In the Christian life there are plenty of opportunities to quit. n Everyone has the desire to be accepted by others

In the Christian life there are plenty of In the Christian life there are plenty of opportunities to quit.opportunities to quit.

Everyone has the desire to be accepted by Everyone has the desire to be accepted by others.others.


Everyone has the desire to be accepted by Everyone has the desire to be accepted by others.others.

The message we preach goes against the The message we preach goes against the majority of the world.majority of the world. (Mt 7:13-14)(Mt 7:13-14)


(Matthew 7:13-14 NKJV)(Matthew 7:13-14 NKJV) “Enter by the “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. {14} there are many who go in by it. {14} “Because narrow is the gate and difficult is “Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.”few who find it.”


Even our example will be a threat to others.Even our example will be a threat to others. (John 16:1-4)(John 16:1-4)


(John 16:1-4 NKJV)(John 16:1-4 NKJV) “These things I have “These things I have spoken to you, that you should not be made spoken to you, that you should not be made to stumble. {2} “They will put you out of to stumble. {2} “They will put you out of the synagogues; yes, the time is coming that the synagogues; yes, the time is coming that whoever kills you will think that he offers whoever kills you will think that he offers God service. {3} “And these things they God service. {3} “And these things they will do to you because they have not known will do to you because they have not known the Father nor Me. the Father nor Me.


{4} “But these things I have told you, that {4} “But these things I have told you, that when the time comes, you may remember when the time comes, you may remember that I told you of them. And these things I that I told you of them. And these things I did not say to you at the beginning, because did not say to you at the beginning, because I was with you.”I was with you.”


There will be those in the church who give There will be those in the church who give in to these pressures but at the same time in to these pressures but at the same time stay within the church.stay within the church. (Phil 3:18-19) (Phil 3:18-19)


(Philippians 3:18-19 NKJV)(Philippians 3:18-19 NKJV) “For many “For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: {19} whose enemies of the cross of Christ: {19} whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame; who set and whose glory is in their shame; who set their mind on earthly things.”their mind on earthly things.”


The most hurtful things will happen within The most hurtful things will happen within the church.the church. (2 Tim 4:14-15; Gal 2:4-5) (2 Tim 4:14-15; Gal 2:4-5)


(Galatians 2:4-5 NKJV)(Galatians 2:4-5 NKJV) “And this “And this occurred because of false brethren secretly occurred because of false brethren secretly brought in (who came in by stealth to spy brought in (who came in by stealth to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage), {5} to whom we did not yield bondage), {5} to whom we did not yield submission even for an hour, that the truth submission even for an hour, that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.”of the gospel might continue with you.”


(2 Timothy 4:14-15 NKJV) (2 Timothy 4:14-15 NKJV) “Alexander “Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm. May the coppersmith did me much harm. May the Lord repay him according to his works. the Lord repay him according to his works. {15} You also must beware of him, for he {15} You also must beware of him, for he has greatly resisted our words.”has greatly resisted our words.”


There is also the discouragement of seeing There is also the discouragement of seeing those who never grow or even fall away.those who never grow or even fall away. (2 Cor 11:28)(2 Cor 11:28)


(2 Corinthians 11:28 NKJV(2 Corinthians 11:28 NKJV) ) “besides the “besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches.”my deep concern for all the churches.”


Still in all of these things there is a way to Still in all of these things there is a way to keep a strong heart.keep a strong heart.


Still in all of these things there is a way to Still in all of these things there is a way to keep a strong heart.keep a strong heart.

Paul wanted the Corinthians not to be Paul wanted the Corinthians not to be discouraged in the midst of these things.discouraged in the midst of these things. (2 Cor 1:3-5)(2 Cor 1:3-5)


(2 Corinthians 1:3-5 NKJV)(2 Corinthians 1:3-5 NKJV) “Blessed be the “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, {4} Father of mercies and God of all comfort, {4} who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. {5} For as the ourselves are comforted by God. {5} For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ.”consolation also abounds through Christ.”

The Mercy of God will not Hide the Truth The Mercy of God will not Hide the Truth (V1-6)(V1-6)

(2 Corinthians 4:1-6 NKJV)(2 Corinthians 4:1-6 NKJV) “Therefore, “Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart.received mercy, we do not lose heart. {2} {2} But But we have renounced the hidden things of we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.sight of God.


