STUDY & PRAYER GUIDE

Transcription

1 STUDY & PRAYER GUIDE

2 2018 Calvary Church All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording, without the express written permission of the publisher. Requests for permission should be addressed to Calvary Church, 2120 Lexington Ave N, Roseville, MN Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, New International Version NIV Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. PRODUCTION TEAM Curriculum Developers Lisa Geis, Steve Taylor, Patrick Leung, Matt McClay, John Carlson General Editor Tucker Anderson Copy Editor Cheryl Brunkow Design Cheryl Brunkow & Christa Granlund Printed in the United States of America

3 Table of Contents Gaining Heart / 2 Corinthians 4: Jars of Clay / 2 Corinthians 4: Unstoppable Grace / 2 Corinthians 4: Waste Renewed / 2 Corinthians 4: Finding Life / 2 Corinthians 5: The Day of Triumph / John 12: Can You See Him? / John 20:1-10,

4 Calvary Church, We all face difficulties and hardships that may leave scars and brokenness, but don't lose hope. Paul wrote that our troubles are achieving for us a glory. God takes broken things and infuses them with life and light, restoring them to their original design and purpose. God mends, makes whole and brings great joy. Paul encouraged the church in Corinth that God s plan was to redeem and restore. Paul wrote about this when he said, we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all surpassing power is from God and not from us. ReUse: Broken Pots comes out of this letter that Paul wrote revealing that God was, and still is, in the business of reusing broken things. We hope that this booklet is a helpful guide to this study of God s Word for you and others. The layout is designed for interaction and dialogue. We cater to groups. Not that you cannot use this as you personally dive into God s word, but the hope is that the study leads to discussion with others. Study, pray, write, and flesh out your ideas and gain insight from others. The topics are based on the weekend messages from Calvary Church, and in our desire to build community and grow fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ. Thanks to the team of women and men who crafted the questions and did the thinking and writing. We are all indebted. With each new Study Guide, I find new insights and great questions to challenge me. The conversations that arise are insightful and encouraging. So enjoy this ReUse: Broken Pots Study Guide as we walk through 2 Corinthians 4:1-5:10. SHAWN WINTERS SENIOR PASTOR 2

5 Gaining Heart 2 CORINTHIANS 4:1-6

6 CONNECT Get to Know One Another Question 1 When you think of someone who is humble, what particular qualities or characteristics come to mind? Question 2 Why do you think TV preachers have such a bad reputation? EQUIP Dive into God s Word Read 2 Corinthians 4:1-6 Background Information Paul founded the church at Corinth (a prosperous city controlling the isthmus connecting Achaia and the Peloponnesian peninsula) during his second missionary journey (AD 50-52). 1 This initial visit to Corinth lasted for a year and a half (Acts 18:11) and was not without its challenges. A city that boasted of pagan temples and immorality was bound to show cultural resistance to the new message heralded by Paul. 2 The Apostle confronted opposition from the Corinthian synagogue (Acts 18:6) and came face to face with the Greco- Roman ideals of valuing the wealthy and powerful and engaging in promiscuous practices (1 Corinthians 1:26-27; 2 Corinthians 12:21). These cultural mores incited division within the local church prompting Paul s letters. 3 There are actually four Corinthian letters including a first letter (now lost), a second letter (letter of 1 Corinthians), a third letter, and a fourth letter (letter of 2 Corinthians). 4 1 John D. Barry, Douglas Mangum, Derek R. Brown, Michael S. Heiser, Miles Custis, Elliot Ritzema, Matthew M. Whitehead, Michael R. Grigoni, and David Bomar, Faithlife Study Bible (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012, 2016). 2 Carl G. Rasmussen, Zondervan Atlas of the Bible. Revised ed. (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2010), Barry, et al., Faithlife Study Bible. 4 Ibid. 4

