Daily Scripture & QuestionsII Corinthians 10-13 In this next major section, Paul appeals to the rebellious minority who still reject his gospel and authority.  Paul is willing to be bold, but he would rather be meek and gentle.  What were his opponents saying about Paul?  What was the apostle's concern (11:1-6)?  What are the contrasts between Paul's and the false apostles' ministries?  Of what do...

Daily Scripture & QuestionsII Corinthians 7:2-9:15 Paul, now again, asks that the church make room in their hearts for him, expressing his deep love and confidence in them as a whole (though some still opposed Paul).  Paul's stern letter did what Paul hoped, which was what (7:9-11)?  How did the way they received Titus underline their repentance?  In chapters eight and nine, Paul calls the repenta...

Daily Scripture & QuestionsII Corinthians 4-7:1 Paul did not tamper with God's word, but faithfully proclaimed Jesus.  Why doesn't Paul lose heart (4:16)?  Paul describes his body as a tent, and the resurrection body as a building from God.  Being found naked (5:3) is probably the intermediate state when believers are absent from the body but present with the Lord, awaiting the resurrection of the...

Daily Scripture & QuestionsII Corinthians 1-3 After a painful visit and then a tearful letter (see 2:1-4; 7:8-16; 11:4) dealing with the rebellion stirred up by Paul's enemies from the east, the apostle has now heard from Titus that the majority of the Corinthians did repent.  Yet, a minority remained who seemed to think that Paul suffered too much to really be a blessed and spirit-filled apostle....

Daily Scripture & QuestionsI Corinthians 12-14 These three chapters deal with spiritual gifts: first generally and then specifically, prophecy and tongues.  Why are spiritual gifts given to believers (12:7)?  Who decides who gets what gifts (12:11, 18)?  Do all possess any one gift (12:27-30)?  What is the still more excellent way than merely seeking the higher gifts (12:31)?  How does true love c...

Preparing for Today's Message: FENDING OFF KILLER LIES WITH PURITYRead: I Corinthians 6:13-20 Psalm 54:1-3  O God, save me by your name, and vindicate me by your might.  O God, hear my prayer; give ear to the words of my mouth.  For strangers have risen against me; ruthless men seek my life; they do not set God before themselves. SelahWhether our enemies are people we know or the spiritual forces ...

Daily Scripture & QuestionsI Corinthians 9-11 Paul defends his apostleship and then shares that he gives up his rights in order to advance the gospel.  What are some of the rights that he gave up?  In chapter 10, Paul says that Old Testament history was written for our instruction (verse 11).  How does this teaching then lead into the directive not to participate in the idol worship through idolat...

Daily Scripture & QuestionsI Corinthians 7-8 "Now concerning" introduces Paul's responses to a number of issues the Corinthians wrote about to him, in addition to an oral report Chloe's people had brought.  In chapter seven, Paul shows that we must flee sexual immorality, but sexual relations within marriage are right and good.  Another issue is addressed in 7:25. What is it?  What are his instruc...

Daily Scripture & QuestionsI Corinthians 4-6 Paul points to the arrogance of the Corinthian church a number of times.  In chapter four, contrast the way they saw themselves and how the apostles were viewed.  In chapter five, there is another display of pride, probably disguised as being accepting and gracious.  What blatant sin was the church tolerating?  In 5:9-13, the text speaks strongly of dis...

Daily Scripture & QuestionsI Corinthians 1-3 Near the end of his three-year ministry in Ephesus, Paul writes to the Corinthian church.  He addresses behavioral issues and theological confusion.  Paul had planted the church, and Apollos had ministered there.  What was the nature of the division in the Corinthian church that was so very wrong?  What is the difference between the wisdom of the world ...