In the Second Epistle of Paul to the Corinthians we see evidence of a growing rift between some of the Corinthian Saints and Paul. A small group of Church members in Corinth opposed Paul and wanted him to have less influence among them. Some of the criticism directed at Paul was because he had canceled an earlier promised trip to Corinth; thus, some people felt he was not trustworthy (see 2 Corinthians 1:15–19). Paul defended his conduct and ministry (see 2 Corinthians 2:12–17; 3:1–6; 4:1–5; 5:19–20), and he expressed affection for the Corinthians and taught them of the peace that comes from loving and forgiving their fellowmen. He taught them how they could be reconciled to their Heavenly Father through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Paul’s writings can help the reader become a living example of his words: “Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men” (2 Corinthians 3:2).
Paul greeted the Saints in Corinth and told them of the comfort and consolation God had given him and his missionary companions. He acknowledged the prayers offered by the Saints on his behalf. He explained his missionary labors and taught that God establishes His Saints in Jesus Christ and seals and assures them by the Spirit.
Paul referred to a canceled visit to Corinth. He admonished the Corinthian Saints to love and forgive a transgressor so that Satan would not have an advantage over them. Servants of God recognize that it is Jesus Christ who helps them to triumph.
Faithful Saints are “the epistle of Christ”—living examples of Christ—to all people. The new covenant surpasses the old in glory. The ministration of the Spirit writes the gospel in the heart, enlightens the mind about the meaning of scripture, brings spiritual liberty, and transforms Saints from glory to glory into the image of the Lord.
Satan blinds the minds of disbelievers to the light of the gospel of Christ. Paul declared that he and his companions experienced suffering but also spiritual rewards as they preached of Jesus Christ. For the faithful, mortal trials lead to eternal glory.
Saints walk by faith and earnestly desire a resurrected body. All will appear before the judgment seat of Christ and be judged according to the deeds done in mortality. Through faithful acceptance of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, people become new creatures and are reconciled to God. Jesus was completely without sin, but He took upon Himself our sins so that through Him we can become righteous.
To help students understand the relevance of 2 Corinthians to their lives, read the following account told by Spencer J. Condie, who later became a member of the Seventy, or share a similar account:
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Elder Spencer G. Condie
“A heavy spirit pervaded the funeral congregation as the services for a young mother who had died in childbirth drew to a close. The eulogies had been eloquent, but many who were gathered there that day felt some bitterness. … At the conclusion of the formal program the young father calmly rose from his seat and walked to the pulpit. ‘I sense your grief and concern,’ he said quietly, ‘but there is something I should tell you to comfort you. The first hour after my wife’s death I didn’t know how I could possibly stand it—how I could possibly go on without her. But then a sweet, peaceful spirit filled my soul, and since then I have had the assurance that everything will be all right. Don’t worry about us, we’re going to be just fine.’ This same comforting spirit distilled upon the congregation. Everyone went home comforted” (“‘Thy Constant Companion’: The Promised Blessings of the Holy Ghost,” Ensign, Oct. 1980, 33).
Ask:
What could lead a person in these circumstances to feel that he or she is going to be “just fine”?
Tell students that 2 Corinthians contains Paul’s feelings about the suffering and persecution that he and his companions had experienced. Some of Paul’s difficulties were the result of opposition from a small group of Saints in Corinth who opposed him. Consider asking a student to read aloud the section “Why study 2 Corinthians?” under “Introduction to the Second Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Corinthians” in chapter 41 of the student manual. Testify that the words of comfort and counsel that Paul wrote to the Saints in Corinth are as applicable today as they were nearly 2,000 years ago.
Ask students to read 2 Corinthians 1:8–9, looking for what Paul said about his ministry and some of the trials he faced. Ask students:
What phrases describe the severity of Paul’s trials?
Ask students to select one of the four scripture passages to study. Make sure there is at least one student studying each passage. Ask students to look for counsel from Paul that would give them encouragement or comfort during difficult times. Encourage students to look in the student manual for any commentary that might deepen their understanding of what they read. After several minutes, invite students to share what they discovered.
To help deepen student understanding, consider asking some of the following questions. Depending on what students need and the direction of the Spirit, ask the questions you feel will most benefit students.
In verses 3–5, Paul said God comforted and consoled him and his companions in all their tribulation. According to verse 4, what did Paul say they were able to do for others because of what God had done for them? (Comfort others who experienced trials.)
In verses 6–10, what did Paul say was his purpose for relating some of the trouble he encountered as a servant of God? (He wanted the Saints to find consolation in knowing that God delivers those who put their trust in Him.)
When have you been encouraged by hearing of others’ struggles and the strength they receive from the Lord?
In verses 4–6, what is the light that Paul said can shine in our hearts? (“The glorious gospel of Christ,” verse 4; “the knowledge of the glory of God,” verse 6.)
In verse 10, what did Paul say we should bear in our bodies—in other words, always remember? (The atoning sacrifice and death of Jesus Christ.) How can a knowledge of the Savior’s Atonement and His gospel help people avoid distress and despair in the midst of affliction?
