Topic: Treasures in Clay Jar
Opening Prayer: Make my life oh Lord a reflection of you as I study your word.
Today’s Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:1–18
Reflection
• Is there any example for me to follow or not to follow?
• What is God revealing to me in this passage?
Scripture Union Daily Guide 17th October 2020 Message
Giving up in the face of great trials and persecutions would have been the best option for Apostle Paul and his team, but for the understanding they had about the ministry. They knew that God gave us this ministry as an act of mercy (v.1). Examine yourself in the light of v.2. What are the things we must forgo or denounce as God’s servants? Note that the gospel truth must be presented plainly with all sincerity.
Read vv.3–4 again and observe the special attributes of the gospel. Being light, it cannot be hidden except for those perishing, blinded by Satan (the god of this world). It dispels darkness and brings the understanding that Christ is God. Read Romans 1:16,17 also. Read vv.7–12 again. What lesson can we learn from Paul’s experience?
V.7 shows the contrast between the glory and power of the message of Christ, and the weakness of the messenger. Knowing that the power is God’s, not ours, should keep us from pride and motivate us to ensure daily contact with God ─ our power source. Our responsibility is to let people see God through us. As we face problems in life and ministry, it is easy to focus on the pain rather than our ultimate goal.
Vv.16–18 assures us that all our troubles are temporal, and they are working out inner renewal in us, but ultimately it will all end in an eternity of bliss and blessedness.
READ: Catholic Daily Mass Reading 17th October 2020
⁂ Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
Practice/Word Application
• So What? Are you becoming discouraged in your walk with the Lord?
Prayer Points
• Mediate on vv.1&16 and turn it into prayer.
• Pray to God for wisdom to do your work with diligence and integrity.
• Offer a prayer of faith in line with Psalm 4:8
Read the Bible in one Year
1 Sam. 15–16; 2 Peter 1
Scripture Union Daily Guide 17th October 2020 – Scripture Union is an international, inter-denominational, evangelical Christian organization. It was founded in 1867, and works in partnership with individuals and churches across the world. The organization’s stated aim is to use the Bible to inspire children, young people and adults to know God.