Proclaiming Jesus Christ as Lord

Sunday, August 17, 2014
2 Corinthians 4:1-15

1 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; 
2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. 
3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 
4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. 
5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. 
6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to [give] the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 
7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. 
8 [We are] troubled on every side, yet not distressed; [we are] perplexed, but not in despair; 
9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; 
10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. 
11 For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. 
12 So then death worketh in us, but life in you. 
13 We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak; 
14 Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present [us] with you. 
15 For all things [are] for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) As ministers of the Gospel, how are we to conduct ourselves? (v.1-2)
2) Who is not able to receive the Gospel? Why not? (v.3-4)
3) What are we to proclaim? (v.5)
4) What has God done for His servants and why? (v.6)
5) What is the treasure that is within every born-again believer? Where does the treasure come from? (v.7)
6) When is the life of Jesus manifested through us? (v.8-12)
7) Why do we endure hardships? (v.13-15)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
8) Do you tend to cave into despair or hopelessness when going through trials? Why, or why not?
9) How will you respond to hardships, in the future, in light of this passage of Scripture?
10) Why shouldn't we faint, or lose heart, when faced with difficulties in our lives?

PRINCIPLES
11) The minds of our unsaved loved ones are blinded to the truth of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
12) Though we are mortal, the resurrection power of God indwells every believer through the Holy Spirit.
13) To live for Christ we must die to self.