Lesson 12
PAUL, A FATHER-LIKE SHEPHERD
2 Corinthians 11:12-13:14
Key Verse: a
PAUL WANTED NOT THEIR POSSESSIONS, BUT THEMSELVES (-18)
What was Paul’s motive in defending himself to the Corinthians? () Why should they have commended Paul as an apostle? () How often is the phrase “a burden to you” repeated? (,14,16) What criticism of Paul did this address? (-18)
What was Paul’s purpose in visiting them this third time? (a) How did he describe the relationship between himself and the Corinthians? (b) How did he express his father’s heart for them? () How did Paul’s love for them reflect the love of God for sinners? (Jn3:16) What can we learn from this?
PAUL URGES THEM TO REPENT FOR THEIR STRENGTHENING (-21)
How did Paul clarify why he was defending himself to them? () How would his defending himself strengthen them? As he planned to visit them this third time, what were Paul’s concerns? (-21) How did Paul express his holy love for them here? What can we learn from him about how to strengthen others?
EXAMINE YOURSELVES (-14)
What did Paul plan to do when he arrived in Corinth, and on what basis? (-2) How did he plan to deal with the stubbornly unrepentant? () In helping the Corinthians, how did Paul imitate Jesus who died and rose again? ()
Read -6. How did Paul warn them to get ready spiritually for his arrival? What was his prayer and hope for them? (-9) Why did Paul write such a strong letter, and how did he plan to use his God-given authority? ()
What were his final instructions and greetings? (-13) How did he bless them? ()