This free 4-part Bible study on 2 Corinthians unpacks Paul’s second letter to his friends in Corinth to teach us about our need to rely on God.

THIS IS HOW THE FREE BIBLE STUDY ON 2 Corinthians BREAKS DOWN:

Part 1: Tattered Treasure

In Second Corinthians, Paul uses a recurring metaphor, calling us “jars of clay.” Paul wanted the Corinthians to understand that they were not as self-sufficient as they thought. Sure, God had been good to them. They had wealth. The church was booming. However, allowing those blessings to become pride was a major mistake. Everything they cherished was a gift from God. At their core, they were flawed. Paul wanted them to see that the secret to even more spiritual success was understanding that they needed to accept their shortcomings and surrender to God’s power.

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:7-18 

Part 2: SPIRITUAL SORROW

Paul regularly used his letters to the Corinthians to point out how they could better live their lives in accordance to God’s will. In our lives, we often encounter similar reality-check moments that bring natural discomfort and sorrow. It could be a friend pointing out a harmful habit or a mentor challenging our choices. Instead of succumbing to shame, recognize that these moments are expressions of genuine care. Godly sorrow is distinct: it aims not to condemn but to guide toward positive change.

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 7:8-12

Part 3: BOUNTIFUL BLESSINGS      

While Paul was proud of how far the Corinthians had come, there were still places where they were harboring their old ways. Specifically, their pride had allowed them to be stingy despite being one of the wealthiest congregations in the world. With the kindness and sternness of a spiritual father, Paul raises the issue with them, encouraging them to embrace godly generosity through the illustration of sowing and reaping.

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9:6-8  

Part 4: THORNS AS TEACHERS 

Paul understood pain. When closing out his letter to the Corinthians, Paul explained, “In order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me” (2 Corinthians 12:7). Just like a thorn that pricks our skin, our struggles and challenges can cause pain. However, in the midst of life’s most painful challenges, we can learn valuable truths from the thorns.

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:5-10

Do you want to teach on both books of Corinthians? We have written a full series for both First Corinthians and Second Corinthians. Feel free to check them out!

This Bible study on 2 Corinthians was made into a sermon series. Click here to view the sermon series. You might also like these free Bible Studies for youth. 

Most of our series have been recorded and are available in our free video library! You can access those Bible study videos by clicking here.

THIS BIBLE STUDY ON 2 CORINTHIANS INCLUDES:

— 4 small group discussion guides
— Graphics to reinforce the messages

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