The Secret to Survival

7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. 8 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; 10 always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. 11 For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. 12 So death is at work in us, but life in you. 13 Since we have the same spirit of faith according to what has been written, “I believed, and so I spoke,” we also believe, and so we also speak, 14 knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence. 15 For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.

The Context of 2 Corinthians

“Other” Christian Leaders have Shown Up

2 Corinthians 3:1 ESV

1 Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, as some do, letters of recommendation to you, or from you?

Paul Approval Rating is Low

Re-ignite their Affection

Re-Affirm their Aleagence

Restore his Authority

Remind them of Everything he Suffered

Chapters 6 &11

195 lashes of the Jewish whip

I been shipwreked

I been abandoned

I’ve been betrayed

Lied on

I Survived

I’m Different Now

Summary of How He Survived

2 Corinthians 4:7 ESV

7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.

WE ALL Struggle

There is no line that divides “People” from “Pulpit”

We can ALL Survive!!

Doctrinal Division

Pauline / Petrine

Here’s How We Survive...

Gifted By Grace

2 Corinthians 4:7 ESV

7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.

“Grace - God’s Divine Deposit in a Dirty Vessel”

The Blessing of “But Not!”

2 Corinthians 4:8–9 ESV

8 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;

Peculiar Praise

A Recurring Resurrection

2 Corinthians 4:10 ESV

10 always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.