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2 Corinthians 4:1-18 Study Guide

LEADER’S STUDY GUIDE 5.23.2021

2 Corinthians 4

Chapter 4 in a Nutshell
Second Corinthians 4 follows Paul’s teaching in the previous chapter about the transformation that happens for those who see God’s glory in Christ. Some are blinded to it by sin and by the god of this world. Paul knows that he and his co-workers are fragile containers for the priceless message of God’s grace through faith in Jesus. They won’t quit, though, because God sustains them and will eventually resurrect them. Once in eternity, all the suffering in this life won’t compare with sharing God’s glory forever. Chapter 5 expounds on the idea that believers in Christ look forward to something much better than this life. (Bibleref.com)

Discussion: Work through the chapter together with your group.

  • Read verses 1-6. Verse 1 starts with “therefore.” What is it referring back to?
  • What did Paul mean by the phrase “lose heart”? How does Paul say we keep from losing heart?
  • Look at verses 3-4. What does Paul say is the spiritual cause of this heart covering?
  • Who is “the god of this age”?
  • What are some of the strategies the god of this age uses to blind the mind of unbelievers?
  • In verse 6 Paul talks about light. What is the light and where does it come from?
  • Read verse 7. What is the treasure Paul is talking about and where is it kept?
  • Read verses 7-12. Paul writes that they have been afflicted, perplexed, persecuted, and struck down—but they have not been crushed, driven to despair, abandoned, or destroyed. They carry in themselves Christ’s death in the sense that they suffer as He did and for His sake, but they also carry Christ’s life as evidence that His power is at work in them. As you apply these verses to your own life, what is one takeaway for you?
  • Read verse 16. There is that phrase again: “don’t lose heart.” What can you do to not let fatigue, pain, or criticism force you off the job? What can you do strengthen your commitment to serving Christ?
  • 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. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” What lessons do we find in these verses that help us to not lose heart?

Conclusion:

Fix your eyes on what is permanent…eternal. And with your friends, learn together how not to lose heart.

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