Bible Reading for Today
2 Corinthians 4:7-18 7
But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 8We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 10 We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. 11 For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body. 12 So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you. 13 It is wriƩen: “I believed; therefore I have spoken.” Since we have that same spirit of faith, we also believe and therefore speak, 14 because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you to himself. 15 All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God. 16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasƟng away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
Message Notes | Resilient
Part 1: Spiritual Resiliency
2 Corinthians 4:7-18
- resilient: the ability to thrive no matter what life may bring
- no. matter. what. - vs. 8-12
#1 In Jesus, you are a _______________, not a ________________.
- “I believed, therefore I have spoken” - vs. 13-15
#2 Be ______________________, believing God’s promises. Be ________________, living out God’s promises.
- eternal glory weighs more - vs. 16-18
- what idols do you need to address?
#3 Over time, resilience __________________ as idols ____________________________. ® this treasure in jars of clay - vs. 7
#4 Resilience isn’t about you _________________ your _________. It depends on God’s willingness and ability to ____________.
- visualize God’s ____________________.
- meditate on God’s ____________________.
- anticipate God’s ____________________.
Group Questions | Resilient Part 1: Spiritual Resiliency
2 Corinthians 4:7-18
1. When you picture a resilient person, who comes to mind, and why?
2. In what areas of life would you say you are quite resilient? In what areas do you have room for improvement?
3. Read 2 Corinthians 4:8-12, 16-18. Paul describes an ability to endure and remain faithful no matter what life may bring. What are some things that give a person this ability?
4. In Jesus you are a victor, not a victim. Why can it be tempting to adopt a victimhood mentality?
5. A victimhood mentality does more than limit a person’s potential for personal growth. How does it run contrary to faith in Jesus?
6. What’s the distinction between being full of faith and being faithful? Why are both necessary for resiliency?
7. Idols are things that we depend on for the strength or security to endure life. What are some idols that the world around us has normalized? What’s an idol that you need to address?
8. The application of this message was to visualize God’s presence, meditate on God’s promises, and anticipate God’s power. How would these practices fit into your daily rhythm this week?