{3} {3} But even if our gospel is veiled, it is But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing,veiled to those who are perishing, {4} {4} whose whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.should shine on them. {5} {5} For we do not For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake.sake.


{6} {6} For it is the God who commanded light For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to our hearts to give give the light of the knowledge the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”Christ.”


Sometimes it seems that the truth is at a Sometimes it seems that the truth is at a disadvantage!disadvantage!



The weapons of error seem to "get results".The weapons of error seem to "get results".



The weapons of error seem to "get results".The weapons of error seem to "get results". A wise man will examine those "results" A wise man will examine those "results"

carefully.carefully.


If you use falsehood to teach, what will you If you use falsehood to teach, what will you produce in the life of the one taught? produce in the life of the one taught? (1 Cor 3:12-13)(1 Cor 3:12-13)


(1 Corinthians 3:12-13 NKJV)(1 Corinthians 3:12-13 NKJV) “Now if “Now if anyone builds on this foundation anyone builds on this foundation with with gold, gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw,silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, {13} {13} each one’s work will become clear; for each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is.”one’s work, of what sort it is.”


How many "fads" have come and gone?How many "fads" have come and gone?


How many "fads" have come and gone?How many "fads" have come and gone? The mercy of God will want to give to The mercy of God will want to give to

others what they have received!others what they have received!


How many "fads" have come and gone?How many "fads" have come and gone? The mercy of God will want to give to The mercy of God will want to give to

others what they have received!others what they have received! It is God's grace and God's word, not man's! It is God's grace and God's word, not man's!

(Acts 20:32)(Acts 20:32)


(Acts 20:32 NKJV)(Acts 20:32 NKJV) “”So now, brethren, I “”So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.”who are sanctified.”


The work of God will often take time to The work of God will often take time to work in the heart. work in the heart. (Lk 14:33)(Lk 14:33)


(Luke 14:33 NKJV)(Luke 14:33 NKJV) “”So likewise, “”So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.”has cannot be My disciple.”


How does one handle the word deceitfully?How does one handle the word deceitfully?


How does one handle the word deceitfully?How does one handle the word deceitfully? How do you reach a blind man? How do you reach a blind man? (V4)(V4)


Some think that we should appeal to them Some think that we should appeal to them with the wisdom of the world. with the wisdom of the world. (Jn 15:18-21; 1 Cor 1:31-2:5)(Jn 15:18-21; 1 Cor 1:31-2:5)


(John 15:18-21 NKJV)(John 15:18-21 NKJV) “”If the world “”If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated it hated you.you. {19} {19} “If you were of the “If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.world hates you.


{20} {20} “Remember the word that I said to “Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also.they will keep yours also. {21} {21} “But all “But all these things they will do to you for My these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know name’s sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me.”Him who sent Me.”


(1 Corinthians 1:31 NKJV(1 Corinthians 1:31 NKJV) “that, as it is ) “that, as it is written, “He who glories, let him glory in written, “He who glories, let him glory in the LORD.””the LORD.””


(1 Corinthians 2:1-5 NKJV)(1 Corinthians 2:1-5 NKJV) “And I, “And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God.declaring to you the testimony of God. {2} {2} For I determined not to know anything For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.crucified. {3} {3} I was with you in weakness, I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling.in fear, and in much trembling.


{4} {4} And my speech and my preaching And my speech and my preaching were were not with persuasive words of human not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power,and of power, {5} {5} that your faith should not that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.”of God.”


Those who use the deceit of the world are Those who use the deceit of the world are not servants of Christ. not servants of Christ. (2 Cor 10:3-5)(2 Cor 10:3-5)


(2 Corinthians 10:3-5 NKJV)(2 Corinthians 10:3-5 NKJV) “For though “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh.to the flesh. {4} {4} For the weapons of our For the weapons of our warfare warfare are are not carnal but mighty in God for not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds,pulling down strongholds, {5} {5} casting down casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,”of Christ,”


There are some who will not receive the There are some who will not receive the gospel of Christ. gospel of Christ. (Jn 3:19-21)(Jn 3:19-21)


(John 3:19-21 NKJV)(John 3:19-21 NKJV) “”And this is the “”And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.because their deeds were evil. {20} {20} “For “For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.exposed. {21} {21} “But he who does the truth comes “But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.””that they have been done in God.””


