08-30: Pressed But Not Crushed
Audio Version
YouTube Video
Stress and pressure are part of life — but the Apostle Paul, writing from some of the hardest circumstances imaginable, gives us four vivid pictures for facing them in 2 Corinthians 4. Pastor Tag walks through Paul's own words describing his emotional and physical struggles, pairing each hardship with its counterbalance and a striking illustration drawn straight from the ancient world:
Resources:
: The Bible Project :: https://www.bibleproject.com
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Sermon Passage
2 Corinthians 4:7-18
[7] But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves; [8] we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; [9] persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; [10] always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. [11] For we who live are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. [12] So death works in us, but life in you.
[13] But having the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “I believed, therefore I spoke,” we also believe, therefore we also speak, [14] knowing that He who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and will present us with you. [15] For all things are for your sakes, so that the grace which is spreading to more and more people may cause the giving of thanks to abound to the glory of God.
[16] Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. [17] For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, [18] while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
