Lesson 115: 2 Corinthians 6–7
Introduction
Paul
continued to defend to the Corinthian Saints his conduct as a minister of God.
He exhorted the Saints to separate themselves from all unrighteousness. He
affirmed his devotion to the Saints and rejoiced that they had experienced
godly sorrow and repented of their sins.
I.
2 Corinthians 6:1–13 Paul describes characteristics of
ministers of God
---Invite
students to consider the following scenario:
- While you and some others from your ward or branch are doing a service project, some people pass by and make rude remarks about the Church. What might happen if you or others in your group respond with rudeness?
---Ask
students to think of times when they may have experienced opposition or
ridicule while they were serving the Lord. Invite students to look for a truth
as they study 2 Corinthians 6:1–13 that can guide them
during such times.
---In
2 Corinthians 6:1–2 Paul referred to himself and his fellow
laborers as “workers together with Christ” (Joseph
Smith Translation, 2 Corinthians 6:1 [in 2 Corinthians 6:1, footnote b]). Paul
cited the prophet Isaiah’s words (see Isaiah 49:8) to emphasize that the time had come
for the Saints to consider their salvation.
---Invite
a student to read 2 Corinthians 6:3–7 aloud. Ask half the
class to look for words or phrases that describe the opposition Paul and his
fellow ministers experienced. Ask the other half to look for words or phrases
that describe how Paul and his fellow ministers reacted to the opposition.
- What kinds of opposition did Paul and his fellow ministers experience?
- What words or phrases describe how they reacted to the opposition?
---Review
verse 3, and explain that the word ministry
refers to the work of the Church.
- How might the actions of Church members today affect others’ opinions about the Church?
- How would you summarize Paul’s teachings in verses 3–7 as a principle? (Students should identify a principle similar to the following: As we respond to opposition with love, kindness, and righteousness, we can help others view the Church in a positive way.)
---Remind
students of the scenario presented at the beginning of the lesson. Invite them
to explain how a person could respond to that situation in a righteous way and
what results could come from doing so.
II.
2 Corinthians 6:14–18 Paul counsels the Saints to come out from among the wicked
---Divide
students into pairs, and provide each student with a copy of the accompanying
handout.
Counsel to the Saints
|
Promises from the Lord
|
|
|
©
2015 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.
---Invite
students to read 2 Corinthians 6:14–18 in pairs. Ask one
student in each pair to look for Paul’s counsel to the Saints. Ask the other
student to look for the promises from the Lord that would be fulfilled if the
Saints heeded Paul’s counsel. Invite them to use what they find to complete the
chart together. You may need to explain that the word concord means harmony, belial
refers to wickedness (see Bible
Dictionary, “Belial”), and infidel refers to an unbeliever or
one who believes in gods other than Heavenly Father. Additionally, Paul had
previously compared the Corinthian Saints to God’s temple; thus, the word temple
refers to them as a people.
---Allow
sufficient time for the pairs to report their findings to one another and
complete the chart.
---Paul
was specifically warning the Saints to separate themselves from “unclean
thing[s]” (verse 17)—including idolatry and those who
practiced it—in order to protect themselves from sin. Idolatry is to love or
worship any man-made creation more than God.
---Invite
students to write If above the heading “Counsel to the Saints” and Then above
the heading “Promises from the Lord” on their handouts.
- What principles can we learn from 2 Corinthians 6:14–18? (Students may identify several principles, but be sure to emphasize that as we separate ourselves from false practices and unclean things, the Lord will receive us.)
- What might be some examples of false practices or unclean things in our day?
- How can we separate ourselves from these things and those who promote them?
---This
principle does not mean that we treat those with different beliefs rudely or
refuse to associate with them but that we respectfully reaffirm our beliefs and
avoid participating in any activity that would lead us to sin.
- What do you think it means that the Lord “will receive” us (2 Corinthians 6:17)?
---Invite
students to ponder a time when they felt the Lord was with them as they
separated themselves from false practices that could have led them away from
the Lord. Ask a few students to share their experiences.
---Invite
students to ponder what they may need to do in order to separate themselves
from false practices and unclean things so they can receive the Lord’s blessings.
III.
2 Corinthians 7 Paul rejoices in the Saints’ true repentance
---Invite
a student to read aloud the following scenario:
In an interview for a temple
recommend for marriage, a young woman confesses some past sins to her bishop.
