2 Corinthians: Aroma of Life

Sermon Outline for January 22, 2023
2 CORINTHIANS: Aroma of Life
2 Corinthians 1:12 – 3:6

Introduction – Context of 2 Corinthians 2-3:
Paul is seeking to defend his apostleship and authority to the Corinthian people,
particularly against those who cannot reconcile suffering with the Christian
calling.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10,
9But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect
in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so
that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am
content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when
I am weak, then I am strong.
Questions for Discussion:
• Has it been difficult for you at times to reconcile suffering in your life with
God’s calling and purpose?
• Do you tend to think Christians in this world will suffer more, less, or equal to
non-Christians? Is there something that has shaped your view?
• How might the cross of Jesus have influenced Paul’s understanding of his life
and calling in 2Cor. 2:12 – 3:6?
• How are ways the “New Covenant” is written on your heart (2Cor. 3:2-6)?
What does this look like in practice? Is there a story (either from your life or
someone else’s) where it is clear the person was acting from a transformed
heart?
Sending word: Romans 5:2-4, Through him we have also obtained access by
faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of
God. 3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that
suffering produces endurance, 4

and endurance produces character, and character

produces hope.