TEACHING
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2023
10:30 AM (kids! + communion) Holy Foolery: The One-Upper with Shel Boese 2 Corinthians 11:16-33 Do you have a friend (or acquaintance) that always has a better story than the one you just told? They are a one-upper! Religious one-uppers look down on you and others. Their identity and power thrives on one-upping, yet they live a lie. This Sunday, we look at one-uppers being one-upped by an ugly, awkward, and weak man. And we learn where the real power for living comes from: the downward path.
ONRAMP
THE MAP: Outline and Opening DRIVE: Through The Text 3. Embracing Fools 2 Corinthians 11:16-21 a. Please, Embrace Me Like A Fool 11:16
b. Paul Adopts a Foolish Strategy 11:17-18
c. The Corinthians Foolish Tolerance 2 Corinthians 11:19-20
d. Paul Dares to Boast –in Spite of His “Weakness”! 2 Corinthians 11:21
4. Paul’s Countercultural “Fool’s Speech” Part 1 2 Corinthians 11:22-29 a. Introduction: Questions of Identity 11:22b-23b
b. General Characterization of Trials 1 11:23c c. List of Specific Trials 11:24-25 d. List of Dangers 11:26 e. General Characterization of Trials 2 11:27 f. Anxiety about the Churches 11:28-29 5. Paul’s Countercultural “Fool’s Speech” Part 2 2 Corinthians 11:30-12:10 a. Midpoint Transition and an Oath 11:30-31 b. Paul’s Escape From Damascus 11:32-33
OFF-RAMP/FINAL DESTINATION: Take Away For Reflection and Discussion(NT Wright, Others)
If you didn’t use last week’s icebreaker, use it… Paul uses the analogy of marriage in his role with the church and God. In the Jewish world of his time most marriages were arranged by parents (still common for those of us from South Asia). Paul uses the image of a bride with cold feet after everything and everyone agreed. What is one of your favourite stories of things gone wrong at a wedding? Think about books, movies, or weddings you’ve attended or heard about.
Pray: Spend time praising God for his upside-down gospel and that he uses our weaknesses for his purposes. Confess the tendency to boast in the things that the world admires. |