Question for Group Discussion based on Mark Scott’s Bible lesson for May 12, 2024
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1. Describe the most pressure-packed situation you ever personally endured. How were you able to persevere through it?
Ask two people to read aloud 2 Corinthians 4:1-18; 11:23-31, one after the other, preferably from different Bible versions. Then ask a third person to briefly summarize the passages.
2. In 2 Corinthians 4:2, Paul wrote, “We do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God.”
• Why is this the best approach for sharing God’s Word?
• What is likely to happen if a Christian were to try some other approach?
3. What do you think Paul was referring to when he wrote about “this treasure in jars of clay” (2 Corinthians 4:7)?
4. In 2 Corinthians 4:7-12, Paul indicated that Jesus Christ’s mission was a matter of life and death, and our personal mission as a Christ follower is also a matter of life and death.
• How have you been “hard pressed on every side,” “perplexed,” “persecuted,” and/or “struck down” (vv. 8-9) as a Christ follower? What were the circumstances?
• How is Jesus’ life being “revealed in [y]our mortal body”?
5. It is good for individuals to experience renewal (vv. 16-18).
• What are some activities or practices that help you renew physically?
• What are some activities or practices that help you renew spiritually?
6. Turning to the second part of our lesson text, 2 Corinthians 11:23-31 . . .
• What do you consider to be the worst hardship Paul suffered?
• Is there a weakness that you are willing to boast about? (See v. 30; and think carefully before sharing your weakness in front of a group.)
7. Based on our study and discussion, complete the sentence: “I will . . .”
For Next Week: Read and reflect on 2 Corinthians 5:1-21. You can also read next week’s supplemental texts and the Study and Application sections as part of your personal study.
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