Are We There Yet? Week #4 Notes

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Are We There Yet? Week #4 Notes 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 New International Version (NIV) 16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting 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.

Main Idea: Fix your eyes on what lasts 2 Corinthians 4:7-9 New International Version (NIV) 7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 8 We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.

The How: Fix your eyes on the treasure not the jar 2 Corinthians 4:10-12New International Version (NIV) 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.

The How: Fix your eyes on his providence not the problem 2 Corinthians 4:14 New International Version (NIV) 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. 2 Corinthians 4:15-18 New International Version (NIV) 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 wasting 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.

The How: Fix your eyes on Jesus and commit your heart to prayer

Are We There Yet? Week #4 Notes Main Idea: Fix your eyes on what lasts… Fix your eyes on the treasure not the jar…. Fix your eyes on his providence not the problem… Fix your eyes on Jesus and commit your heart to prayer… Talk About It ICE BREAKER: What’s been on your heart this year as you’ve seen the devastation unfold in our world? What has been most troubling to you about it? 1 - Read 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 and discuss What are some areas you are losing heart? What’s causing you to lose heart? How do you see the world wasting away? How are you being renewed? Are there areas right now in your life where you need the Lords renewal? 2 - Read 2 Corinthians 4:7-9 and 4:6) What was Paul describing when he said: “in jars of clay”? Why do you think he described that as a Jar of clay? What in your mind is the treasure he is referring? (See 4:6) Where have you seen the light shine out of darkness? Describe a time where you felt “Pressed on every side.” How did you make it through? 3 - Read 2 Corinthians 4:10-12 and 14 How does carrying around the memory of Jesus’ death help us in times of sorrow? How do tough times reveal God’s power for us? How have you seen God’s treasure displayed in a challenge? What does Christ’s death remind you of? 4 - Read 2 Corinthians 4:15-18 v.15 says “All this is for your benefit” how is it to our benefit that we experience trouble? Spend some time praying as a group - Pray that God would intervene on behalf of your group members reference the things you discussed in question 1. - Pray for the families of the victims in Las Vegas (mass shooting), Mexico City (devastating earthquake), Florida (Hurricane Irma), Houston (Hurricane Harvey), and Puerto Rico (Hurricane Maria). - Pray that the Church would rise up in times of darkness to shine his light