Glory through brokenness

�Therefore we do not lose heart� (2 Corinthians 4:1,16)

3 reasons for discouragement:

1) When folk do not believe (2 Corinthians 4:1-6)

2) When the pressures build from every side (2 Corinthians 4:7-12)

3) When the body gets weaker (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)

Two vital perspectives for the Christian Disciple:

1) Outwardly weak / Inwardly Strong

2) Momentary troubles / Eternal Glory

The ‘Lesser to Greater’ argument

* For OT background – see Exodus chapter 32 – 34

* For Paul and New ~Covenant ministry – 2 Corinthians 3

“…will not the ministry of the Spirit be even more glorious?” 2 Corinthians 3:8

1. New Hearts (2 Corinthians 3:7-12)

2. New Minds (2 Corinthians 3:14-16)

3. New Faces (2 Corinthians 3:17-18)

1. Christ and forgiveness (2 Corinthians 2: 5-11)

2. Spreading the gospel (2 Corinthians 2: 12-17)

3. Commendations (2 Corinthians 3: 1-3)

4. Competence (2 Corinthians 3:4-6)

1. Honest Talk (2 Cor 1:8)

2. Comfort Received (2 Cor 1:3)

3. Prayer Support (2 Cor 1:11)

4. Reliance Shifted (2 Cor 1:9)

5. Power Demonstrated (2 Cor 1:10)

3:14 The words of:

a) The AMEN

b) The true and faithful WITNESS

The error of their ways:

1. Wrong attitudes (Rev 3:17)

2. Wrong deeds (Rev 3:15)

3. Lukewarm Christianity (Rev 3:15)

The invitation for FREE remedy:

1. GOLD (Rev 3:18)

2. WHITE CLOTHES (Rev 3:18)

3. SALVE FOR BLIND EYES (Rev 3:18)

4. A PERSONAL INVITATION (Rev 3:20)

1. �The words of him who is holy and true� (Rev 3:7)

2. �I know �� (Rev 3: 8)

3. �I will ..� (Rev 3: 9, 10 & 12)

4. �I am coming soon. Hold on �� (Rev 3: 11)

5. �… hear what the Spirit says to the churches.� (Rev 3: 13)

Wake up!
1. To the reality behind the reputation

2. To the invitation to live while you can

3. Promises

1. The Son of God said “I know your . . .” (Rev 2:18-19)

2. Nevertheless …(Rev 2:20)

3. Time to repent (Rev 2:21)

4. Consequences: punishment (Rev 2:22-23) OR promises (Rev 2:24-28)

5. “hear what the Spirit says” (Rev 2:29)

1. CONTEXT (Rev 2:12,13)

2. POSITIVE COMMENTS (Rev 2:13)

3. NEGATIVE COMMENTS (Rev 2:14,15)

4. INSTRUCTIONS (Rev 2:16,17a)

5. PROMISES (Rev 2:17b)

The knowledge of Jesus regarding opposition:

1. Afflictions

2. Poverty

3. Slander

The promise of Jesus in the face of opposition:

1. Comfort

2. Control

3. Generous reward

�Be faithful, even to the point of death,
and I will give you the crown of life�. [Rev 2:10]

Gift

1. Fortress

2. Factory

3. Family

1. THE BIG SMOKE

See the city for what it is:

* Pride (Rev 18:23)
* Deception (Rev 18:23)
* Persecution of Christians (Rev 18:24)
* Exploitation of the poor (Daniel 4:27)

2. LEAVING THE CITY

* “Come out” (Rev 18:4)
* Punishment fits the crime (Rev 18:6)
* Wordly sorrow (Rev 18:15)
* Gloating? (Rev 18:20)

Is there a doctor on board?

1. The good news� (Rev 2:2-3)

*They have worked hard

*They have persevered

* They have refused to compromise

2. The bad news� (Rev 2:4)

* They have forsaken their first love

3. Three Instructions to rectify things:

1) �Remember� (Rev 2:5)

2) �Repent� (Rev 2:5)

3) �Do the things you did at first� (Rev 2:5)

What does the Lord Jesus Christ have to say about his Church?

1. I know my local churches

2. I know individuals

3. I know the past, present and future

What does the Lord Jesus Christ give his Church?

1. Power

2. Light

1. There�s a Problem in the Church!

* Jesus+ Christianity

2. There�s a Solution:

a) A church is used in the process

b) Individuals are used in the process

* The �Judaizers� speak (Acts 15:5)
* Peter speaks (Acts 15:7-11)
* Paul and Barnabas speak (Acts 15:12)
* James speaks (Acts 15:13-21)

3. There are Practical Steps to be taken (Acts 15:20)

Worship service and Bible ministry from Dr. Kris Kandiah (Executive Director, Churches in Mission, Evangelical Alliance)