After further discussion, the bishop comes to understand that the young woman
has not truly repented of her sins and that her sins are serious enough to make
her unworthy of a temple recommend. The bishop explains that the young woman
will have to wait to receive a recommend until she has fully repented. She is
alarmed, claiming she has repented because she hasn’t repeated any of those
sins for a long time. The bishop explains that merely stopping the sin is not
complete repentance, and he invites her to sincerely begin the process of true
repentance.
- What do you think the young woman might be feeling at this point in the interview?
---Invite
the student to continue reading the scenario aloud:
The young woman explains to her
bishop that she is very upset because the invitations to the wedding and
reception have already been sent out. She says she could not face all the
questions and the embarrassment of a delay in her wedding plans. She asks
whether there is a way for her to be sealed in the temple as planned and then
work through the repentance process later.
- Based on the young woman’s response to the bishop, what does she seem to be most concerned about?
---Invite
students to look for a truth as they study 2 Corinthians 7 that the young woman in
the scenario needs to understand before she can truly repent of her sins.
---In
2 Corinthians 7:1–7 Paul continued his defense against those who
sought to discredit him and assured the Corinthian Saints that he had not
wronged anyone.
---Invite
a student to read 2 Corinthians 7:8–9 aloud. Ask the class to
follow along, looking for how one of Paul’s earlier letters had affected the
Corinthian Saints.
- How had the letter affected the Saints?
- Why did Paul rejoice in their sorrow?
---Ask
students to read 2 Corinthians 7:10–11 silently. You may want
to suggest that they mark the two types of sorrow Paul mentioned and what each
leads to.
- What are the two types of sorrow Paul mentioned?
---Write
the headings Godly Sorrow and Worldly Sorrow on the board. Invite a student to read aloud the following
statement by President Ezra Taft Benson, who explained the meaning of the term
“worldly sorrow”:
“It is not uncommon to find men and
women in the world who feel remorse for the things they do wrong. Sometimes
this is because their actions cause them or loved ones great sorrow and misery.
Sometimes their sorrow is caused because they are caught and punished for their
actions. Such worldly feelings do not constitute ‘godly sorrow’” (Teachings of Presidents of the
Church: Ezra Taft Benson [2014], 82).
- How would you summarize what worldly sorrow is?
- According to verse 10, what can worldly sorrow lead to? (Explain that the word death in verse 10 refers to spiritual death, meaning separation from God. Under the heading “Worldly Sorrow” on the board, write the following truth: Worldly sorrow can lead us to spiritual death, or separation from God.)
- In what ways can worldly sorrow lead a person to spiritual death? (It can prevent a person from truly repenting and receiving Heavenly Father’s forgiveness.)
- Based on verse 10, what does godly sorrow lead to? (Under the heading “Godly Sorrow” on the board, write the following truth: Godly sorrow leads us to repent of our sins and receive salvation.)
---To
help students better understand why godly sorrow leads us to repent, invite a
student to read aloud the following statement by President Ezra Taft Benson:
“Godly sorrow is a gift of the
Spirit. It is a deep realization that our actions have offended our Father and
our God. It is the sharp and keen awareness that our behavior caused the
Savior, He who knew no sin, even the greatest of all, to endure agony and
suffering. Our sins caused Him to bleed at every pore. This very real mental
and spiritual anguish is what the scriptures refer to as having ‘a broken heart
and a contrite spirit.’ … Such a spirit is the absolute prerequisite for true
repentance”
(Teachings: Ezra Taft Benson, 83).
- Why do you think godly sorrow leads us to truly repent of our sins?
---Invite
students to reflect on the scenario concerning the young woman seeking a temple
recommend.
- During the young woman’s interview with the bishop, what indicates that she has not experienced godly sorrow?
- What can we do to replace worldly sorrow with godly sorrow?
---If
necessary, help students understand that the feelings of godly sorrow we
experience as we repent may vary depending on the seriousness of the sin.
---Testify
that as we feel godly sorrow rather than worldly sorrow for our sins, we will
be able to truly repent, be cleansed of our sins, and ultimately receive
salvation. Invite students to seek godly sorrow in their efforts to repent.
---In
2 Corinthians 7:12–16 Paul expressed his
care for and confidence in the Saints.
---Briefly
review the truths students identified in their study of 2 Corinthians 6–7, and encourage them to
follow any promptings they may have felt to apply these truths.
