Coping With Hardship

2 Corinthians 4:1-5:8

FourReasons

Why We Can’tGive up

• 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

Coping With Hardship

Key #1—Focus on Our Work

HelpingOthersSpiritually1-6

•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)

Coping With Hardship

Key #2—Focus on Our Purpose

MakingKnownThe Life ofJesus7-12

•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)

Coping With Hardship

Key #3—Focus on Our Faith

FaithIs theVictory13-16

•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)

Coping With Hardship

Key #4—Focus on Our Hope

HopeSustains usThroughDifficulties4:17—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)