7 THE TEMPLE OF APOLLO AT CORINTH (PICTURED ABOVE) IS A VISUAL REMINDER OF THE IDOLATROUS CULTURE IN WHICH PAUL PROCLAIMED THE GOSPEL. Question 3 The conjunction therefore in v. 1 connects the passage to what precedes. Read 2 Corinthians 3:4-18. What is the ministry to which Paul is referring? Question 4 What is meant by secret and shameful ways, deception, and distort the word of God (v. 2 NIV)? Why is Paul so concerned about these things? Question 5 How does Paul describe those who are not receptive to the gospel? Why do they show such resistance? 5

8 Question 6 Why is Paul s emphasis on our standing before Christ such an important element to his witness to the power of Christ? Read 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12 Question 7 Summarize Paul s ministry as outlined in 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12. What are some key qualities of his ministry that he highlights? Question 8 Why does Paul take great pains to be transparent to the Thessalonians? Question 9 What changes do you need to make to have Paul s vision of ministry? 6

9 IMPACT Engage your World Question 10 What are some common distortions of the word of God that you hear today? Question 11 If God is the one who reveals the truth to an individual, what role if any do ministry strategies and techniques play? Question 12 In our own ministry, how can we ensure people are seeing and recognizing the light of the gospel? PRAY Allow at least minutes for prayer at the end of the time. How does this passage call me to praise God? After studying the passage, what sins do I need to confess? What does this passage show me I need from God? 7

10 Jars of Clay 2 CORINTHIANS 4:7-12

11 CONNECT Get to Know Each Other Question 1 When you think of the word power, what comes to mind? Question 2 How can power be used for good? Share a few examples of how you have seen power leveraged for the benefit of others. EQUIP Dive into God s Word Read 2 Corinthians 4:7-12 Background Information The Apostle Paul traveled much of the eastern Mediterranean during the midfirst century. Throughout his travels, he experienced great persecution. Second Corinthians 11:16-33 recounts many of the trials Paul faced during his travels. As you read this passage, note that his perspective was counter-cultural in the 1st century as much as it is today in the 21st century. Paul saw his suffering as an opportunity for Christ s power to be displayed through him. As you work through the following questions, note that the way Paul talks about power, weakness, suffering, etc. is contrary to the world s perspective. 9

12 Question 3 What is the treasure in v. 7? Consider the previous context in 3:7-9. Question 4 What are the jars of clay Paul refers to in v. 7? With what does Paul contrast clay jars? Question 5 How does Paul argue that the treasure is revealed (vv )? Question 6 Paul argues that persecution and suffering magnify the power of God. Why is this the case? Read 2 Corinthians 12:1-10 Question 7 What does this passage communicate about one of the roles of suffering in our lives? 10

13 Question 8 How is God s power made perfect in weakness (v. 9 NIV)? Why does God choose to work through our weakness? Question 9 Describe what it looks like to boast about weakness? IMPACT Engage your World Question 10 Talk about a time when you saw power abused. What were the consequences? Question 11 Have you suffered humiliation or persecution for the sake of the gospel? How did you react? What would it look like to have Paul s perspective? Question 12 Although we can never compel God to take action, how can we allow God to work through us to demonstrate his power to our neighbors? 11

14 PRAY Allow at least minutes for prayer at the end of the time. How does this passage call me to praise God? After studying the passage, what sins do I need to confess? What does this passage show me I need from God? 12

15 Unstoppable Grace 2 CORINTHIANS 4:13-15

16 CONNECT Get to Know One Another Question 1 People respond differently to the troubles they have in life. What are common ways people respond to trouble and adversity? Question 2 Where do you find hope in the midst of life s difficulties? EQUIP Dive into God s Word Read Psalm 116 Background Information In 2 Corinthians 4:13-15, the Apostle Paul cites Psalm 116:10. The quotation is difficult to spot in English because Paul is citing the Greek version of the Old Testament known as the Septuagint. Most likely Paul has the entirety of the Psalm in mind because he makes reference to that same spirit of faith (2 Corinthians 4:13), which can only be seen by reading the entire psalm. 1 As you read Psalm 116 and 2 Corinthians 4:13-15, pay attention to how the themes of Psalm 116 inform your understanding of 2 Corinthians 4. Question 3 Read Psalm 116 in its entirety. What is the meaning of the psalm? Why would Paul quote from this psalm (v. 13)? Question 4 What is the spirit of faith Paul mentions in v. 13 as it relates to Psalm 116? Why is this so significant in the life of a Christ follower? 1 David E. Garland, 2 Corinthians, vol. 29, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1999),