What does the world like? Great Men, What does the world like? Great Men, Great Speakers, A Show of Wealth and Great Speakers, A Show of Wealth and Numbers.Numbers.



Our goal is to preach Christ and put men in Our goal is to preach Christ and put men in the background. the background. (V5-6)(V5-6)



Our goal is to preach Christ and put men in Our goal is to preach Christ and put men in the background. the background. (V5-6)(V5-6)

The light in our hearts is the knowledge of The light in our hearts is the knowledge of God. God. (1 Cor 15:34; Col 1:10; Note 2 Cor 10:5)(1 Cor 15:34; Col 1:10; Note 2 Cor 10:5)


(1 Corinthians 15:34 NKJV)(1 Corinthians 15:34 NKJV) “Awake to “Awake to righteousness, and do not sin; for some do righteousness, and do not sin; for some do not have the knowledge of God. I speak not have the knowledge of God. I speak this this to your shame.”to your shame.”


(Colossians 1:10 NKJV)(Colossians 1:10 NKJV) “that you may “that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, Him, being fruitful in every good work and being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;”increasing in the knowledge of God;”


It is this knowledge of God's character that It is this knowledge of God's character that is the foundation of our own character. is the foundation of our own character. (Rom 8:29; 2 Cor 3:18)(Rom 8:29; 2 Cor 3:18)


(Romans 8:29 NKJV)(Romans 8:29 NKJV) “For whom He “For whom He foreknew, He also predestined foreknew, He also predestined to be to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many might be the firstborn among many brethren.”brethren.”


(2 Corinthians 3:18 NKJV)(2 Corinthians 3:18 NKJV) “But we all, “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.”just as by the Spirit of the Lord.”


What happens when our emphasis is off?What happens when our emphasis is off?

God's Purpose of our lives is to Glorify God's Purpose of our lives is to Glorify Jesus. (V7-12)Jesus. (V7-12)

(2 Corinthians 4:7-12 NKJV)(2 Corinthians 4:7-12 NKJV) “But we “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.and not of us. {8} We are {8} We are hard pressed on hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; every side, yet not crushed; we are we are perplexed, but not in despair;perplexed, but not in despair; {9} {9} persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;but not destroyed;


{10} {10} always carrying about in the body the always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.Jesus also may be manifested in our body. {11} {11} For we who live are always delivered For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life of to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.flesh. {12} {12} So then death is working in us, So then death is working in us, but life in you.”but life in you.”


Some may be concerned about the suffering Some may be concerned about the suffering of the apostles who are delivering God's of the apostles who are delivering God's message!message!



Paul wanted the Corinthians to see as God Paul wanted the Corinthians to see as God sees. What is a man? "An earthen vessel"! sees. What is a man? "An earthen vessel"!




Our glory should come in being used in this Our glory should come in being used in this life rather than seeking glory. life rather than seeking glory.


Some may be concerned about the suffering of Some may be concerned about the suffering of the apostles who are delivering God's message!the apostles who are delivering God's message!


Our glory should come in being used in this Our glory should come in being used in this life rather than seeking glory. life rather than seeking glory.

Our glory will come in the next life. Our glory will come in the next life. (2 Tim 2:20-21)(2 Tim 2:20-21)


(2 Timothy 2:20-21 NKJV)(2 Timothy 2:20-21 NKJV) “But in a “But in a great house there are not only vessels of great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor.some for honor and some for dishonor. {21} {21} Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.”prepared for every good work.”


When we seek to glorify a man or a church When we seek to glorify a man or a church building, what does this do? (Ex. What kind building, what does this do? (Ex. What kind of frame do you use for a priceless picture?)of frame do you use for a priceless picture?)



The Christian life is a series of paradoxes!The Christian life is a series of paradoxes!



The Christian life is a series of paradoxes!The Christian life is a series of paradoxes! To the world we seem one way, but to the To the world we seem one way, but to the

man of faith we are another. The world will man of faith we are another. The world will never understand this. never understand this. (1 Cor 2:13-14)(1 Cor 2:13-14)


(1 Corinthians 2:13-14 NKJV(1 Corinthians 2:13-14 NKJV) “These ) “These things we also speak, not in words which things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.spiritual. {14} {14} But the natural man does not But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, them, because they are spiritually discerned.”because they are spiritually discerned.”


