"2 Corinthians 2-6"
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Elizabeth Barrett Browning began (possibly) her most famous sonnet with these words, "How do I love thee? Let me count the ways." And as Paul attempts to reconnect with the Corinthian church after his challenging first letter and painful visit to them (2 Cor. 2:1), he begins "counting the ways" he loves them, with some poetic language of his own.
"For I wrote to you out of much affliction and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to cause you pain but to let you know the abundant love that I have for you" (2 Cor. 2:4).
The Aroma
On Monday (2 Cor. 2), after urging them to forgive their penitent brother (1 Cor. 5:1-2), Paul compares himself to a captive of Christ in a triumph. He likens his work of spreading the knowledge of Christ to a permeating fragrance in the world (2 Cor. 2:14-16).
- Why do you think their discipline was so effective toward this sinning brother? And what do they need to do now (2 Cor. 2:7-8)?
- How far and wide does the "aroma" of your teaching spread around you?
The Letter
Then on Tuesday (2 Cor. 3), Paul defends himself against those who questioned his credentials as an apostle of Christ. But Paul shows them his credentials — by pointing them to a mirror! "You yourselves are our letter of recommendation, written on our hearts, to be known and read by all" (2 Cor. 3:2).
- Where does Paul's confidence come from (2 Cor. 3:4-6)?
- And how does the glory of the old covenant differ from the glory of the new covenant (2 Cor. 3:7-18)?
The Clay Pot
On Wednesday (2 Cor. 4), Paul contrasts his human frailty with the light of Christ's glory that shines in him. He calls his body to a jar of clay (2 Cor. 4:7-12). But he keeps suffering and speaking because believers must speak (2 Cor. 4:13), "so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God" (2 Cor. 4:15).
- What will happen if we blindly ignore the light of Christ (2 Cor. 4:3-4)?
- What's the difference between what the outer person is going through and what the inner one experiences (2 Cor. 4:16)?
The Tent
Then on Thursday (2 Cor. 5), Paul takes his weakness a step further, comparing the "tent" we live in now with the eternal "building" God prepares for the faithful (2 Cor. 5:1-5). But while we're here, we aim to please him (2 Cor. 5:9), persuade others (2 Cor. 5:11), and live as a new creation (2 Cor. 5:17)!
- Are you comfortable in this "tent" or groaning for something more (2 Cor. 5:2)?
- What motivates you to be Christ's ambassador in the world (2 Cor. 5:11)?
The Temple
And finally, on Friday (2 Cor. 6), Paul says that, "now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation" (2 Cor. 6:2). It's time to cast away unhealthy friendships with the world, and embrace a relationship with God as his temple (2 Cor. 6:16-18)!
- Are you surprised by anything Paul uses to "commend himself" (2 Cor. 6:4-10)?
- How can you cut ties with darkness today (2 Cor. 6:14-18)?
