2 Corinthians 7:13-16

[13] Therefore we are comforted.

And besides our own comfort, we rejoiced still more at the joy of Titus, because his spirit has been refreshed by you all. [14] For whatever boasts I made to him about you, I was not put to shame. But just as everything we said to you was true, so also our boasting before Titus has proved true. [15] And his affection for you is even greater, as he remembers the obedience of you all, how you received him with fear and trembling. [16] I rejoice, because I have complete confidence in you.

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions 1. What does it mean that Titus was “refreshed” by the Corinthians (v. 13; cf. v. 7)? In what ways was he refreshed by them? 2. What does it mean that Paul made “boasts” about the Corinthians to Titus (v. 14)? How is this related to Paul having “complete confidence” in them (v. 16)? 3. Share how you have been refreshed by the church. 4. If Paul made boasts about the Corinthians, how can we similarly boast in other churches and gospel partners? What should we boast about? 5. What is so “refreshing” about a Christian who receives the word with humility and obedience (v. 15)? 6. How can we nurture being a church that is receptive, responsive, repentant and replenishing? 7. What might lead to a church being “permanently closed”? What should FCC do or continue doing to ensure its ministry continues for centuries? 8. If Christ is our chief joy and source of greatest comfort, what is significant about the fact that we see so many examples in Paul’s writing of other Christians being the source of his joy (v. 13)?

References: imbedded in sermon.

The Church that Refreshes