2 Corinthians 11:12-15  (HCSB)12 But I will continue to do what I am doing, in order to deny the opportunity of those who want an opportunity to be regarded just as our equals in what they boast about. 13 For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder! For Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15 So it is no great thing ...  Read More

2 Corinthians 11:7-11 (HCSB)7 Or did I commit a sin by humbling myself so that you might be exalted, because I preached the gospel of God to you free of charge? 8 I robbed other churches by taking pay from them to minister to you. 9 When I was present with you and in need, I did not burden anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied my needs. I have kept myself, and will keep myself,...  Read More

2 Corinthians 11:1-6  (HCSB)Paul and the False Apostles 11 I wish you would put up with a little foolishness from me. Yes, do put up with me. 2 For I am jealous over you with a godly jealousy, because I have promised you in marriage to one husband—to present a pure virgin to Christ. 3 But I fear that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your minds may be seduced from a complete and pure de...  Read More

GOD'S SUFFICIENT GRACERather than boasting about your strengths, boast about how God helps you in your weaknesses.KEY TRUTH: Believers Seek to Exalt God, Not Themselves (2 Corinthians 12:1-6)KEY TRUTH: God Sometimes Uses Difficulty to Keep Us Humble and Dependent on Him (2 Corinthians 12:7)KEY TRUTH: God Sometimes Uses Difficulty to Keep Us Humble and Dependent on Him (2 Corinthians 12:7)FAMILY CO...  Read More

1.  From 2 Cor. 12:9, in what ways have you experienced that God’s grace is sufficient enough?  What do you think it means that Paul ‘boasted’ and ‘took pleasure’ in his weaknesses?2. Have you ever loved someone that didn’t feel likewise? Why is unreturned love so hard? Was that love worth pursuing? Why is Jesus’ love so different and important? (see 1 John 4:16-19)3. Based on 2 Cor. 13:5, what ar...  Read More

2 Corinthians 13:11-13  (HCSB)11 Finally, brothers, rejoice. Become mature, be encouraged, be of the same mind, be at peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you. 12 Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints greet you. 13 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.Patrick Nix Paul ends his letter with a profo...  Read More

2 Corinthians 13:1-10 (HCSB)Final Warnings and Exhortations13 This is the third time I am coming to you. Every fact must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. 2 I gave a warning when I was present the second time, and now I give a warning while I am absent to those who sinned before and to all the rest: If I come again, I will not be lenient, 3 since you seek proof of Christ s...  Read More

2 Corinthians 12:11-21  (HCSB)Signs of an Apostle11 I have become a fool; you forced it on me. I should have been endorsed by you, since I am not in any way inferior to the “super-apostles,” even though I am nothing. 12 The signs of an apostle were performed with great endurance among you—not only signs but also wonders and miracles. 13 So in what way were you treated worse than the other churches...  Read More

2 Corinthians 12:6-10  (HCSB)6 For if I want to boast, I will not be a fool, because I will be telling the truth. But I will spare you, so that no one can credit me with something beyond what he sees in me or hears from me, 7 especially because of the extraordinary revelations. Therefore, so that I would not exalt myself, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to torment me so ...  Read More

2 Corinthians 12:1-5  (HCSB)Sufficient Grace 12 Boasting is necessary. It is not profitable, but I will move on to visions and revelations of the Lord. 2 I know a man in Christ who was caught up into the third heaven 14 years ago. Whether he was in the body or out of the body, I don’t know, God knows. 3 I know that this man—whether in the body or out of the body I don’t know, God knows— 4 was caug...  Read More

GODLY LOVESpiritual gifts and virtues are hollow and meaningless if not done in love.KEY TRUTH: Without Love We Are Nothing (1 Corinthians 13:1-3)KEY TRUTH: Love Puts Others Ahead of Self (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)KEY TRUTH: Love Endures Forever (1 Corinthians 13:8-13)FAMILY CONNECTION: CONTINUE THE DISCUSSION AFTER CHURCH!In 1 Corinthians 13:4--8, which attitudes show love, and which do not?  Why sho...  Read More

1.  Have you considered the weight of carrying around unforgiveness? What are some tangible steps you can take to move toward forgiveness? I challenge you to pray about it and feel the burden lift off your shoulders.2. Can you define love in your own personal relationship with God? How? When have you seen this most apparent in your own life or in others?3. When was the last time you truly spoke to...  Read More