Earthen Vessels

Community Group Discussion Guide for the Week of February 22, 2026

Miss this week’s teaching? You can watch it here.

# Summary

Pastor Nick explores the concept of believers as 'earthen vessels' or clay pots containing the glorious treasure of God's light. Drawing from 2 Corinthians 3:17-4:7, he emphasizes that Christians are like the moon reflecting the sun's glory - we don't generate light ourselves but reflect Christ's glory when we behold Him. He warns against allowing worldly concerns to eclipse our view of Jesus, using the analogy of how the world can get between us and our source of light.

He also references the story of Gideon from Judges, where God used 300 men with clay pots containing torches to defeat a massive army. This illustrates how God chooses to use broken, imperfect vessels to display His glory and power. Pastor Nick challenges us to prepare for revival by removing worldly distractions and focusing on Jesus, so that His light can shine through their lives to reach their community.

# Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, we come before You today with grateful hearts, acknowledging that we are simply clay vessels designed to carry Your glorious light. As we gather to study Your Word and discuss what You want to teach us, we ask that You would open our hearts and minds to receive what You have for us today. Help us to set aside any distractions or preconceived notions, and give us ears to hear and hearts ready to be transformed by Your truth. May Your Spirit guide our conversation and draw us closer to Jesus. In His name we pray, Amen.

# Ice Breaker

If you could choose any type of container to represent yourself, what would it be and why? (For example: a coffee mug, a treasure chest, a backpack, etc.)

# Key Verses

  • 2 Corinthians 3:17-18

  • 2 Corinthians 4:1-7

  • Judges 7:19-23

# Questions

  • What does it mean to 'behold the glory of the Lord' in practical, everyday terms? How can we do this more intentionally?

  • Pastor Nick used the analogy of the moon reflecting the sun's light. What are some 'worldly things' that tend to eclipse your view of Jesus and dim your ability to reflect His glory?

  • Why do you think God chooses to put His treasure in 'earthen vessels' rather than something more impressive or perfect?

  • In the story of Gideon, God reduced the army from 32,000 to 300 men. Why do you think God often works through our weaknesses rather than our strengths?

  • Pastor Nick mentioned the difference between 'got to' and 'get to' when it comes to reading the Bible and spending time with God. How can we shift our perspective from obligation to privilege in our spiritual disciplines?

  • What does it look like practically to 'move the world out of the way' so we can see Jesus more clearly?

  • How can we as a church community help each other stay focused on Jesus when life gets overwhelming with bills, sickness, and daily pressures?

  • Pastor Nick talked about being prepared for revival. What would it mean for you personally to be 'revival ready' in your current season of life?

# Life Application

This week, identify one specific 'worldly thing' that has been eclipsing your view of Jesus - whether it's worry, busyness, entertainment, or something else. Make a practical plan to 'move it out of the way' for a set time each day to spend beholding Jesus through prayer, Scripture reading, or worship. Consider this a preparation for allowing His light to shine more brightly through your life.

# Key Takeaways

  • We are earthen vessels designed to carry and reflect God's glorious light, not generate it ourselves

  • Worldly concerns and distractions can eclipse our view of Jesus, preventing us from reflecting His glory effectively

  • God intentionally chooses broken, imperfect vessels to display His power and ensure He receives the glory

  • Our spiritual disciplines should be viewed as privileges ('get to') rather than obligations ('got to')

  • Revival and transformation come when we prioritize beholding Jesus above the things of this world

# Ending Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for choosing us as vessels to carry Your precious light in this dark world. We confess that too often we allow the cares and concerns of this world to eclipse our view of You. Help us to be like the moon, consistently turning our faces toward You so that we can reflect Your glory to those around us. Give us the courage to be like Gideon's army - willing to be used in our weakness and brokenness for Your kingdom purposes. As we go from this place, may Your light shine through the cracks in our clay pots, bringing hope and healing to our families, workplaces, and community. Prepare our hearts for what You want to do in and through us. In Jesus' name, Amen.