By Michael C. Mack

1. Dr. John Henry Jowett said, “Ministry that costs nothing accomplishes nothing.” Do you agree or disagree? Why?

Read 2 Corinthians 4:1-15.

2. Why does Paul say he and his team have not lost heart? (Also see v. 16.) What helped them maintain that attitude? 

3. What personal standards for ministry did Paul share? 

4. In what ways does Satan blind unbelievers today from being able to see and receive God? 

5. What makes a jar of clay valuable and useful? (Also see Isaiah 64:8; Acts 9:15; 2 Timothy 2:20, 21.) 

6. When followers have a true attitude or spirit of faith (v. 13), how does that faith enable, embolden, or empower them to live? 

7. Reword verses 8 and 9 to apply to your own situation: “I am ___, but not ___.” (Use some of Paul’s words or your own.) Why did you choose those words? 

8. When we see ourselves as humble jars of clay, we serve not out of our own power, but out of what God pours into us. How will you keep your jar clean, open, and available to receive the treasures God wants to pour into you and then overflow through you?

Michael Mack is the author of 16 small group books and discussion guides. He also leads church training events and consults with churches through his ministry, Small Group Leadership (www.smallgroupleadership.com).