Bethesda Chapel 2001
SG Bible Study #6

Pray for others that God will deliver them from trouble (2 Cor 1:8-11)
(Previous Lesson SG Bible Study #5)

Warm up songs

Select songs with words on:  peril, prayer, deliverance, hope

Quiet Contemplation (3 minutes)

Allow a short time of quiet contemplation and private confession of known sins, willingness to learn, listen to the Word of God and His Spirit’s leading and conviction.

Warm up exercise (optional)

Describe how people of other faiths pray.
(only two to share)

Sharing
(on Personal Goals set for 2001 or previous Bible Studies)

Areas under Personal Goals are:
- relationship with God
- relationship with family and believers
- operation Andrew list, building bridges with non-Christian friends

Read the selected passage 
Text: 2 Cor 1:8-11

Key words
Prayer/entreaty, thanksgiving
He will deliver
Trouble/affliction

Structure
    a)    Awareness of the reality of deadly peril (vv 8, 9a)
    b)    Definite hope in the reality that God will deliver (vv 9b, 10)
    c)    Helping through prayers (v 11)

Literal translation
⁸ For we do not want you to be ignorant, brothers, 
            as to our trouble that had taken place in Asia; 
                        that we were burdened/crushed beyond power 
                                    so that we despaired even of life.
⁹ Indeed, we had received the sentence of death in ourselves; 
            in order that we might rely not on ourselves
            but on God, the one who raised the dead;
                        ¹⁰ who delivered us from so great a death, 
                                    and he will deliver; 
                        on whom we have hoped 
                                    that indeed he will deliver, 
¹¹ provided you are helping/cooperating on our behalf in prayer, 
            in order that by many persons (lit. presence/faces), 
                        the gift (charisma, gracious favour) be granted to us, 
                                     that thanks may be given through many on our behalf.

v11 may be freely translated as
"that there may be a sea of upturned faces as a widespread thanksgiving goes up to God on our behalf for the gracious act which He has done for us" (Rutherford, Tyndale, 44).

Discussion Questions
Text: 2 Cor 1:8-11

Q1       What kind of deadly perils did Paul and his co-workers experience in the book of Acts?

Q2       What possible troubles and perils would missionaries be in danger of?

Q3       How important are the believers’ intelligent petitions for others in service for God?

Possible Applications

a)    State the steps you would take to pray intelligently for the various Christian ministries.

b)    Consider, deep in yourselves, when in danger/distress do you rely on yourselves or trust God to deliver?

c)    State one answered prayer made on behalf others and thank God.

Closing Prayer

Break into twos or threes and share one possible application and pray for one another. Dismiss quietly.

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Next lesson: 2 Cor 2:5-11  --- Pastoral Care by Church Members