Do you know someone who experiences life’s trials without feeling distress or despair? What do you think enables this person to endure affliction without despairing?
In verse 16, Paul declared that in spite of all his trials, he did not faint (lose courage) and his “inward man” was “renewed day by day.” What knowledge kept Paul courageous and renewed day by day? (See verses 14–16.)
In verse 17, Paul taught that the afflictions we face today can prepare us for eternal glory. How do afflictions prepare us for eternal life?
What did Paul teach in verses 1–8 that helps you understand why a resurrected body is such a great blessing?
As a summary of this portion of the lesson, ask students to explain the principles they have learned. After they give their answers, make sure they understand this principle: If we rely on God when we face afflictions, we will receive divine comfort, and our afflictions will prepare us for eternal glory. Invite students to take a moment to ponder how relying on the Lord has brought them peace and strength during times of trial. Suggest that they write down their thoughts. Then invite a few students to share their experiences briefly with the class. Invite students to make a commitment to act on the spiritual impressions they have had.
Paul Taught about How the Spirit of the Lord Functions in the New Covenant
Ask students:
How many years has it been since you were confirmed a member of the Church and given the gift of the Holy Ghost?
In the time since you were baptized, what are some ways the Holy Ghost has changed your life? (As students respond, summarize their answers on the board.)
Tell students that 2 Corinthians 3 contains Paul’s teachings about the ways the Spirit functions in the new covenant, or in the gospel of Jesus Christ. List the following scripture references on the board: 2 Corinthians 3:2–3; 2 Corinthians 3:12–16; 2 Corinthians 3:17; 2 Corinthians 3:18. Ask students to read two or three of these references silently, looking for what the Spirit can do for us. Students might also consider highlighting key words and phrases they find in their scriptures. Encourage students to check the student manual for related commentary. Ask students to report on what they found. As they report, write a summary of their findings next to the scripture references on the board. Their findings might look like this:
2 Corinthians 3:2–3. The Spirit writes the gospel in the “fleshy tables of the heart.”
2 Corinthians 3:18. The Spirit of the Lord gradually changes us into beings who are like God.
The following questions might help students deepen their understanding of these passages:
What does it mean to you to have the gospel written “in the fleshy tables” of your heart? (The student manual commentary for 2 Corinthians 3:3 may be helpful here.) What is a doctrine that you feel is written in your heart? How is your life different because this doctrine is written in your heart?
How does the Spirit of the Lord bring liberty into our lives? How has having the Spirit brought greater liberty into your life?
How can we be transformed into beings who are like God? What is the role of the Holy Ghost in this transformation? (You may want to have students read the student manual commentary for 2 Corinthians 3:18 so they understand that the word “changed” in verse 18 means a fundamental transformation.)
As students share their answers to these questions, make sure they understand this principle: As we accept the influence of the Holy Ghost in our hearts, He gradually transforms us to become like the Lord.
Invite students to review the list on the board, and ask them to think of other ways in which the Spirit of the Lord blesses and changes us. Then ask students to ponder how the Spirit of the Lord has influenced their lives and what the Spirit is doing for them now. Ask a few students to share their thoughts with the class. Share your testimony of the influence of the Holy Ghost in your life and invite the students to look for the influence of the Spirit in their daily lives.
Paul Taught That We Must Be Reconciled to God through the Atonement of Jesus Christ
Ask students:
What do you think will determine how you will feel when you appear before Jesus Christ to be judged?
Have students read 2 Corinthians 5:6–10, looking for how we will be judged by Jesus Christ when we stand before His judgment seat. After students tell what they found, ask them if they know the meaning of the word reconciliation. Have a student read the definition of reconciliation given by Elder Bruce R. McConkie, found in the student manual commentary for 2 Corinthians 5:18–21. (To be reconciled to God means to be restored to harmony and unity with Him.) You may want to encourage students to write the definition in the margin of their scriptures next to 2 Corinthians 5:18–21.
Ask students to study 2 Corinthians 5:15–21 and then compose two or three questions that can be answered by this scripture passage. After sufficient time, pair each student with another member of the class and have students take turns asking each other their questions. Sample questions that might be asked include: What makes it possible for us to be reconciled to God? How can we become new creatures? How was Jesus Christ made “to be sin for us”? When students have concluded the activity, ask if they heard any questions that stand out in their minds or that they feel the entire class should hear.
To summarize this material and ensure that the doctrines in 2 Corinthians 5:6–21 are understood, consider asking the following:
What makes it possible for each of us to be reconciled to God? (see verses 14–15, 18, 21). (Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we can be reconciled to God. You may want to point out the meaning of verse 21. Jesus was completely without sin, but He took upon Himself our sins so that through Him we can become righteous. He became a substitutionary sacrifice for us.)
What phrases in verses 15–21 describe how our relationship with Heavenly Father changes when we are reconciled to Him through Christ?
You might consider asking students to consider whether they feel reconciled to Heavenly Father through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Conclude the lesson by sharing your testimony of the specific truths taught in class today.