Read a Chapter a Day: Small-Group Study on 2 Corinthians 1-7

Click here to read the General Leader's Guide.

Theme: Care, Comfort, and Renewal — Preserving What Matters Most

Enter the Museum/Fellowship:

Snacks or a Meal (10 minutes with snacks; longer if there’s a meal). Keep creating a welcoming, intentional space.

• If online: Ask someone to light a candle on camera and spotlight that person as a sign of welcoming light.
• If in person: Place a candle near a centering display as a symbol of continuity and warmth.

Consider displaying a digital copy of the Dead Sea Scrolls or this verse: 2 Corinthians 1:5, CEB, “That is because we receive so much comfort through Christ in the same way that we share so many of Christ’s sufferings.”

Hands off the Artwork/Ground Rules:

Open or reaffirm your group’s ground rules. These are the gentle boundaries of your shared space. (Examples of Group Rules)

The Picture Frame/Gathering Time (5–10 minutes):

Divide participants into pairs or groups of three. Then ask: “Have you ever witnessed or cared for a precious heirloom or document that needed special protection or preservation? What did that involve?”

The Big Picture/Group Dialogue (~15 minutes):

Many countries have a dedicated institution to preserve important foundational documents. In Uganda, national documents are preserved in Kampala. The Israel Museum in Jerusalem holds the Dead Sea Scrolls. Recently, a U.S. copy of the Declaration of Independence, penned by Thomas Jefferson was installed in the United States President’s Oval Office, carefully protected behind special glass and draped with custom curtains designed to shield it from damage caused by light and air.

Paul’s letter to the Corinthians similarly preserves a message of comfort, hope, and reconciliation for a community facing challenges and divisions. In 2 Corinthians 1–7, Paul reminds the church—and us—that God is a “the God of all comfort” who helps us endure suffering and preserves us even when life feels worn and vulnerable.

Discuss: When was the last time you felt worn out or fragile? What would it look like for you to be preserved in your physical, mental, and/or spiritual self?

The Hi-Def Picture/Going Deeper (~15 minutes):

Focus on 2 Corinthians 1:5, CEB

“That is because we receive so much comfort through Christ in the same way that we share so many of Christ’s sufferings.”

Questions for reflection:

• “When, if ever, have you experienced comfort from God during difficult times?”
• “How can your experiences of comfort become a source of hope for others?”

The Motion Picture/Take Action (5-10 minutes):

Paul invites us to receive God’s comfort and to become carriers of that comfort in our communities.

Reflect and share:

• “What’s one way you can offer comfort or hope to someone this week?”
• “What ‘protective practices’ can you build in your life to preserve your hope and faith?”

Prayer (10 minutes):

Share prayer requests and respond appropriately.

God who preserves us,
Do not let us despair in times of stress and unpredictability,
Guard our hearts and minds, and renew our hope daily.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Sending Forth (2 minutes):

End with the Lord’s Prayer and/or this short hymn text:

“My hope is built on nothing less
than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
but wholly lean on Jesus’ name.”

“Go in peace, carrying God’s comfort and hope to others,
living as those who preserve and protect what truly matters.”

Leader’s Guide Notes

• Fellowship: Encourage participants to mingle and introduce themselves if they are new. Place art or visuals in the space to set the tone.
• Gathering Time: Keep the pairs/groups small to allow everyone to share. Have a leader or facilitator ready to join groups if someone is left alone.
• Group Dialogue: Allow flexibility in the conversation. If discussion flows deeply on one question, don’t feel pressured to cover everything.
• Going Deeper: Invite participants to share only what they are comfortable sharing. Leaders can model vulnerability by offering their reflections.
• Prayer: Provide a gentle reminder that prayer requests are confidential. Ask if someone in the group wants to volunteer to close in prayer.
• Sending Forth: Use a blessing or benediction that fits your community. You can also invite participants to pray the Lord’s Prayer in unison.

Rev. Manohar Joshi (aka Mantu) has been a minister and elder in the United Methodist Church for more than twenty years. He teaches at Western Michigan University and serves as a chaplain at Trinity Health in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Drawing on his life as a stay-at-home dad, sports coach and referee, writer, teacher, and chaplain, he helps people explore new, meaningful ways to connect with what matters most. He’s also the author of the bestselling book The Resilient Parent: Everyday Wisdom for Life with Your Exceptional Child.