Consider each of the trails the Christian will Consider each of the trails the Christian will endure: "Hard pressed on every side", endure: "Hard pressed on every side", "perplexed", "persecuted", "struck down". "perplexed", "persecuted", "struck down". What does God do? He will allow us: not to What does God do? He will allow us: not to be "crushed", "not in despair", "not be "crushed", "not in despair", "not forsaken", "not destroyed".forsaken", "not destroyed".


Consider each of the trails the Christian will Consider each of the trails the Christian will endure: "Hard pressed on every side", endure: "Hard pressed on every side", "perplexed", "persecuted", "struck down". "perplexed", "persecuted", "struck down". What does God do? He will allow us: not to What does God do? He will allow us: not to be "crushed", "not in despair", "not be "crushed", "not in despair", "not forsaken", "not destroyed".forsaken", "not destroyed".

Why does God let this happen? So that God Why does God let this happen? So that God may be glorified! may be glorified! (10-12)(10-12)


When we suffer there is the best time to When we suffer there is the best time to show what Jesus means to us. show what Jesus means to us. (1 Pet 2:11-13)(1 Pet 2:11-13)


(1 Peter 2:11-13 NKJV)(1 Peter 2:11-13 NKJV) “Beloved, I beg “Beloved, I beg you you as as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul,which war against the soul, {12} {12} having your having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your your good works which they observe, glorify God good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.in the day of visitation. {13} {13} Therefore submit Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme,”Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme,”


Do you really want to glorify God?Do you really want to glorify God?

The Resurrection of Jesus Causes us to see the The Resurrection of Jesus Causes us to see the Unseen. (V13-18)Unseen. (V13-18)

(2 Corinthians 4:13-18 NKJV)(2 Corinthians 4:13-18 NKJV) “And “And since we have the same spirit of faith, since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “I believed according to what is written, “I believed and therefore I spoke,” we also believe and and therefore I spoke,” we also believe and therefore speak,therefore speak, {14} {14} knowing that He who knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present up with Jesus, and will present us us with you.with you.


{15} {15} For all things For all things are are for your sakes, that grace, for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God.thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God. {16} {16} Therefore we do not lose heart. Even Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward inward man man is being renewed day by day.is being renewed day by day. {17} {17} For our light affliction, which is but for a For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and and eternal weight of glory,eternal weight of glory,


{18} {18} while we do not look at the things while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen not seen. For the things which are seen are are temporary, but the things which are not temporary, but the things which are not seen seen are are eternal.”eternal.”


Why can we have confidence in eternal Why can we have confidence in eternal life?life?


Why can we have confidence in eternal Why can we have confidence in eternal life?life?

God demonstrated His power in the God demonstrated His power in the resurrection of Jesus. resurrection of Jesus. (Rom 1:3-4)(Rom 1:3-4)


(Romans 1:3-4 NKJV)(Romans 1:3-4 NKJV) “concerning His “concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh,the seed of David according to the flesh, {4} {4} and and declared declared to be to be the Son of God with the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.”by the resurrection from the dead.”


This powerful evidence can produce faith in This powerful evidence can produce faith in any who will honestly hear.any who will honestly hear.


This powerful evidence can produce faith in This powerful evidence can produce faith in any who will honestly hear.any who will honestly hear.

What happens when we really believe?What happens when we really believe?


We see the unseen. We see the unseen. (Heb 11:27)(Heb 11:27)


(Hebrews 11:27 NKJV)(Hebrews 11:27 NKJV) “By faith he “By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured as seeing Him who is king; for he endured as seeing Him who is invisible.”invisible.”


We are thankful (v15)We are thankful (v15)


We are thankful (v15)We are thankful (v15) How does the mind of faith work? (V16-18)How does the mind of faith work? (V16-18)


We are thankful (v15)We are thankful (v15) How does the mind of faith work? (V16-18)How does the mind of faith work? (V16-18) What do you see?What do you see?


In what are you “being renewed?”In what are you “being renewed?”


In what are you “being renewed?”In what are you “being renewed?” God has made powerful provisions that we God has made powerful provisions that we

"do not lose heart""do not lose heart"

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In the Christian life there are plenty of opportunities to quit. n Everyone has the desire to be accepted by others