Commentary and Background Information
2 Corinthians
6:17. “Come out from among them, and be ye separate”
Elder
Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained the need to
separate ourselves from unrighteousness and the blessing that comes from doing
so:
“The
word saint in Greek denotes ‘set apart, separate, [and] holy’ [in
Daniel H. Ludlow, ed., Encyclopedia of Mormonism, 5 vols. (1992),
3:1249]. If we are to be Saints in our day, we need to separate ourselves from
evil conduct and destructive pursuits that are prevalent in the world.
“We
are bombarded with visual images of violence and immorality. Inappropriate
music and pornography are increasingly tolerated. The use
of drugs and alcohol is rampant. There is less emphasis on honesty and
character. Individual rights are demanded, but duties, responsibilities, and
obligations are neglected. There has been a coarsening of dialogue and
increased exposure to that which is base and vulgar. The adversary has been
relentless in his efforts to undermine the plan of happiness. If we separate
ourselves from this worldly conduct, we will have the Spirit in our lives and
experience the joy of being worthy Latter-day Saints” (“Are You a Saint?” Ensign or Liahona, Nov.
2003, 95).
2 Corinthians
7:8–11. “The sorrow of the world worketh death”
President
Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the First Presidency explained the difference
between worldly sorrow and godly sorrow:
“There
is an important difference between the sorrow for sin that leads to repentance
and the sorrow that leads to despair.
“The
Apostle Paul taught that ‘godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation … but
the sorrow of the world worketh death’ [2 Corinthians 7:10; emphasis added]. Godly
sorrow inspires change and hope through the Atonement of Jesus
Christ. Worldly sorrow pulls us down, extinguishes hope, and
persuades us to give in to further temptation.
“Godly
sorrow leads to conversion [see Acts 3:19] and a change of heart [see Ezekiel 36:26; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Mosiah 3:19]. It causes us to hate sin and love
goodness [see Mosiah 5:2]. It encourages us to stand up and
walk in the light of Christ’s love. True repentance is about transformation,
not torture or torment. Yes, heartfelt regret and true remorse for disobedience
are often painful and very important steps in the sacred process of repentance.
But when guilt leads to self-loathing or prevents us from rising up again, it
is impeding rather than promoting our repentance” (“You Can Do It Now!” Ensign or Liahona, Nov.
2013, 56).
Elder
Neal A. Maxwell of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles pointed out:
“Pride
prefers cheap repentance, paid for with shallow sorrow. Unsurprisingly, seekers
after cheap repentance also search for superficial forgiveness
instead of real reconciliation. Thus, real repentance goes far beyond simply
saying, ‘I’m sorry’” (“Repentance,” Ensign, Nov. 1991, 31).
Supplemental Teaching Idea
To
help students feel the truth and importance of the doctrine that godly sorrow
will lead us to repent, at the conclusion of the lesson you may want to show
the video “Godly Sorrow Leads to Repentance” (9:15) or
portions of it. This video portrays a young woman learning the difference
between worldly sorrow and godly sorrow. It is available on New Testament DVD
Presentations 1–25 and on LDS.org.
© 2016 by
Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.
Right margin extras:
Pacing
Occasionally
you will not have enough time to use all the teaching suggestions in the
manual. You may need to adapt portions of the lesson by briefly summarizing a
group of verses or by guiding students to quickly identify a principle or
doctrine before moving on to the next group of verses. Seek the direction of
the Spirit and prayerfully consider students’ needs as you determine which
portions of the scripture block to emphasize.
Lesson 116: 2 Corinthians 8–9
Introduction
Paul
wrote to the Saints in Corinth, explaining that the members in Macedonia had
given freely to those in need. He encouraged the Corinthian Saints to also
follow the Savior’s example by giving to the poor. Paul taught about the
blessings that come to those who cheerfully give to the poor.
I.
2 Corinthians 8 Paul counsels the Saints to care for
the poor
---Write
the following statement by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the
Twelve Apostles (from “Are We Not All Beggars?” Ensign or Liahona, Nov.
2014, 40) on the board before class, but leave a blank space instead of
the word poverty. Begin the lesson by inviting a student to read the statement
aloud.
“Down
through history, poverty has been one of humankind’s greatest and most
widespread challenges. Its obvious toll is usually physical, but the spiritual
and emotional damage it can bring may be even more debilitating.”
---Ask
the students to guess the missing word in the statement. Then write in the word
poverty.
- What is poverty? (The condition of having little or no money, goods, or means of support.)
- Why can poverty be such a difficult challenge?
