Prevail: 2 Corinthians Week 2 Sowing and Reaping: Why does God love a cheerful giver? Focus: In a later letter to the church in Corinth, Paul humbly bares his heart and life as a follower and apostle of Jesus. Paul shares the sufferings, trials, difficulties, conflicts, and heartaches that have driven him ever closer to the comfort of his Savior, magnifying the power of Jesus as a witness to all. Study by: 2024 Hope Valley Intern Team Sermons can be viewed on the Hope Valley Church YouTube Channel 1. Sharing Our Journey Praise, Thanks, and Reflection Invite people to share from one or more of the questions below. It can be done as a whole group or in subgroups. How have you gone living out God’s Word since our last gathering? Where have you seen God at work this week? How has God used you? What are you thankful for? Where have you struggled to follow the way of Jesus? Where and with whom have you witnessed to the love and good news of Jesus? As you lead into this week's Bible study, listen to the attached song and reflect on how our God is a generous giver. Care and Prayer In prayer, capture the things you have shared above after also inviting people to share any personal needs for prayer or support. 2. Opening God’s Word Setting the Scene 2 Corinthians is a letter that Paul the Apostle (formerly known as Saul) wrote to the church in Corinth, which was experiencing division, arrogance, selfishness, and false teachings. In chapters 1-3, Paul greets the church and appeals to them to stand firm in the faith and remember God’s promises. Paul continues to urge them to forgive others and uplift God’s name by modeling Jesus. In chapters 4-6, Paul proclaims the light of the gospel and reinforces that Christians are new creations whose true home is in heaven and who commend ourselves and God through endurance of hardships and persecution. In chapters 7-8, Paul commends the Corinthian church for their godly sorrow which has led to repentance and also calls for their ongoing generosity. It is upon this foundation that chapter 9 builds. Read: 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 Read the passage together in a few different translations (e.g., NIV and The Message paraphrase). Could you summarize the main idea in these verses? What resonated the most with you? What inspires our motivation to be generous? According to verse 11, generosity reaps rewards/blessings. What are they and what is their God-intended purpose? In what ways does Paul instruct us to demonstrate obedience to God? What is the outcome of this obedience according to verses 12-14? 3. Living out the Heart of God Do you need to examine your giving? Are you a cheerful giver or one who does so grudgingly? Can you give up something in your daily life that will give you more freedom to be generous? If you have felt challenged in the area of giving today, what do you need to remind yourself about how God loves you? (John 15:9) Prayer for Each Other Break into 2s or 3s to pray: Pray for each other for any commitment you have made to live out what you have learned. Praying for your 5 (from your Relational Map - See ‘The Heart of God’ Study - Week 1) 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 contains Paul’s explanation of benefits and opportunities tied to generous giving. The key point is that godly giving is a Christlike act of grace. Pray together about ways you can be obedient and generous givers. Contacts If you would like more information or further help, please contact: scott.button@hopevalleychurch.com.au