1. Coping With Hardship 2 Corinthians 4:1-5:8 Four Reasons Why We Can’t Give up

2. Have you ever felt drained? Have you ever faced adversity? Have you ever been discouraged? Four keys of focus to help us keep going Our Work Our Purpose Our Faith Our Hope Coping With Hardship - Introduction 2 Corinthians 4:1—5:8

3. Coping With Hardship Key #1 —Focus on Our Work Helping Others Spiritually 1-6 The ability to serve others is a blessing—(vs.1) Serve with integrity—(vs.2) You can’t help everyone— (vs.3,4) The work is God’s and He will reward accordingly— (vs.5,6)

4. Coping With Hardship Key #2 —Focus on Our Purpose Making Known The Life of Jesus 7-12 The value of God’s message a “treasure in earthen vessels”— (vs.7) The cost of preaching God’s message. Knocked down, but not out!—(vs. 8-11) The Purpose of God’s message: present a living Savior so others can live— (vs.12)

5. Coping With Hardship Key #3 —Focus on Our Faith Faith Is the Victory 13-16 Gives us the strength to overcome hardships—(vs.13) Faith comes by hearing — (vs. 13) Faith is trusting—(vs.13,14) Faith is grateful—(vs.15) Faith is rejuvenating— (vs.16)

6. Coping With Hardship Key #4 —Focus on Our Hope Hope Sustains us Through Difficulties 4:17—5:8 Comparing now with later— (vs.17) Focusing on what will be, and not on what we now physically see—(vs. 18) We have the assurance of the resurrection—(5:1-5) Therefore we live by faith, not sight—(5:6-8)