2 Corinthians 2

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

Restoration to Fellowship for a Repentant Sinner

BACKGROUND NOTES



DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

  1. Tough love includes sorrow.

  2. Tough love involves forgiveness.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

  1. Don’t peddle the Word of God.

QUESTIONS

  1. When and from where did Paul write this epistle to the Corinthians?

  2. Why was Paul delayed in making a third visit to Corinth?

  3. How does Titus fit into the story of Paul and the Corinthians?

  4. How is tough love different from wrath or revenge?

  5. What are the two dangers in reference to church discipline?

ANSWERS

  1. This letter, Second Corinthians, was written from Ephesus before Paul came to Corinth on his Third Missionary Journey. Most likely he made a quickly disciplinary visit to Corinth from Ephesus, which was his second visit there.

  2. Verses 12-13 explain that Paul stayed for awhile in Troas because the Lord opened a door for ministry there.

  3. Titus had carried the sorrowful letter from Paul to the Corinthians. Paul was hoping Titus would meet him in Troas and bring news from Corinth. Titus later joined up with Paul in Macedonia. He brought news from Corinth, which prompted Paul to write this letter known as Second Corinthians.

  4. Tough love involves sorrow on the part of those who have to exercise discipline. But they carry out the discipline because it is the right thing to do and will ultimately benefit the other person.

  5. a. If discipline is not carried out when it should be, unjudged sin exists in the church. b. If there is no attitude of forgiveness on the part of those who carry out the discipline, the healing process is limited.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

  1. Discuss “tough love.” Have you ever had to show tough love to someone? What was the result? Does God sometimes show us tough love?

  2. The intended result of church discipline is forgiveness and restoration. Discuss the importance of forgiveness once a sinner has shown repentance. What is the sad result if forgiveness is not shown? Is there a fellow believer you need to forgive?

CHALLENGE

  1. What is your motivation for sharing the Word of God? Don’t peddle the Word of God.

KEY VERSES

  • “On the contrary, you ought rather to forgive and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one be swallowed up with too much sorrow.” 2 Corinthians 2:7

  • “Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.” 2 Corinthians 2:14



2 Corinthians, New Testament, TalksDeb Harms2 Corinthians 2