Living by Faith (Pentecost 4B Epistle)

Download a PDF of the Word One Bible Study for Pentecost 4B Epistle.

Text: 2 Corinthians 5:1-19 (11-14) for the Fourth Sunday after Pentecost, Lectionary Series B

OBJECTIVE

Participants will grow in faith so that they can live confidently through the trials of this world and have hope for the next world.

MATERIALS NEEDED

Bible

Paper

Pens/pencils

GROUP GUIDELINES

Divide into groups of 4-5 people.  Choose as leader the person who is the tallest member of the group.

BUILDING COMMUNITY

1. Discuss what is the most difficult physical problem you have ever had?
2. What is the best place you have ever been on a vacation? What made the place so excellent?  Why did you enjoy it so much?
3. What is the best part of being a Christian? Where are you challenged in your faith right now?  Why is this area so challenging?

LOOKING AT GOD’S WORD

1. Read 2 Corinthians 5:1-10.
2. In the first verse of this chapter, Paul sets up two ideas that run apart from one another. What are the two ideas?
3. As you read through this verse, how does it make you feel about your existence on this earth? Is it worthwhile?  Is what you do long lasting?
4. What are the burdens of this life that Paul talks about? What types of things do you see with your eyes that are a burden to you in your faith walk?  (verse 4)
5. What is the core purpose of a Christian’s life? (verse 5)  What is the purpose of your life?
6. What is the deposit guaranteeing your salvation? (Ephesians 1:13-14)
7. What does the Holy Spirit do for you in your baptism as a deposit?

REINFORCING WHAT HAS BEEN LEARNED

1. The application of this text has to do with living positively. What two things does Paul use the word “confident” to describe.
2. What scares you about being in front of the judgment seat of God?
3. Do you have to be afraid, or is there supreme confidence that God has found you totally innocent of your shortcomings and sins?
4. How does your life reflect this certainty of your salvation? The confidence of God’s Spirit with you now?  The confidence of your life with God forever?

CLOSING

Gather students into groups of three and have them join hands.  Let each group pray that each other will be confident in their lives of faith.  Pray for each other by name and for a specific need that the other person is having today.

by Timothy Klinkenberg

Originally published in Discovery Bible Studies 9, 1996.

Updated for youthESource in June 2015