Key Thought: Although ready to die for Christ, Paul was confident of his long-term fate. The most important thing for him was to honor Christ and to preach the gospel to as many as possible…
January 17, 2026
1. Have a volunteer read 2 Corinthians 10:3-6.
- Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
- What is the basis of the spiritual war we wage, and what are our weapons?
- Personal Application: In what ways are you experiencing the reality of the great controversy How can you draw comfort and strength knowing Christ has won the victory already? Share your thoughts.
- Case Study: One of your relatives states, “How can God allow so much suffering, pain, and death in this world? If Jesus died on the cross to end all the results of sin, why is it still going on two years later? How would you respond to your relative?
2. Have a volunteer read Philippians 1:23,24.
- Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
- What does Paul mean when he says that to depart and be with Christ is far better?
- Personal Application: No one wants to die, but have you ever thought that the next thing you will know is the return of Christ? Does this help us understand Paul’s thinking in this passage? Share your thoughts.
- Case Study: One of your relatives states, “How would you explain the Bible teaching on death to me, because I believe that Paul and other Christians are with Christ in heaven? ” How would you respond to your relative?
3. Have a volunteer read Philippians 1:27-30.
- Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point in this text is.
- What do both Jesus and Paul say is indispensable for unity in the church?
- Personal Application: How does our unity and striving together for the faith of the gospel relate to fearlessness? Share your thoughts.
- Case Study: One of your friends states, “What hope and comfort do Chriasrtians have when they are being persecuted, under duress and stress, and suffering? Should they have hope and comfort in these situations?.” How would you respond to your friend?
4. Have a volunteer read I Corinthians 4:14-16, I Thessalonians 2:10,11; Galatians 4:19.
- Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
- What relationship did Paul have with the churches he established and the people he won for Christ?
- Personal Application: Review how you live and how you treat people, especially those who don’t treat you well. What kind of witness for Jesus do you present? Share your thoughts.
- Case Study: Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with them.
(Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared. ”Ministry of Healing, p. 148)