---Encourage
students to think of individuals they know who may need help or assistance of
any kind, including physical, emotional, social, or spiritual. Invite students
to look for truths as they study 2 Corinthians 8–9 that can help them
understand and fulfill their role in helping others who are in need.
---In
2 Corinthians 8:1–8 Paul told the Corinthian Saints that Church
members in Macedonia had given generously to help the poor in their temporal
needs. (You may want to have students locate Corinth and Macedonia on Bible
Maps, no. 13, “The Missionary Journeys of the Apostle Paul.”)
Paul explained that the Macedonian members did so because they desired to do
the will of God. He encouraged the Saints of Corinth to follow this example of
providing for the needs of others out of sincere love.
---Write
the words rich and poor on the board.
---Invite
students to read 2 Corinthians 8:9 silently, looking for what
Paul said Jesus Christ did for the Saints. After sufficient
time ask the following questions, and list students’ responses on the board
under the words rich and poor.
- In what ways was Jesus Christ rich in the premortal life? (Students’ responses may include the following: Jesus Christ was the Firstborn of the Father in the spirit and even before He was born in mortality. Jesus Christ was a God who stood next to Heavenly Father in authority, power, and glory and created many worlds under the direction of the Father.)
- In what ways might He have been considered poor during His time in mortality? (He left His position of glory to be born in and live among lowly circumstances on earth.)
- What do you think it means in verse 9 that we “through [the Savior’s] poverty might be rich”? (Because Jesus Christ condescended from His premortal throne and came to earth to minister, set an example for us, and perform the Atonement, we can gain the riches of eternal life.)
---Explain
to students that about a year earlier, the Corinthian Saints had committed to
take up a collection of goods for the poor Saints in Judea. Invite a student to
read 2 Corinthians 8:10–11 aloud. Ask the class
to follow along, looking for what Paul advised the Saints in Corinth to do.
- What did Paul advise the Saints in Corinth to do?
---Explain
that the phrases “to do” and “perform the doing of it” mean that Paul
admonished the Saints to fulfill their previous commitment to give what they
could to the poor Saints, just as the Savior had given eternal riches to them.
- What happens to each of us as we come to understand all that the Savior has given us? (Students may use different words but should identify a principle similar to the following: As we come to understand all the Savior has given us, we will be more willing to give of our substance to others.)
- How can reflecting upon the Savior’s gifts to us motivate us to give to those in need?
- What specific gifts has the Savior given you that might inspire you to give to others?
---Invite
a few students to read 2 Corinthians 8:12–15 aloud. Ask the class
to follow along, looking for an additional truth that Paul taught the people
about the importance of supporting one another in temporal ways.
- What truth can we learn from verses 12–13? (Help students identify the following truth: God wants us to be willing to give even when we may not have anything to give.)
---To
help the class understand this truth, invite a student to read aloud the
following statement by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland:
“Rich or poor, we are to ‘do what we
can’ when others are in need” (“Are We Not All Beggars?” 41).
- What can we do for others if we don’t have anything physical to give them?
- According to verses 14–15, who benefits when all the Saints consistently give to those in need? (Whoever may be in need at any given time.)
- What are some ways in which everyone benefits when we are all willing to give?
-----To
help students feel the importance of these truths and principles and apply
them, read aloud the following statement by Elder Holland. Invite students to
listen for how the Lord can help us respond compassionately to the poor.
“I don’t know exactly how each of
you should fulfill your obligation to those who do not or cannot always help
themselves. But I know that God knows, and He will help you and guide you in
compassionate acts of discipleship if you are conscientiously wanting and
praying and looking for ways to keep a commandment He has given us again and
again”
(“Are We Not All Beggars?” 41).
If time permits and you are able,
consider instead showing part of the video of Elder Holland’s general
conference address “Are We Not All Beggars?” (0:00–7:04).
- What did Elder Holland say we should do to be ready to help the poor and needy?
- What are some ways the Church has established through which we can help meet the needs of the poor? (Through fast offerings, local service projects, and humanitarian opportunities.)
---Encourage
students to write in their class notebooks or scripture study journals one
thing they plan to do based on what Paul taught about giving to the poor and
needy.
---In
2 Corinthians 8:16–24 Paul spoke to the Corinthian Saints about
Titus and two other brethren who were being sent to collect charitable
contributions for the Saints in Jerusalem. Paul spoke of his confidence in the
Corinthian Saints and explained that their giving generously would serve as
evidence of their love for others.
II.
