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2 Corinthians 12:11-21
Gospel driven selfless care for souls
September 14, 2025
Title: Gospel driven selfless care for souls
Passage Outline:
Four Reasons Corinth should have trusted Paul
Preview: Paul’s defense for being defensive (11)
#1 Paul’s proof as an apostle (12)
#2 Paul’s selfless caring as a parent (13-15)
#3 Paul’s integrity in those he sent (16-18)
Summary: He’s not defensive, He’s for them (19)
#4 Paul’s concern for their spiritual state (20-21)
Main Argument: Living in light of eternity drives us to selfless care and concern for others’ souls.
Discussion Questions:
Have you ever had someone have a wrong perspective about you? Isn’t it easy to just write someone off as wrongly judging us? What does this section teach us about persistently trying to win someone to be reconciled with them?
What does Paul’s statement that he will gladly spend and be expended for their souls teach us about the nature of selfless sacrifice? How do we see that all of Paul’s life was for their eternal good in this section?
How does the fact that Paul is joyful to lay down his life for Corinth, and that he has deep love and affection for them help show the beauty of the gospel? What does this teach us about how the gospel changes our hearts and not just our actions?
What does the fact that Paul was concerned about sin in their lives and in the church teach us about the nature of what real care looks like? What do verses 20-21 teach us about the importance of being right with God?
Who is God is laying on your heart that you want to pursue with this kind of joyful spending of your life for their eternal good? What would be a good next step in caring for their spiritual well being like Paul did?
Passage Outline:
Four Reasons Corinth should have trusted Paul
Preview: Paul’s defense for being defensive (11)
#1 Paul’s proof as an apostle (12)
#2 Paul’s selfless caring as a parent (13-15)
#3 Paul’s integrity in those he sent (16-18)
Summary: He’s not defensive, He’s for them (19)
#4 Paul’s concern for their spiritual state (20-21)
Main Argument: Living in light of eternity drives us to selfless care and concern for others’ souls.
Discussion Questions:
Have you ever had someone have a wrong perspective about you? Isn’t it easy to just write someone off as wrongly judging us? What does this section teach us about persistently trying to win someone to be reconciled with them?
What does Paul’s statement that he will gladly spend and be expended for their souls teach us about the nature of selfless sacrifice? How do we see that all of Paul’s life was for their eternal good in this section?
How does the fact that Paul is joyful to lay down his life for Corinth, and that he has deep love and affection for them help show the beauty of the gospel? What does this teach us about how the gospel changes our hearts and not just our actions?
What does the fact that Paul was concerned about sin in their lives and in the church teach us about the nature of what real care looks like? What do verses 20-21 teach us about the importance of being right with God?
Who is God is laying on your heart that you want to pursue with this kind of joyful spending of your life for their eternal good? What would be a good next step in caring for their spiritual well being like Paul did?