Your Personal Grow-Pray-Study (GPS) Guide

Children Of The Triune God

Treasure In Jars Of Clay

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Photo by Quino Al on Unsplash

Day 1: Read 2 Corinthians 4:7. God is the source of our treasure. We think life consists of accumulating the stuff; we think the answer to fulfillment is somewhere out there. But it's already in your possession. When does stuff get in the way of following your Savior? Where do you find yourself more driven by greed than grace?

Day 2: Read 2 Corinthians 4:5-6. The light is not the outside jar of clay, but the glory of Jesus shining through. Think of a challenge or problem you faced (or are facing in life). How is Jesus’ light shining through? Where, in the problem, have you found the power of His presence?

Day 3: Read 2 Corinthians 4:7. Jars of clay would be the least valuable in an ancient Greek or Jewish household. They are considered fragile and easily broken. They are common and ordinary, but with the treasure of Christ at work, you become extraordinary. How have you seen God make the ordinary be extraordinary in someone’s life? In your own life?

Day 4: Read 2 Corinthians 4:8-9. Linda Poindexter puts it, “One small crack does not mean that you are broken, it means that you were put to the test and you didn’t fall apart.” Paul has his contrasting phrases of life’s problems and God’s possibilities. Which one sticks out for you? How might you describe life’s problems and God’s possibilities at work in your life?

Day 5: Read 2 Corinthians 4:7. We have been given treasure in jars of clay. Why? The world focuses on the jars of clay. How might you focus (like Paul does) more on the treasure inside the jar, inside of you?

Day 6: Read 2 Corinthians 4:10-12. No matter your past, or you present, God desires to give you an incredible future. Jesus came and died for our sins that we might have the treasure of life He brings. How has Jesus’ story of death and resurrection been shared with you recently? What story of God at work in your life can you share with others?


You can Go Deeper this week by reading the book: Unexpected: Leave Fear Behind, Move Forward in Faith, Embrace the Adventure by Christine Caine.  You can also listen to a recent Relevant Podcast with Christine Caine.

Don't forget you can listen to this week's message or read the full PDF of the message & GPS. 


 


Who God Is, Drives Everything.

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Day 1: Read Genesis 1:1. In Genesis 1, we learn life is not an accident, but God created it from a divine plan. As you read the opening chapters of the Bible, you find thought and order in creation. You find love and community. You find purpose and destiny. Why did God create people? Why did God create you?

Day 2: Read Romans 8:14. God creates, not just to make a world, or a universe, but to build a family. Why is it important to see our relationship with God as being like a family? Why not a farm or a business or a sports team? What makes a relationship with God as being one of His children special to you?

Day 3: Read Genesis 3:9-11. God created a perfect world, and then Adam and Eve disobeyed God, and then discovered the pain sin brings. What pain does sin bring to your life? What pain does sin bring to God? Why do we need God’s help to get out of this sinful mess?

Day 4: Read Romans 8:15. God selects you to be a part of His family.  “I know your problems, your sins, but I choose you to be part of My family. You are special to me.” What is your greatest joy in being a child of God? For whom are you praying to be part of God’s family? Pray for them today!

Day 5: Read Romans 8:16. God sends the Holy Spirit so that you can grow as His child. Where have you seen yourself growing as a child of God since the start of 2018? Where do you sense God desiring for you to grow in the next month?

Day 6: Read Romans 8:17. Your inheritance as an heir in God’s family is not only what you get in heaven one day, but you can live out that inheritance in the world right now…God is with you. Where do you need to remind yourself of God’s presence, power, and peace at work in your life?


You can Go Deeper this week by reading the book: Delighting in the Trinity by Michael Reeves.

Don't forget you can listen to this week's message or read the full PDF of the message & GPS.