Week 5 – Jeff Maness – July 5, 2020Theme Scripture: 2 Corinthians are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is fromGod, not from ourselves.Big Idea: The start of our faith is done by God, but sustaining our faith is done together.Big Question: How do we sustain an unbreakable faith?Main Scripture: 2 Corinthians 2 Corinthians to persuade others. God knows we are sincere, and I hope you know this, too. 12 Are we commendingourselves to you again? No, we are giving you a reason to be proud of us, so you can answer thosewho brag about having a spectacular ministry rather than having a sincere heart. 13 If it seems we arecrazy, it is to bring glory to God. And if we are in our right minds, it is for your benefit. 14a Either way,Christ’s love controls us.1. Be controlled by Christ’s loveSunecho (soon-ekh’-o) = To hold together, to hold fast, to be seized by (like an illness).Hebrews faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. Andlet us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus,the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured thecross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.2 Corinthians died to our old life. 15 He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live forthemselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them. 16 So we have stoppedevaluating others from a human point of view. At one time we thought of Christ merely from a humanpoint of view. How differently we know him now! 17 This means that anyone who belongs to Christhas become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!2. Be changed by Christ’s lifeA. Pray every dayPsalms thoughts. 24 Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.B. Read God’s Word every dayPsalm ashamed when I compare my life with your commands. 7 As I learn your righteous regulations, I willthank you by living as I should! 8 I will obey your decrees. Please don’t give up on me!C. Be in true community3. Be captivated by Christ’s calling2 Corinthians Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. 19 For God was in Christ,reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us thiswonderful message of reconciliation. 20 So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appealthrough us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” 21 For God made Christ, whonever sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.1 Corinthians Lord’s death until he comes again.