Prevail: 2 Corinthians Week 3 The Grace of Giving: Is grace possible in affliction? 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 saviour, magnifying the power of Jesus as a witness to all. Study by: Charis Button 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. It can also involve a worship song. What are you thankful for? Where have you seen God at work? How has God used you? How have you gone living out God’s Word since our last gathering? 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? Listen to and reflect on the lyrics of New Wine by Hillsong Worship. 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 Both chapters 8 and 9 of 2 Corinthians address the issue of giving. Paul is writing to the church at Corinth about a collection he is organising to provide financial aid to struggling Christians in Jerusalem. Paul uses the account of the Macedonian church’s generosity to spur the Corinthian Christians on to love and good deeds. We know that the Roman province of Macedonia comprised the northern part of Greece where the Pauline churches at Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea (cf. Acts 17:13–14; 20:4) were located. Compellingly, these churches themselves were experiencing affliction and yet chose to give as a response to God’s grace in their own lives. Read: 2 Corinthians 8:1-7 Read together from the NIV or another accessible version. Notice Paul’s use of repetition in the passage. Think of an example of a Christlike giver from the Bible, a figure in history, or someone you currently know. What are the characteristics you see that identify this person as a Christlike giver? What prompted the Macedonian church to give to the Jerusalem church when it was facing poverty itself? What was the Macedonian church’s approach to giving? What can we learn from them? How should Christians today determine what and when to give? 3. Living out the Heart of God How does becoming a Christlike giver lead you to greater intimacy with Father God? Have you experienced this in your own life? What do you think are the challenges of becoming a Christlike giver? How can you overcome these challenges? What is one area that the Holy Spirit is calling you to be more generous in this week? 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) Pray that God would provide you with opportunities to be generous in the week ahead. Contacts If you would like more information or further help, please contact: scott.button@hopevalleychurch.com.au