Christ Through the Ages, 13: 1-2 Corinthians–Humility Amidst Suffering

<p>For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ <a href="https://www.douglasjacoby.com/christ-through-the-ages-13/" target="_blank"><strong>website.</strong></a></p><p>Lesson 13, <i><strong>1-2  Corinthians: Christ's Humility Amidst Suffering</strong></i> (13 minutes), explores Jesus' humility and gentleness even in the midst of severe pain and suffering.</p><img src="http://www.douglasjacoby.com/wp-content/uploads/CR31.jpeg" alt="CR3" /><p>Background:</p><ul><li>Paul penned 4 Corinthians letters (1 Corinthians 1:1, 5:9; 2 Corinthians 1:1, 7:8), c.53-55 AD.</li><li>Clement of Rome wrote to the Corinthians c.95 AD, urging them to remain unified. The younger leaders had risen up against their elders -- redolent of the old troubles (1 Corinthians 1, 3...).</li><li>In 2 Corinthians, Paul's authority is under attack. He does not defend his ministry with credentials or a resume. Rather, as he argues, the true mark of leadership is suffering.</li><li>It may seem easy enough to be loving when life is easy and events are calm, but how about when we are under pressure? At such times, 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 takes on new meaning.</li></ul><p>Challenge questions:</p><ul><li>What am <i>I</i> like when <i>I'm</i> in physical or emotional pain? Do I still put others first?</li><li>If I had been the one on the cross, how would I have related to the soldiers? the criminals? the religious leaders who put me there? my friends who had abandoned me?</li><li>When I'm tired, hungry, etc., do I become rude, demanding, grouchy, or self-focused?</li><li>What parts of the day ahead of me are likeliest to strain my goodwill -- to tempt me to forget humility? Thinking about Christ, may I be prepared for what comes.</li></ul><p><i>Next lesson: Ephesians & Colossians -- The Cosmic Christ.</i></p>