Fragrant Faith: Spreading the Aroma of Christ - Part 3

Do You Realize What Treasure God Put in You? Discussion Questions:

1. Read verses 3–4. Why is it important to recognize that Satan (not God!) is the one blinding unbelievers? How does that understanding change the way we view God and people who reject the gospel?
2. Read verse 6. Paul says God “shone in our hearts.” What does this verse imply about the nature of our hearts and what’s inside them?
3. Read verse 7. What do you think Paul means by “earthen vessels”? How does knowing about the treasure inside us shape how we see our weakness and our adequacy?
4. Read verses 8–9. Paul lists hardships but never ends in defeat. What do these verses teach us about the difference between suffering with Christ in us versus suffering without Him?
5. Read verses 10–12. Why is it freeing to realize that “carrying the dying of Jesus” refers to the apostles’ suffering for the gospel’s sake—not a call for all Christians to die more every day? How does verse 12 make this crystal clear?
6. Read verse 15. How do you see “grace spreading to more and more people” in your circles today? Why is gratitude always the result of genuine ministry?
7. Read verses 16–18. Paul contrasts the “outer man” decaying with the “inner man” being renewed. What does this say about where our real hope and beauty come from? How does it help you not to lose heart?