1. If you're married, what has been the biggest challenge you've had to face as a couple? If not married, what has been the biggest challenge you've had to face without a mate?

2. We live in a jungle, not a garden. We must do our work while feeling the prick of thorns. Our wives have a desire for us that borders on disease. The world comes against us. We come against ourselves. Our flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit. We carry the treasure of Christ in jars of clay. What is the result of all this according to 2 Corinthians 4:8-11?

3. Read 2 Corinthians 4:16-18. How does this text describe your present troubles? When will your troubles be over? What will your troubles produce?

4. When life is pulling you apart, how can an eternal perspective help you pull together with your wife? What perspective should you then have about married life?