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Friday, June 24, 2016

Scripture & Questions for Sunday (6/26/16)

Irene Andrews is in the hospital in San Angelo, please keep her in your prayers.

Scripture for Sunday
2 Cor. 6:1-13 (ESV) 
Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain.  [2] For he says, "In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you." Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. [3] We put no obstacle in anyone's way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, [4] but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: by great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, [5] beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger;  [6] by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love,  [7] by truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; [8] through honor and dishonor, through slander and praise. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; [9] as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as punished, and yet not killed; [10] as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything. [11] We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians; our heart is wide open. [12] You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted in your own affections. [13] In return (I speak as to children) widen your hearts also.

Questions for Reflection
1.    What do you consider to be distinctive about members of your family?
2.    What images does the word “hardships” bring to mind?
3.    What price did Paul pay for following Christ? (6:4-10)
4.    In what way was Paul poor yet rich? (6:10)
5.    How do you think Paul was able to keep an attitude of sincere love for people when so many opposed him?
6.    What do you think caused the Corinthians to withhold their full loyalty from Paul?
7.    What can we learn from Paul’s relationship with the Corinthians that can help us deal with friends who frustrate us?
8.    How can you guard against causing other Christians to stumble in their faith?