Sermon Discussion Guides

1.) Paul makes it his aim to please God (v 9). Who is someone you know who personifies this? What quality stands out most about their life? 2.) What are some characteristics of a life which would be pleasing to God? Of those characteristics, which one do you feel you exhibit most? Which one do you struggle with the most? 3.) As Christians, how does knowing that we ...

1) Paul was "afflicted...but not crushed; perplexed but not driven to despair; persecuted but not forsaken; struck down but not destroyed" because of the power of God in his life. How has God's power carried you through difficult situations? 2) How has enduring through suffering helped to enhance your witness for Christ? How can your endurance through those trials b...

Discussion Questions How is the glory of God in the Old Covenant different from his glory in the New Covenant? What is the relationship between hope and boldness (v 12)? How can we have a stronger hope and greater boldness? How does this hope help us live courageous and unashamed lives for the gospel? What does it mean to be changed from "one degree of glory to anoth...

Discussion Questions Paul understood what it was like to feel inadequate ministering to others. Can you relate? If so, how do these verses speak into that? How are the Corinthians themselves a letter of recommendation for Paul? In your own life, who has modeled for you how to follow Christ? Who are your "letters", those you're investing in right now? How would...

Discussion Questions What does it mean to be "the aroma of Christ" among those around us (2:15)? What two responses do people tend to have to this aroma (2:16)? How have you seen these very different responses to the gospel message from those around you? How important is it for us to have pure, sincere motives when ministering to other people (2:17)? How can...

Discussion Questions What evidences do you see in this passage of Paul's love for the Corinthians? Many times we must say hard truths to those we minister to. How does love for them impact the way we do that? What instructions does Paul give the Corinthians for the individual who has sinned (2:5-11)? What is the ultimate goal when disciplining someone for th...

Discussion Questions Consider some of the men and women God has used in your life to help you grow as a Christian. In what ways did they demonstrate integrity and Godly sincerity? When ministering to others, how important is it for them to see our sincerity? Do the people you're ministering to know that you care deeply for them? Part of why Paul could appeal to ...

Discussion Questions In this series of "Woes", what warnings are given to the Babylonians? What are they condemned for? Do you see any of these sinful tendencies in your own life? While directly applicable to the Babylonians of the day, these "woes" also apply to all who oppose God throughout history. According to Habakkuk 2:14, what is the eventual outcome of human hi...

Discussion Questions Though his circumstances had not changed, and though he was told the situation would only get worse for the time being, Habakkuk sings a song of praise to God. How do you think Habakkuk was able to do this? What shifted in his mind? In 3:3-7, Habakkuk reflects on how God helped his people in the past by delivering them from slavery in Egypt. How ...

Discussion Questions How was Habakkuk able to "rejoice in the Lord" even though his circumstances continued to get worse? What would your own version of these verses sound like? "Though ____ should happen/not happen, yet I will rejoice in the Lord." What would go in that blank for you? How can you "rejoice in the Lord" even if those undesirable circumstances come upon ...