2 Corinthians 4: Group Study Handout

How to use: read 2 Corinthians 4 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Paul describes the ministry of the gospel, affirming that they do not lose heart because they received mercy (vv. 1-2). He notes that the Good News may be veiled to those who are dying, as the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving (vv.

Key verse

“seeing it is God who said, “Light will shine out of darkness,” who has shone in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”
2 Corinthians 4:6 (WEB)

Outline

2 Corinthians 4:1–2 The Ministry of the Gospel
2 Corinthians 4:3–4 The Veil Over Hearts
2 Corinthians 4:5–6 Christ as Lord
2 Corinthians 4:7–9 Treasure in Clay Vessels
2 Corinthians 4:10–12 Sharing in Christ's Sufferings
2 Corinthians 4:13–15 Faith and Proclamation
2 Corinthians 4:16–18 Eternal Perspective

Discussion questions

In v4, who has blinded the minds of the unbelieving?
What does Paul mean by 'clay vessels' in v7?
Paul's statement 'death works in us' (v12): what does this suggest about the nature of suffering?
In v16, why does Paul emphasize the renewal of the 'inward man' over the outward decay?
When have you felt 'pressed on every side' (v8) in your own experiences?

Go deeper

Passages that echo 2 Corinthians 4: Romans 8, Isaiah 40, 2 Corinthians 3.

Before next time: read 2 Corinthians 5.