured? (1:8)
- Why did Paul despair? (1:8)
- How did Paul’s confidence in God enable him to rise above his despair? (1:8-10)
- For what reason did Paul endure suffering? (1:9)
- How did the Corinthians help Paul through his hardships? (1:11)
- What was the gracious favor Paul anticipated? (1:11)
Apply It
- How could you remind yourself to pray this week for Christians who are suffering hardship for their faith?
- What can you do this week to show love and concern for a Christian brother or sister who is suffering?
Paul's Change of Plans - 2 Corinthians 1:12-2:4
Understand It
- How did Paul support his claim that he had been sincere with the Corinthians? (1:12)
- What accusation from the Corinthians was Paul most likely responding to? (1:12-14)
- Why did Paul say that the Corinthians could boast of him just as he would boast of them? (1:14)
- Why had Paul planned to visit the Corinthian church? (1:15)
- Why did Paul change his travel plans? (1:15-16)
- How did Paul’s opponents at Corinth use his change of plans against him? (1:17)
- What is the chief feature of God’s promises? (1:18-22)
- How did Paul explain how reliable his words were? (1:18-23)
- What did Paul emphasize to strengthen his self-defense? (1:22)
- How does God’s Spirit act as a deposit? (1:22)
- What is guaranteed to come? (1:22)
- Why did Paul decide not to return to Corinth? (1:23)
- What was Paul’s main purpose in working with the Corinthian church? (1:24)
- What were Paul’s visits to Corinth like? (2:1)
- Why did Paul write about his distress and anguish? (2:4)
Apply It
- How can you remind yourself to listen to the Holy Spirit’s guidance and direction in your daily life?
- What is one interpersonal conflict that you need to try to work out this week?
