7But 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. 15 For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God.16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, 18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen aretemporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
2 Cor 4:7-18
Q & A：
- What are the sufferings, adversities or challenges you are currently experiencing and how does knowing that these are temporary in comparison to eternity in heaven help you? 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. (Rev 21:4-5; 2 Cor 4:17-18; Mark 13:7-8; 2 Cor 4:13; Num 14:24; Num 13:30)
- 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? 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? (Ps 107:1-2; Prov 18:20-21; 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)