Pastor Matt Stokes Adversity Comfort Discouragement Encouragement Endurance Surrender Trials Faith God's Plan God's promises Hope Hurt/Pain Overcoming Patience Perspective Sanctification Strength

2 Corinthians 4:8-12

Our Perception Vs. God’s Reality - Part 2
Sermon Notes

We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; – 2 Corinthians 4:8

Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed – 2 Corinthians 4:9

Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. – 2 Corinthians 4:10

Have you experienced the faith-filled paradox of strength arising from weakness and the resilience found in the face of suffering?

What feels like death to you, brings forth the life of Christ IN you!

Believers carry the "treasure" of the gospel in fragile vessels, illustrating that their vulnerabilities highlight God’s surpassing power.

Our struggles serve a greater purpose in revealing God’s reality.

Look past peoples’ perceptions & embrace God’s reality.

Your hardships can confirm your commitment to follow Christ.

Do you have a profound connection to Christ that enables you to go and change the world?

Suffering is an inherent part of the Christian journey, one that ultimately leads to deeper spiritual insight and reliance on God.

Your challenges can serve as a catalyst for spiritual growth and a more profound connection to the life of Christ.

Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. – 2 Corinthians 4:10

For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. – 2 Corinthians 4:11

So then death worketh in us, but life in you. – 2 Corinthians 4:12

There's a difference between our perception and God's reality.

Unless a grain of wheat falls and dies in the ground, it remains alone, but if it dies, it yields much fruit. – John 12: 24 

In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. – 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Suffering is the destiny of every disciple.

If you continue to wait on the Lord, you're going to see that He's going to give you the victory.