Aim for Perfection

2 Corinthians 12:11-13:14

Key Verse 13:11

Read 12:11-9. What do the following questions indicate about the relationship between the Corinthians and the Apostle Paul? 

How were you inferior to other churches, except that I was never a [financial] burden to you?

If I love you more will you love me less?

Did I exploit you through any of the men I sent you?

Titus did not exploit you, did he?

Did we not act in the same spirit and follow the same course? 

Have you been thinking all along that we have been defending ourselves to you?    

What does this teach us about the way to see and relate ourselves to the servant(s) the Lord is sending into our lives? (John 12:44; 13:20; Luke 10:16; Gal 4:14)

Read 12:20-21. What is Paul afraid of? What does this passage indicate about the Corinthians' relationship with each other?

Read 13:1-6. What did some Corinthians demand? What is Paul's response (3-6)

Read verses 7-11 and think about the prayer topic, "Our prayer is for your perfection." What does "perfection" mean? 

Read verses 12-14. What does this passage tell us about God's will for all people on earth?