TREASURE IN JARS OF CLAY

2 Corinthians 4:1-18

Key Verse 7

“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.”

1. What attitude did Paul have when he carried out the ministry of the new covenant? (1, 3:7-11) What elements are gospel workers vulnerable to, and what decision did Paul make to overcome these things? (2) What do you learn here from Paul's attitude?
2. When the gospel is preached plainly, why do some people not receive it (3-4, Jn 3:19-20)? Why did Paul use the expression "the light of the gospel"? (Jn 8:12) What was the content of Paul's message? (5) When we preach Jesus Christ as Lord, how does God work in those who accept Christ? (6)
3. What metaphor did Paul use to describe the relationship between the gospel and himself as a minister? (7) What does it mean that we have this treasure in jars of clay? Why did God put this treasure in jars of clay?
4. How did Paul's practical life illustrate the truth of treasure in jars of clay? (8-9) Why did Paul always carry around in his body the death of Jesus? (10-12) Through it all, how was his life victorious? What was his secret?
5. What was Paul's certainty as he lived this kind of life? (13-14) Who benefited from Paul's way of life, and with what result? (15)
6. In light of this passage what attitude should we have as gospel workers? (16) What hope enabled him to do this? (17) So, what should we do and why? (18)