Facing Trials, Finding God’s Glory! 2 Corinthians 4:7-18

The Context: The Trials of Paul! 2 Corinthians 11:22-33

The Physical Attack!

The Emotional Attack!

The Spiritual Attack!

1 Corinthians 4:16 I exhort you therefore, be imitators of me.
1 Corinthians 11:1 Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ.

Finding Eternal Perspective In Our Life and Afflictions!

1. We Have This Treasure in Earthen Vessels!

2. We Are: 7-10

• Afflicted (Pressed) in every way, but not crushed;
• Perplexed, (No Human Way Out) but not despairing;
• Persecuted, (Pursued) but not forsaken;
• Struck down, (Thrown Down) but not destroyed

We are Carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus,

Galatians 2:20 I have been Crucified With Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself up for me.

3. We Have Faith to Speak! 13-15

4. We Do Not Lose Heart! 16

• Our Bodies are Decaying!
• Our Inner Man is Being Renewed Day by day.

5. Our Afflictions are Momentary and Light! 17

1 Thessalonians 3:3 so that no man may be disturbed by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we have been destined for this. 4 For indeed when we were with you, we kept telling you in advance that we were going to suffer affliction; and so it came to pass, as you know.

6. Our Trials to the Weight of God’s Glory! Keep Your Eyes On the Glory of God! 17

Romans 8:26-39 – Whom He Justified, He Glorified!

1 Peter 1:4-9 – We rejoice with hoy inexpressible and full of glory!

1 Peter 4:12-13 – Rejoicing at the Revelation of His glory!

Colossians 1:24-27 – The Hope of Glory!

What this Glory Looks Like in this Life! Exodus 34:6-7

7. We Always Focus On the Eternal! 17

Prepare to Face the Final Trial! Your Death!
Acts 20:22 “And now, behold, bound in spirit, I am on my way to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there, 23 except that the Holy Spirit solemnly testifies to me in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions await me. 24 “But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, in order that I may finish my course, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God. 25 “And now, behold, I know that all of you, among whom I went about preaching the kingdom, will see my face no more. 26 “Therefore I testify to you this day, that I am innocent of the blood of all men. 27 “For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God.

The Purpose of Your Life is the Course of Your Life, Finding the Course of Your Life is Finding the Ministry of Your Life!