2 Corinthians 9 Paul teaches about the blessings of being a sincere giver
---In
2 Corinthians 9:1–5 Paul continued to praise
the Corinthian Saints. He told the Saints he had sent Titus and others to
confirm their willingness to give freely.
---Ask
students to ponder whether they have ever given something to someone or
provided a service for someone in a grudging manner.
- Why is it sometimes hard to be cheerful about giving your time, money, or other resources to help others?
---Invite
a student to read 2 Corinthians 9:6–7 aloud. Ask the class to
follow along, looking for the comparison Paul used to teach the members in
Corinth about giving freely.
- What does it mean to sow? (To plant seeds.)
- To what did Paul compare sowing? (Giving to others.)
---Hold
up some fruit or vegetable seeds, or display a picture of some.
- Who are the sowers in this comparison? (The Saints, or us.)
- According to verse 7, how does the Lord expect us to sow, or give? (Cheerfully, not grudgingly. See also Moroni 7:8.)
---Write
the following incomplete statement on the board: If we give to those in need with a
cheerful heart …
- How is giving to others like sowing seeds in a field?
- What happens if we only sow sparingly?
- What happens if we sow bountifully?
---Complete
the principle on the board so that it conveys the following truth: If we give
to those in need with a cheerful heart, God will generously bless us.
- How can giving to others with a cheerful attitude actually lead to our receiving more than we began with?
---Invite
a student to read 2 Corinthians 9:8–10 aloud. Ask the class to
look for blessings Paul said would come to the Saints if they gave with a
cheerful heart.
- What are some phrases Paul used to describe blessings the Lord gives to those who give with a cheerful heart? (Answers may include “all grace abound toward you” [verse 8], “all sufficiency in all things” [verse 8], “his righteousness remaineth for ever” [verse 9], and “increase the fruits of your righteousness” [verse 10].)
---Explain
that these phrases suggest that we will receive the Lord’s grace, which may
include temporal blessings, sufficient for our needs.
- According to verse 10, who is “he that ministereth seed to the sower”? (The Lord. Display the seed again, and explain that we are only able to give to others because the Lord has provided for us in the first place.)
- How can remembering where everything we have comes from help us to give cheerfully?
---Invite
a few students to take turns reading aloud from 2 Corinthians 9:11–15. Ask the class to
follow along, looking for what Paul taught about those Saints who give and
receive cheerfully.
- According to verses 11–15, how do Saints who freely give and receive of one another’s substance feel toward God?
---You
may want to invite students to consider marking any phrases of gratitude
found in these verses, such as “which causeth through us thanksgiving to God” (verse 11), “many thanksgivings unto God” (verse 12), “they glorify God” (verse 13), and “thanks be unto God for his
unspeakable gift” (verse 15).
---You
may want to suggest that students write the following truth in their scriptures
near verses 11–15: Recognizing God’s generosity in
blessing us can help us feel gratitude toward Him.
- When have you felt gratitude toward God after recognizing the blessings He sent to you for serving and giving to others in a cheerful manner?
---Testify
of the principles and truths students identified in 2 Corinthians 8–9.
---Encourage
students to consider ways they might help someone in need this week. Invite
them to set a goal to help that person.
Commentary and Background Information
2 Corinthians
8:9. “Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor”
For
an explanation of the remarkable condescension of Jesus
Christ on our behalf, see “The Condescension of God and of Man” ([First
Presidency Christmas devotional, Dec. 7, 2014], lds.org/broadcasts), by
Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
2 Corinthians
8:14. “That there may be equality”
In
a general priesthood session, President Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the First
Presidency shared the following statement, which applies equally to both men
and women:
“This
very hour there are many members of the Church who are suffering. They are
hungry, stretched financially, and struggling with all manner of physical,
emotional, and spiritual distress. They pray with all the energy of their souls
for succor, for relief.
“Brethren,
please do not think that this is someone else’s responsibility. It is mine, and
it is yours. We are all enlisted. ‘All’ means all—every Aaronic and Melchizedek
Priesthood holder, rich and poor, in every nation. In the Lord’s plan, there is
something everyone can contribute” (“Providing in the Lord’s Way,” Ensign or Liahona,
Nov. 2011, 54).
© 2016 by
Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.
Right margin extras:
Pray
for students
In
order for students to feel the edifying influence of the Holy
Ghost in their learning experience, they too should be “in a
preparation to hear the word” (Alma 32:6). You can plead for the Lord to pour
out His Spirit upon your students “to prepare their hearts to receive the word
… with joy” (Alma 16:16–17).
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