Week 2 – Jeff Maness – June 14, 2020
Ephesians 1:19-20 -19 I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for
us who believe him. This is the same mighty power 20 that raised Christ from the dead and seated him
in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms.
Big Idea: God’s power is most revealed when His power is most required.
Big Question: How is God’s power revealed in me?
Main Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:7-12
2 Corinthians 4:7-9- 7 We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay
jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from
ourselves. 8 We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but
not driven to despair. 9 We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but
we are not destroyed.
1. Through His protection
God’s power doesn’t always protect us from trouble because we have faith, but He will always protect
our faith in trouble because we have Him.
Perplexed = To be at a loss, or in doubt on what to do.
Despair = To be utterly at a loss, without resource or hope.
2. From the right perspective
2 Corinthians 4:10-11 -10 Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that
the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies. 11 Yes, we live under constant danger of death
because we serve Jesus, so that the life of Jesus will be evident in our dying bodies.
1 Peter 3:14-16a -14 But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t
worry or be afraid of their threats. 15 Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if
someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. 16a But do this in a gentle
and respectful way.
3. For the right purpose
2 Corinthians 4:12- 12 So we live in the face of death, but this has resulted in eternal life for you.
2 Corinthians 12:7b-10 -7b So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a
messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud. 8 Three different times I
begged the Lord to take it away. 9 Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best
in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work
through me. 10 That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships,
persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.