17 Question 5 What parallels do you notice between the salvation the psalmist experiences and the salvation in Christ that Paul proclaims? Read 2 Corinthians 4:13-15 Question 6 Why is the resurrection of Jesus so central to Paul s hope in the midst of trials and suffering? Question 7 What does Paul mean when he says, All this is for your benefit? What does Paul mean by benefit? Question 8 Paul ties together salvation, thanksgiving, and the glory of God. What is the relationship between each of these ideas? IMPACT Engage your World Question 9 What is the reaction we are to have because of the grace so freely given to each of us? 15

18 Question 10 What does it look like to have confidence in God in the midst of trials and adversity? Question 11 How do you express thanksgiving? What does it mean to have our thanks overflow to the glory of God? PRAY Allow at least minutes for prayer at the end of the time. How does this passage call me to praise God? After studying the passage, what sins do I need to confess? What does this passage show me I need from God? 16

19 Waste Renewed 2 CORINTHIANS 4:16-18

20 CONNECT Get to Know One Another Question 1 What are some examples of unseen things that are far more important than things we can see? Question 2 Have you ever lost hope or been discouraged by circumstances, due to health, money, relationship, addiction or other seemingly tough-tosolve issues? What happened? EQUIP Dive into God s Word Read 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 Background Information In the following passage, Paul focuses on the ongoing work of sanctification in the life of the believer. For Paul, understanding God s ongoing work of transformation should inform one s understanding of suffering and trials. In 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, note his perspective on trials and suffering, a perspective that is quite contrary to how we typically conceive of such things. The eternal perspective that Paul had, grounded in the resurrection, shaped the way he viewed life. Question 3 What is the significance of the conjunction, therefore in v. 16? How does it connect the previous section about the resurrection to the verses that follow? 18

21 Question 4 Considering the context, how was Paul outwardly wasting away? How was he being inwardly renewed? Question 5 Verses 7-12 do not seem to be a light and momentary trouble. How can Paul refer to his experiences in this way? Question 6 What things of eternal value continued to inspire Paul? What things of eternal value continue to inspire us? Read Lamentations 3:19-27 (if time, read the entire chapter) Question 7 Where did the prophet Jeremiah find hope according to this passage? How does this inform our reading of 2 Corinthians 4:16-18? Question 8 What are the characteristics of God that led to this hope? 19

22 Question 9 What promises did God make to the King He installed? IMPACT Engage your World Question 10 How does God s faithful love and redemptive work shape our perspective on suffering and trials? Question 11 How can we find a right balance between focusing on what is seen and temporary, and what is unseen and eternal? Question 12 What practical steps can we take in order to remind ourselves of God s faithfulness? PRAY Allow at least minutes for prayer at the end of the time. How does this passage call me to praise God? After studying the passage, what sins do I need to confess? What does this passage show me I need from God? 20

23 Finding Life 2 CORINTHIANS 5:1-10

24 CONNECT Get to Know One Another Question 1 Why do you think so many in our culture only focus on the here and now? Question 2 Does the thought of life beyond physical death excite you, scare you, perplex you, etc.? Why do you feel this way? EQUIP Dive into God s Word Read 2 Corinthians 5:1-10 Background Information In 2 Corinthians 5:10, the Apostle Paul speaks about the judgment seat (Greek: bema) of Christ. For Paul, the reality of having to stand before the ultimate judge was a motivation to please Christ in everything that he did. Those living in a Greco-Roman city such as Corinth would have been well familiar with the language of judgment seat. Pictured here is the bema in the city of Corinth. Most likely Paul appeared before Gallio the proconsul of Achaia in this very location (Acts 18:12). This is a vivid reminder that at all of us will one day stand before the ultimate judge and king. 22

