DEEPER LIFE BIBLE CHURCH, LOCATION / REGION SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES Year of Full Restoration 3 September, 2017

LESSON 658: THE CHARACTER OF CHRIST’S SERVANTS DURING TRIAL MEMORY VERSE: “Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.” – 2 Corinthians 4:1,2 TEXT: 2 Corinthians 4:1-18

SUMMARY (1) Our previous study dealt with the Superiority of Grace to the Law: The gospel of grace exceeds the law because the gospel has the power to transform man to obey God. The impact of the gospel should be demonstrated by a visible godly character. Repentance removes the veil that hinders us to see Jesus. Having been saved by grace through faith, one must keep looking at the glory of Christ through His word by the Spirit to be changed into His likeness. The study of today touches three related points: Truth taught, commended by the life. The preaching of the Lordship of Christ. The suffering of true ministers with Christ.

SUMMARY (2) Relentless Efforts of Transformed Soul-winners (2 Corinthians 4:1-7) God’s mercy puts mortal men into the ministry. God’s sufficiency enables men and makes the ministry possible Transparency and integrity characterized Paul’s ministry The character of Christ’s Servants during trial (2 Corinthians 4:8-12) Christ’s death and resurrection strengthens us in trials. Enduring trials enable us to continue to channel life to others.   The vision and triumph of victorious faith (2 Corinthians 4:13-18) The vision of heaven makes earthly sufferings bearable (Roman 8:17-18). Faith looks beyond that which is visible to things that are eternal. Suffering or gain on earth cannot be compared to glory in heaven or pain in hell.

DISCUSSION

QUESTION 1 What should be the perception and attitude of believers to the work of God? 2 Corinthians 4:2-5 2 Corinthians 3:16 2 Corinthians 2:17 Galatians 1:10 2 Corinthians 10:12-13

QUESTION 2 What lessons can we learn from Paul’s call and exploits as a soul-winner? 1 Corinthians 15:10 Philippians 2:13,15

QUESTION 3 What challenge can contemporary Christian servants receive from the apostles’ attitude and conduct during trials? 2 Corinthians 4:8-10 Romans 8:35; 12:11 James 1:12; 5:11

QUESTION 4 How can we explain why the trials or suffering of greater degree are permitted in some believers? 1 Peter 4:12-16 Malachi 3:3 2 Corinthians 12:7 1 Peter 1:7

QUESTION 5 What can believers learn from Paul’s comparison of ‘light affliction’ and ‘weight of glory’? 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 Hebrews 11:10, 15-19, 27

CONCLUSION A servant of Christ must renounce dishonesty and craftiness and handle God’s word with constancy and sincerity. Christ’s servants should not be proud; they should remember they are human and depend on the Lord continually in the exercise of their duty. Servants of God should not despair: God is able to support them no matter what trial they have to go through. Behind every trial of faith, there is a divinely designed purpose to be accomplished in the life of the afflicted believer. The hope of resurrection and the prospect of living in eternity with Jesus will sustain His servant in all earthly suffering.