LESSON #2 PAUL'S MINISTRY OF THE NEW

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LESSON #2

PAUL’S MINISTRY OF THE NEW COVENANT

2 Corinthians 2:5-3:18

Principle: Only ministers of the New Covenant are competent for kingdom work. Use this lesson outline to record your notes as you watch the 2nd Corinthians Lesson 2 video.

I.

RESTORATION OF THE REPENTANT SINNER •

II.

2:5-11

The church is called to discipline sin but also to forgive it.

RESOURCES OF THE NEW COVENANT MINISTRY •

III.

In Christ the believer has the resources to impact others spiritually.

RESULTS OF NEW COVENANT MINISTRY •

2:12-3:6

3:7-18

The effect of New Covenant life is conformity to Christ.

LESSON #3

PAUL’S PHILOSOPHY OF MINISTRY

2 Corinthians 4:1-5:10

Subject: Paul shares his philosophy of ministry and life’s goal. Please answer these lesson questions for next week prior to watching the 2nd Corinthians Lesson 3 video.

Review 1. How did the lecture help you in your understanding of last week’s lesson?

Read 2 Corinthians 4:1-18

God’s power in weak vessels

Paul continues to write of his ministry of the New Covenant which is far superior to that of the Old. He gives more personal details of his life and work in 2 Corinthians than in any other letter, this one written at one of the most difficult points in Paul’s ministry, revealing the deep suffering as well as the intense joy experienced by the true servant of the Lord Jesus Christ.

2.

Paul sets himself apart from the false apostles as one who does not deceive or distort the Word of God. How do people today sometimes use deception or distortion in handling God’s Word?

3.

How does Paul’s philosophy of ministry (see also 1 Cor. 2:1-5) help you in determining how churches should approach evangelism, worship and ministry?

4.

What attitude do we need to have about ourselves if God would use us in His work?

5.

How does Paul describe his experience as a true servant of Jesus Christ?

6.

Explain how Paul’s ministry differs from the way many people see ministry today.

7.

What do you think Paul meant by saying that he always carried around in his body the death of Jesus in order that the life of Jesus is manifested in others?

8.

As you reflect on this passage, what requirements do you see for doing God’s work in God’s way? There are a number mentioned in these verses.

9.

In the tough times of ministry, what secret does Paul give for his endurance?

10. Can you share a time in your life in which you endured, in spite of deep suffering, because you applied Paul’s secret?

11. As you read through the passage, what are some signs you can look for to help you recognize a true servant of Jesus Christ?

Read 2 Corinthians 5:1-10

Our heavenly dwelling

As Paul reflects on the intense suffering he is experiencing, his thoughts go to the glorified body he will one day receive, which far outweighs his temporal pain.

12. How does Paul’s thinking help him deal with the life-threatening dangers he faces in ministry?

13.

What reasons does Paul give for being able to face death fearlessly? There are several.

14.

How does Paul’s goal in 5:9-10 differ from the goals of most people? How does it compare or contrast with your goal?

Reflection and Personal Application 15. How has this lesson helped you personally in serving Christ or sharing Him with others?