7.But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. 8. We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9.persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed— 10.always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. 11. For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. 12. So then death is working in us, but life in you. 13.And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “I believed and therefore I spoke,” we also believe and therefore speak, 14. knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present us with you.
2 Cor 4:7-14
Q & A：
- Explain what having a “spirit of faith” means, with reference to how Caleb spoke out of the conviction of his heart when he faced the giants of the land. Knowing that what we say through our mouth releases authority over our lives, how should we be speaking differently when we are faced with circumstances? (2 Cor 4:13; Num 14:24; Num 13:30; Ps 107:1-2; Prov 18:20-21)
- Discuss why it is important to focus on who is in us rather than who we are or what we can do on our own, as we see the analogy of the earthen vessel’s value magnified when there is a godly treasure in it. How does God’s promise of “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness” help you to sustain through the challenging times as God’s inherent power is manifested in you? (2 Cor 4:7, 10; 2 Cor 12:9; Eph 3:16)
- Discuss if you have experienced difficult situations of being hard-pressed, perplexed, persecuted or struck down and what has God promised to counter these challenges. What are some encouraging Bible scriptures that have helped you to believe and be able to speak with conviction to withstand the sufferings and turn the situations around? (2 Cor 4:8-9; Heb 4:15-16)