YG March 2013 Notes

2 Corinthians 4:7-12, 16-18 (NIV)

⁷ But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. ⁸ We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; ⁹ persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. ¹⁰ We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. ¹¹ For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body. ¹² So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.

¹⁶ Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. ¹⁷ For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. ¹⁸ So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Scripture is deep. Truly it is God-breathed (2 Timothy 3:16). Notice all the contrasts, varying degrees, and complementary word pairs! How remarkable (and beautiful) the detail in God's Word! 

This year I've felt crushed, despair, abandoned, and struck down like in vv. 8-9, with all the new responsibilities I've been given (Church Rep, YG organizer, Sunday School), plus school, work, and trying to maintain a personal life. Many days I've felt like I've hit my limit, and can't go on but there's so much to do. Thankfully, I came across this passage during a daily devotion and it gave me great comfort, especially v. 16 which resolves the passage, and assures Christians that no matter what our temporary sufferings are, there is hope in heaven soon.


In v. 7, the translation I originally read said earthenware (instead of jars of clay) which, for me, portrayed a more concrete image that my body is a vessel/container for the Holy Spirit, who lives in me and gives me the strength and ability to do ministry. It's not me that does anything special, rather it's God who works through me. Similarly, if this Youth Group is a success, it will not be due to any of us, but because of God (v.7).

Finally, I mentioned a call to action for everyone to participate and contribute to our Youth Group. In order for the Youth Group to be a success, everyone must do their share.To that end, here are the responsibilities for teaching for the next few meetings.


Upcoming Meetings: 
April 6 - taught by Chris - Nature/Easter
May 4 - taught by Megan
June 2 - taught by Paul - Spiritual Gifts

Here are Megan's Agenda Notes!