HELPFUL INFORMATION

Discussion Questions for Bible Study

Subject: Godly Authority, Parental Love, and the Call to Repentance

Learning Objective 1: Understand that godly parental love gives sacrificially without placing undue burdens on those in their care

Question 1: Read 2 Corinthians 12:14-15. What reason does Paul give for why he will “not be a burden” to the Corinthians? How does he describe the proper direction of sacrifice between parents and children?
Question 2: Read 2 Corinthians 12:15 alongside Philippians 2:3-4 and 1 Thessalonians 2:7-8. What common thread do you see in how Paul describes sacrificial care for others? How do these passages shape our understanding of what it means to love others as a parent loves a child?
Question 3: Based on what Paul models in 2 Corinthians 12:14-15, How might this passage change how you approach relationships where you hold responsibility for others?

Learning Objective 2: Distinguish between godly authority and exploitation by examining the fruit and integrity of leadership

Question 1: Read 2 Corinthians 12:16-18. What accusations were being made against Paul, and how does he defend himself? What evidence does he point to in order to demonstrate his integrity?
Question 2: Read 2 Corinthians 12:12 and then compare it with Hebrews 2:3-4. What was the purpose of the “signs of a true apostle”? How did God use these signs to establish trustworthy authority in the early church before the New Testament was completed?
Question 3: Read 2 Corinthians 12:19 and Romans 13:1-4. According to these passages, what is the purpose of God-ordained authority? How can you evaluate whether authority in your life (church leaders, government, employers) is being exercised for your good or for exploitation?

Learning Objective 3: Recognize that godly authority requires willingness to address sin and call others to repentance

Question 1: Read 2 Corinthians 12:19-21. What does Paul say is his motivation for speaking so directly to the Corinthians? What specific sins is he concerned about finding when he arrives?
Question 2: Read the list of sins in 2 Corinthians 12:20 (quarreling, jealousy, anger, hostility, slander, gossip, conceit, disorder) alongside Galatians 5:19-21 and James 3:14-16. How does Scripture categorize these attitudes and behaviors? Why do you think Paul treats these “relational” sins with the same seriousness as the “moral” sins listed in verse 21?
Question 3: Read 2 Corinthians 12:20-21 and Hebrews 12:5-11. What do these passages teach about the purpose of correction and discipline from those in authority?

Learning Objective 4: Embrace the Advent call to examine our hearts and “get our houses in order” in anticipation of Christ’s return

Question 1: Read 2 Corinthians 12:20-21 alongside Malachi 3:1-3. What similarities do you see between Paul’s warning about his coming visit and the prophet’s description of the Lord’s coming? What does this suggest about how we should prepare for Christ’s return?
Question 2: Read Luke 3:3-14 (John the Baptist’s ministry). What did John call people to do in preparation for the Messiah’s coming? How does his message connect to Paul’s call for repentance in 2 Corinthians 12?
Question 3: Read 1 John 3:2-3 and 2 Peter 3:11-14. According to these passages, how should the reality of Christ’s return shape the way we live now? As we enter this Advent season, what specific area of your life does the Holy Spirit prompt you to “get in order”?