Fourth Sunday in Lent 2 Corinthians 5:16-21

The Paradox of Lent | AIM Commentary

Introduction

As we come to the fourth week of Lent, we are given this beautiful, theologically rich, but short, passage from Paul in 2nd Corinthians. This passage may be more “upbeat” than some of our other texts that feature more “joy-grief” or “bitter-sweet” themes, but as we’ll see, if anything, our text points to a larger reality of the brokenness in the world and the hope that comes from Jesus’ sacrifice and the new reality-a new creation that is budding in the world.

Ancient Lens

What can we learn from the historical context?

Context of 2 Corinthians

At times you read the soaring rhetoric of Paul and…

1. What historical challenges did Paul face with the Corinthian church, and how do they shape the message of 2 Corinthians 5?

2. How does Paul’s discussion of a “new creation” challenge the Corinthian believers to think differently about their relationships and commitments?

3. How does Paul’s teaching about relationships being mediated through Christ change how we relate to others, especially those we disagree with?

4. Why is forgiveness so difficult, especially when the other party does not apologize? How does the gospel empower us to forgive…