Seminary
2 Corinthians 8–13

2 Corinthians 8–13

Overview

Paul invited the Corinthian Saints to follow the Savior’s example by sacrificing their means to take care of the poor. He shared some of the suffering he endured and how he was able to find joy in those experiences through the Savior’s help. When some of the Church members in Corinth became critical of him, he responded by inviting them to examine their own connection to Christ.

Prepare to Teach

The following information provides teachers with ideas of what may need to be prepared in advance for each lesson.

2 Corinthians 8–9

Lesson purpose: This lesson can help students follow the example of Jesus Christ by sharing what they have with those who are in need.

  • Student preparation: Invite students to look at the items listed on a Tithing and Other Offerings form and to prepare to share what various line items mean. They could also ask any questions they have about this form.

  • Content to display: The statement by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland with a missing word and a Tithing and Other Offerings form

  • Videoconference teaching suggestion: Consider inviting a local bishop or Relief Society president to share with students how fast-offering funds are used to bless those in need.

2 Corinthians 11–12

Lesson purpose: This lesson can help students rely on the Lord as they strive to faithfully endure their own challenges.

  • Student preparation: Invite students to be prepared to share why they feel the following statement is not true: “If we pray with sufficient faith in Jesus Christ, Heavenly Father will remove any trial that we are going through.”

  • Object or image to display: A thorn or an image of a thorn

  • Video: “Mountains to Climb” (5:05)

  • Videoconference teaching suggestion: After students have studied 2 Corinthians 12:8–10, consider using the idea entitled “Faith not to be healed” in the “Supplemental Learning Activities” section. Consider finding the article “Accepting the Lord’s Will and Timing” (Ensign, Aug. 2016, 29–35) on ChurchofJesusChrist.org and sharing the screen so that students can take turns reading the story.

2 Corinthians 13

Lesson purpose: This lesson can help students examine their faithfulness to the Lord and overcome the temptation to criticize His servants.

  • Student preparation: Invite students to think about how they feel when they hear people speak negatively about the Savior’s Church or His servants.

  • Content to display: The statement by President Henry B. Eyring with questions for students to ponder

  • Videoconference teaching suggestion: To allow students to study more scripture accounts, consider dividing students into small groups and putting them in breakout rooms. Invite them to study one or more of the accounts that describe consequences for criticizing the Lord’s servants. Each group could then choose a spokesperson to share with the rest of the class something they learned.

Assess Your Learning 9

Lesson purpose: This lesson is intended to help students evaluate the goals they have set and the personal growth they have experienced during their study of the New Testament.

  • Videoconference teaching suggestion: If it appears that students do not know how to use FamilySearch.org or the FamilySearch app, consider giving them time in class to explore. It may even be beneficial to invite one student who knows how to use the app to come prepared to share some tips they have learned. They could share their screen from their phone or computer so that the rest of the class can see what they are doing.

Doctrinal Mastery Review 20

Lesson purpose: This lesson will give students an opportunity to deepen their understanding and practice explaining truths from various New Testament doctrinal mastery passages.

  • Student preparation: Invite students to review the New Testament doctrinal mastery passages and choose one that they would like to better understand.

  • Content to display: Four separate images of Jesus Christ

  • Videoconference teaching suggestion: Toward the end of the lesson, students may be invited to search for additional doctrinal mastery passages that increase their understanding of a selected New Testament passage. Consider grouping students into four breakout rooms, with each group searching the doctrinal mastery passages from a different scripture course. When the class is back together, invite each group to share the passages they found in their assigned book of scripture. Students could be invited to share their screen so their classmates can see how they used the tools in the Gospel Library app.