APPLICATION QUESTIONS:
1. Why is the body described as a ‘jar of clay’ in 2 Corinthians 4:7? How should a Christian care for their body? How are Christians taught to think about declining health?
2. What similarities exist between Christ and a Christian in 2 Corinthians 4:7-18?
3. Have you been afflicted, perplexed, persecuted, or struck down? Are you still alive? How has God sustained you as he did the Apostle Paul?
4. What eternal promises does Scripture give to suffering saints that make it seem light and momentary by comparison? Note specific promises.
Jars of Clay
2 Corinthians 4:7-18
September 8, 2019 • Michael Wilburn, Senior Pastor
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Broken Body
Testing the Saints
December 29, 2019 • Michael Wilburn, Senior Pastor
Application Questions: Scripture calls for self-examination “so see whether you are in the faith” (2 Corinthians 13:5). How do you test your faith? How should you pray for someone you love who persists in sin while professing their salvation? Of the final five commands given by Paul in 2 Corinthians 13:11, pick the most needed and most difficult for you now. What does your obedience to these reveal? Why would anyone gladly become weak in order that others may grow strong?
Showing Weakness
December 22, 2019 • Michael Wilburn, Senior Pastor
Application Questions: What was Paul’s thorn in the flesh? What applications can be made to your own weakness and troubles? Considering your own limitations, how has God taught you to be content in weakness? In what sense is God's grace sufficient for you? How does grace change the way you view your limitations? What is God’s purpose when he answers “no” to your prayer?
Bearing Shame
December 15, 2019 • Michael Wilburn, Senior Pastor
Application Questions: What does it mean to “put on airs”? How do Christians unwittingly do this before unbelievers? After reading through the Apostle Paul’s list of troubles (2 Corinthians 11:23-28), list your own series of afflictions. What has God taught you that could only be learned through difficulty? Do you suffer from insomnia or anxiety? What can be learned from Paul’s experience about how a Christian should deal with the mind and emotions? Why does Paul refer to churches as a burden? Who is responsible to bear the burdens of the church today?