25 PICTURED ABOVE IS WHERE THE JUDGMENT SEAT AT CORINTH WAS LOCATED WHEN PAUL STOOD BEFORE THE PROCONSUL GALLIO (ACTS 18:1-17). Question 3 In 2 Corinthians 5:1-10 Paul compares an earthly tent with a heavenly dwelling? What is Paul referring to? How do the two compare? Question 4 Paul s contrast of being naked to being clothed in our heavenly dwelling is an interesting picture. Why does Paul use this imagery? Question 5 The Spirit plays an important part in Paul s comments. How does the Spirit work in your life to guarantee God s provision of a heavenly home? 23

26 Question 6 How do you understand Paul s closing comments about appearing before the judgment seat of Christ? What is Paul trying to elicit in the hearts of believers? What is Paul trying to bring about in your heart? Read Philippians 3:12-21 Question 7 What similarities do you notice between Philippians 3:12-21 and 2 Corinthians 5:1-10? Question 8 Paul says that those who are mature have a particular perspective (v. 15). What kind of perspective do they have? Question 9 What does it mean that Jesus will transform our lowly bodies? Is there continuity, discontinuity, or a combination of the two, between our life now and the life to come? 24

27 IMPACT Engage your World Question 10 In what ways do you groan in anticipation of your heavenly dwelling? What might you be facing that causes you to groan? Question 11 In 2 Corinthians 5:7 we are told to live by faith and not by sight. We are also told to make it our goal to please the Lord (5:9). How can we live obediently without basing our right standing with God on works? Question 12 2 Corinthians 5:1-10 speaks about the ultimate destiny for the Christ follower. How can this shape your everyday life? PRAY Allow at least minutes for prayer at the end of the time. How does this passage call me to praise God? After studying the passage, what sins do I need to confess? What does this passage show me I need from God? 25

28 The Day of Triumph JOHN 12:12-19

29 CONNECT Get to Know Each Other Question 1 Talk about a time when a great expectation that you had was met. What was the experience like? Question 2 Have you ever participated in a crowd s activity without really understanding what was going on? What was the experience like? EQUIP Dive into God s Word Read John 12:12-19 Background Information Jesus entered into Jerusalem on the Sunday prior to Passover. During the first century, Passover came with great hopes that God was going to enter into time and space and relieve his people from their oppressors. Self-proclaimed messiahs with grandiose claims had gathered followings before (Acts 5:36-37) but this one seemed different. This one showed promise. Perhaps the long awaited redemption had finally come. The Gospel of John brings together two Old Testament texts, Psalm 118:25-26 and Zechariah 9:9. These two texts present a picture of kingship that was different than what the people expected. They were in need of a redemption far more radical than mere political relief. As you answer these questions keep in mind the people s hopes and expectations, and the true nature of Jesus messiahship. 27

30 THE TRIUMPHAL ENTRY CELEBRATION BRINGS THOUSANDS FROM AROUND THE WORLD EVERY YEAR. RELIGIOUS PILGRIMS FLOCK WITH PALM BRANCHES AND MAKE THEIR WAY FROM BETHPHAGE TO ST. ANNE S CRUSADER ERA CHURCH IN JERUSALEM (NEAR THE POOL OF BETHESDA). IT IS A VIVID REMINDER OF JESUS ENTRY INTO JERUSALEM 2000 YEARS AGO. Question 3 When Jesus rode on a donkey into Jerusalem, what kind of a king or messiah was Jesus projecting himself to be (read Zechariah 9:9)? Question 4 What did the crowd expect when they shouted, Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord (v. 13 NIV)? Question 5 Why were the disciples confused in v. 16? What did they expect? 28

