Answers to Sermon Notes
“Let Light Shine”
II Corinthians 4
2/5/17
1. I have long believed in the old adage: 90% of any job is having the right tool.
a. Having the right tool for the job is wonderful.
b. Having the wrong tool is frustrating.
c. Having the right tool, but its being defective, is even more so.
i. The vacuum cleaner that doesn’t.
ii. The flashlight that won’t.
2. We are like flashlights in the hands of God.
a. Jars of clay with light inside?
3. Six Aspects of This Critical Concept
a. The reality of it
i. We are tools in the hands of God. (II Timothy 2:20-21)
ii. For the work of ministry (vs. 1)
1. Begins in chapter 1:3-11
2. Continues in chapter 2:14-17
iii. Which is providing light. (4:5-6)
iv. Do you consider yourself a tool in the hand of God for this purpose?
b. The need for it
i. There is a great darkness in the world.
1. Even in the church
a. The stakes are eternal.
c. The content of it
i. Knowledge (2:14; 4:1-6, 13)
1. While God calls us to do many things, all of them must “speak.”
a. We are not called to nameless acts of kindness.
i. We are called to spread the knowledge of the gospel. (vs. 4-5)
d. The cost of it
i. In order for the light to shine, the vessel must be cracked. (4:7-12)
1. That which is inside the battery (Christ) must be forced out.
a. Given over to death for Jesus’ sake.
i. Death in us means life in them.
e. The danger in it
i. That we would lose heart (will, desire, passion) for the ministry (4:1, 16)
1. Is it really worth it? (1:8)
f. The secret of it
i. To focus on the reward
1. The inner self being renewed (4:16)
a. And prepared for an eternal weight of glory (4:17)
i. By looking to the things that are eternal. (4:18)
4. While we formally recognize this once a year, everyday for God is mission emphasis.
a. But 90% of any job is having the right tool.
b. And we are God’s tools for this work.
i. Are you convinced that this is his purpose for you?
ii. Are you aware of the very great need?
iii. Are you ready to speak the truth of his gospel?
iv. Are you willing to suffer the cost of death?
v. Are you committed to persevere through it all?
vi. Are you focused on the eternal weight of glory?
c. It is only by these things that we will be able to give missions its proper emphasis.
For Further Discussion
1. Why do you think we often fail to realize that God intends to use each of us in his mission?
2. When was the last time that God picked you up and pushed the button to shine his light in the darkness around you? Did the light come on?
3. What have you suffered for the work of this ministry?
4. What tangible steps could/should you take to more fully give yourself to your Lord’s desires in this area?
a. Would you, for example, pray each day for a month that God would put you in a situation where his light is needed, and commit yourself to shining in the moment of decision?