2 Corinthians 6:3-11

Watch this video from "The Life of Jesus"- https://vimeo.com/4408316

• Do you agree with Greg's opinions about why people reject Christianity? Why/why not?

• What is the reputation of Christianity in your circles?

  • What positive things are Christians known for?

  • What negative things are Christians known for?

  • What common misconceptions are out there?

Paul was aware that the way he and other Christian leaders conducted themselves mattered to whether their message would be well received. Following on from last week's passage about the ministry of reconciliation (see 5:18-20), Paul knew this ministry could be discredited if he didn't conduct himself well.

Read 2 Corinthians 6:3-10

• What sort of stumbling block do you imagine could have discredited Paul's 'ministry of reconciliation'?

Read carefully through Paul's list of things that commend his ministry. Which of these things stand out to you, and why?

We commend ourselves in every way:

• in great endurance

• in troubles, hardship and distresses

• in beating, imprisonments and riots

• in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger

• in purity, understanding, patience and kindness

• in the Holy Spirit

• in sincere love

• in truthful speech

• in the power of God

• with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left

• through glory and dishonour, bad report and good report

• genuine, yet regarded as imposters

• known, yet regarded as unknown

• dying, and yet we live on

• beaten, and yet not killed

• sorrowful, yet always rejoicing

• poor, yet making many rich

• having nothing, yet possessing everything

• Which of these things would you like to see NVBC known for and why?

• Do you think we are already known for any of these things?

• Are there any other ways you think we have to conduct ourselves to avoid putting stumbling blocks in people's way?

Read Philippians 1:27-2:4

• In light of what we've discussed already, what does this phrase mean to you: "conduct yourself in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ"?

• Which of the following is most important to you, as you seek to live in a worthy way?

  • brave endurance

  • love

  • unity

  • humility

Spend some time praying for each other, for our church, and for the ministry of reconciliation God has given us - that we might live in ways that bring credit to the Gospel.