31 Question 6 In John 6:15, Jesus pushed aside attempts to make him King. Now as He entered Jerusalem, Jesus seemed to embrace the royal aspirations of the people. What changed? Read Psalm 118 (paying special attention to vv ) Question 7 How would you describe the attitude of the psalmist? Why would the people in the Gospel of John quote from this psalm? Question 8 What insight do we gain regarding the people s understanding of Jesus with the quotation of this psalm? Question 9 In what ways did the triumphal entry bring both salvation and judgment? Why is this significant? 29

32 IMPACT Engage your World Question 10 By entering Jerusalem on a donkey, Jesus had illustrated one paradox that lies at the very heart of the gospel, that is, power must come through weakness. How do you plan to live out that paradox as you follow Christ daily? Question 11 What is our natural response when we recognize God s work among us? Share an example from your own life. Question 12 Are you willing to turn your eye upon Jesus daily as His disciple? What is your strategy? What are your long-term and short-term plans for staying close to Him? PRAY Allow at least minutes for prayer at the end of the time. How does this passage call me to praise God? After studying the passage, what sins do I need to confess? What does this passage show me I need from God? 30

33 Can You See Him? JOHN 20:1-10, 30-31

34 CONNECT Get to Know Each Other Question 1 The Easter holiday is celebrated with bunnies and eggs. Do you think these traditions are helpful, or are they a distraction from the true meaning of Easter? Question 2 What do you suppose most people in our culture think of the resurrection? EQUIP Dive into God s Word Read John 20:1-10, Background Information The fact that the resurrection is mentioned in the Amidah (the daily Jewish prayer) suggests widespread acceptance of this doctrine during the first century (with one exception, see Matthew 22:23). 1 This daily prayer ends with Blessed are you, O Lord, who bring the dead to life. 2 Although there was consensus that the resurrection would take place, there were various ideas about how this miraculous event would play out. One thing was for certain though, everyone thought it would take place at the end of human history. It is no surprise then that the disciples were confused to wake up on Sunday morning and find an empty tomb. Could it be that their Lord was resurrected, but their deceased relatives remained in their graves? This backdrop puts into focus the unique responses of Jesus followers in the following passage

35 THE CHURCH OF THE HOLY SEPULCHER MARKS THE LOCATION OF JESUS CRUCIFIXION AND RESURRECTION. THE PICTURE ABOVE IS INSIDE THE ROTUNDA WHICH MARKS THE RESURRECTION SITE. Question 3 What does Mary s response (v. 2) say about her understanding of the empty tomb? What would have been your first reaction to seeing an empty tomb? Question 4 Why does John devote extra attention to the strips of linen in vv. 6-7? What do you think John is trying to emphasize? Question 5 Verse 8 says that the other disciple saw and believed. And yet, verse 9 says They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead (NIV). What was it that the other disciple believed? 33

36 Question 6 Read John 1:1-13. What connections do you see with John 20:30-31? What is the significance of Jesus as Messiah? As Son of God? What kind of life is John talking about? Read John 11:25-26 Question 7 What does it mean that Jesus is the resurrection and the life? Why was this a radical concept to a Jewish person living in the first century? Question 8 What does it mean that The one who believes in me will live, even though they die? What kind of life is Jesus talking about? Question 9 How would you respond to Jesus question, Do you believe this? Why do you answer the way you do? 34

37 IMPACT Engage your World Question 10 Have you ever had a conversation about the resurrection of Jesus with someone who doesn t believe that it happened? How did you approach the conversation? Question 11 Put yourself in the disciples shoes. How do you think you would have reacted when seeing the risen Jesus? Question 12 Does the empty tomb cause you to approach life differently? PRAY Allow at least minutes for prayer at the end of the time. How does this passage call me to praise God? After studying the passage, what sins do I need to confess? What does this passage show me I need from God? 35

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