by Steve Breitbarth

Download a PDF of the Word One Bible Study for Pentecost 6B Epistle.

Text: 2 Corinthians 12:1–10 for the Sixth Sunday after Pentecost, Lectionary Series B

OBJECTIVE

Participants will gain a greater appreciation of who they are and how Jesus has richly blessed them.

MATERIALS NEEDED

Bibles
Newsprint
Markers
Index Cards
Pencils/pens

GROUP GUIDELINES

Form groups of 8-12 people. Choose as leader a person who has recently received public recognition for a personal accomplishment.

BUILDING COMMUNITY

  1. Have each person write on an index card three things that they like about themselves.
  2. On another index card, write three things that the person would like to change about themselves.
  3. Collect the cards and keep the two stacks separate.
  4. Without trying to identify the author of the card, randomly select cards and write what it says on the newsprint. Develop two separate lists of personal likes and personal dislikes.

LOOKING AT GOD’S WORD

  1. Read 2 Corinthians 12:1-10. Focus on verses 7-10.
  2. What problem was Paul faced with?
  3. What did Paul do to handle the problem?
  4. Did Paul’s problem disappear?
  5. What did Paul do to cope with his present situation?
  6. Discuss a time in which you may have felt weak or inadequate?
  7. In what ways can the words of 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 be a strength for you when you are feeling weak or inadequate?

REINFORCING WHAT HAS BEEN LEARNED

  1. On a scale of 1-10 (with 10 being the highest and 1 the lowest), how do you feel about yourself at this moment?
  2. On that same scale, how does Jesus feel about you as a redeemed child of God?
  3. Share with the group some talent or ability that you have which is being used, or can be used to the glory of God.

CLOSING

The group should form a circle and join hands. The leader will begin the prayer and close the prayer with each person in turn, thanking God for a talent or gift that they have received from God.

Originally published in Discovery Bible Studies 9, 1996.

Updated for youthESource in June 2015