22/08/2026
_Sabbath School Summary_
*Love-driven Ministry*
_Lesson 9_
_Memory Text: 2 Corinthians 2:4_
*Introduction*
*SABBATH*: It’s said that all humans may have stress but can’t equal Paul’s level of stress. Paul gives a vivid account of his labors & sufferings not out of pride but in honor of God who enabled him to suffer for the cause of Christ. Amid his peril, his daily thoughts were his deep love & concern for the churches (2 Cor. 11:24-28). Paul is a picture of suffering for Christ’s sake. It was from Jesus that Paul learned to love the churches in a way that reflects the love that Jesus has for us (2 Cor. 5:14; see 1 Cor. 11:1).
*Thanksgiving*
*SUNDAY*: Paul’s life tells us that in this world we’ll suffer & face pain, but Christ will never fail to comfort us. Paul could comfort others because he got comfort from God. The comfort we receive from God is not to be kept for oneself. Only the afflicted heart that receives God’s consolation is able to impart comfort to those in affliction too (2 Cor. 1:3-7). The verb “comfort” (parakaleō) & its noun form (paraklēsis) occur 10 times out of 29 times in 2 Corinthians. To Paul, God saved him from the fear of death & trials can make one spiritually mature (2 Cor. 1:8-11).
*Simplicity and Sincerity*
*MONDAY*: Paul had many critics. Some believed that his indecisive character was not fitting for the apostolic ministry. Hence, his integrity was questioned by some in Corinth (2 Cor. 1:1-14). In his defence, Paul stressed that in simplicity & godly sincerity he ministered to them. Simplicity (haplotēs) in speech/behavior & sincerity (eilikrineia) as in integrity & pure motives had he related to them (2 Cor. 2:17, 4:2, Eph. 6:5, Col. 3:22). Paul claimed God is the origin of his attitude; simplicity & integrity (2 Cor. 1:12-13).
*Changing Plans for Love*
*TUESDAY*: One main reason why Paul’s integrity was questioned was changes he made in his travel itinerary. But the changes were not for his own comfort but for the best intere