2 Corinthians
Lesson 22 Corinthians 3:1-18
This week as we continue our study, I would really like us to concentrate on the importance of the Gospel Message and in getting it out throughout our community and workplace – just as Paul did during his ministry. While we’ll certainly be studying the text in 2 Corinthians and learning all that we can, I am really praying that our focus will be on the outreach, witnessing, and teaching about Christ and his message of hope and salvation – just as Paul did.
I would like to propose that for the remainder of this study that you build a prayer list that centers on specific lost people you’d like to pray for.
Let’s all pray that God will honor our heartfelt prayers for the lost around us, and that as Christ did, we also may seek the lost that through Christ many may be saved. I would encourage you this week to read Luke 19:1-10, based in Jericho, a city that we have studied, it shows us directly what Christ’s ministry was about, and who he shared that good news with. Let’s seek out the lost for Christ in the coming weeks through prayer and study.
Because I believe that this week’s study is so important to understand, I’d like us to all read the same translation – at least initially. Then, of course, you can also read it in your chosen translation. For this week’s lesson, I am providing a pdf of 2 Corinthians Chapter 3 from the "Every Man’s Bible" translation. Please read this passage now, as most of this week’s questions will be based on it.
Please read 2 Corinthians 3:1-18 and answer the following:
- Consider again the question from last week. For those who have not done so, please answer the following week’s questions before beginning this week’s study. (This is Question 10 from last week). Look at the following references and jot down the important points about the Gospel message that Paul was preaching - In Acts Chapter 17, verses 2,3,18, and 24-31, plus Chapter 18, verse 5. According to these verses, what did the Gospel message Paul preached state?
- In looking at Chapter 3, I would like you first to note that Paul uses a set of phrases here that we know as the "Old Testament" and the "New Testament" (in the King James Version). Quite often, we don’t understand these terms today because they are not words we use in our daily conversation – the same will be true for any lost person you try to share the gospel with. Refer again to the "Every Man’s Bible" translation for Chapter 3 and write down the phrases that refer to the “Old Testament” and the “New Testament”. (It may help you if you underline them as we study this week.)
- What does Jeremiah 31:31-34 have in common with 2 Corinthians 3:6-7?
- What is Paul referring to in verse 7 when he says the "old system of law etched in stone"?
- In reading chapter 3, can you tell what the Jews believe in? I.e., how will they be saved?
- Based on this scripture, can a Jew be saved by Christ?
- What do verses 5 and 6 tell us about ourselves when we go to share the gospel with others?
- In verse 9, what does Paul tell us is the difference between the old covenant and the new one?
- In verse 11, how can Paul state that God’s covenant has been set aside for a new one? (Jeremiah 31:31-34 and Acts 1:8 and 2:1-4)
- What is Paul telling us in verses 12 – 13, when he compares us with Moses and the veil?
- What is Paul describing in verses 14-16?
- In verse 17, what “freedom” is Paul referring to? Aren’t we slaves to Christ?
- What can we learn from verse 18 and Romans 12:2? What are we to do in order to be more effective as Christians?
I really pray that our study will empower and embolden us to want to share the Gospel with our lost friends, relatives, neighbors, and co-workers. It is a great message of peace, hope, and eternal life; so why shouldn’t we? Well, since first we need to know it, and then we need to know how to share it, I pray our studies will better equip you so that God, through His Holy Spirit, will be reflected in your life and in your testimony – and that others will see Christ living in you.
Have a great week everyone!
Yours in Christ,
Wes