How do we keep serving faithfully when ministry feels heavy and the results are hard to see? In this episode of our Third Quarter 2026 study of First and Second Corinthians, we open Lesson 10, Authentic Christian Ministry, working through 2 Corinthians 3 to 7.

In this conversation we discuss:

• Paul's picture of treasure in jars of clay, and why the fragile vessel makes the glory inside more visible
• Suffering as an honest part of life and ministry, rather than something we can engineer away
• How the cross redefines success, since Jesus reached true victory through apparent defeat
• A personal reflection from five years of mission work in Thailand, and what it taught about depending on God in our weakness
• A look at global statistics on suffering that put our own struggles in perspective without minimizing them

A note for teachers preparing to lead: this lesson works best when you make room for personal stories. The closing discussion question asks where people have seen God use weakness to reveal His strength, and your own honest answer can set the tone for an open, encouraging class.

We study this lesson from August 29 to September 4 and teach it on Sabbath, September 5. Next week brings Lesson 11, Stewardship and Mission, as we continue through Second Corinthians.

If these notes help you get ready to teach, follow the show and share it with a fellow Sabbath School leader.

Executive Producer: Carolina Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
Producer: Henrique Gomes
Editing: Henrique Gomes
Logo: Becky Carpenter