Prevail: 2 Corinthians Week 9 Honest to God: Why is honesty the best policy? 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: Anita Venning 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? 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 In the previous part of this letter, Paul writes about boasting. Paul had experienced significant visions but had also been given a thorn in the flesh and told by God that His grace was sufficient, and that God’s power is made perfect in weakness. The letter continues to point out to the Corinthians that they were wrongly influenced by other boastful “super leaders.” Read: 2 Corinthians 12:11-17 Read the passage in several different translations. What first caught your interest or stuck out to you as you read these verses? Paul was being honest, challenging the Corinthians' attitude. What were the issues from verses 11-13? What do you think of the way he does it? How does Paul’s heart for the Corinthians reflect the Father heart of God? Can you share a time you gladly expended yourself for someone else? Paul confronts their wrong thinking and calls for them to be honest in their attitude and judgment of him as the founder of the church in Corinth. How often do you take time to self-examine your attitudes and actions? How do you respond to correction? In what ways can you support and encourage your leaders at church? We find Paul’s goal in verse 19, "everything we do, dear friends, is for your strengthening." Who can you come alongside and strengthen by speaking words of truth and being honest to build them up? 3. Living out the Heart of God What part of this chapter do you want to live out in your life? How will you go about it? 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 for our church leaders, for them to be encouraged as they serve. Contacts If you would like more information or further help, please contact: scott.button@hopevalleychurch.com.au