*2 Corinthians 4:1-18
Despite ongoing troubles, Paul emphasizes God’s power at work in him and the ministry he carries out.
- Ministry and Integrity:
- Paul asserts his commitment to his ministry, received through God’s mercy, which he conducts with openness and integrity.
- He renounces secret and shameful ways, does not use deception, nor does he distort the word of God, but presents the truth plainly, appealing to the conscience of every person in the sight of God.
- Blinded Minds:
- Paul acknowledges that if the gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing.
- He explains that the minds of unbelievers have been blinded by the “god of this age” (Satan), preventing them from seeing the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
- Proclaiming Jesus, Not Ourselves:
- Paul emphasizes that his preaching is not about himself but about Jesus Christ as Lord, and about himself and his fellow workers as servants for Jesus’ sake.
- He draws a parallel to the creation story, saying God made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.
- Treasure in Jars of Clay:
- Paul compares believers to “jars of clay” to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us, highlighting the contrast between the fragility of human vessels and the immense power of God.
- Despite afflictions, hardships, and persecutions, Paul describes the resilience of the apostles, portraying their suffering as a way to show Jesus’ life through their mortal flesh.
- Steadfast Faith:
- Inspired by Psalm 116:10, Paul speaks about having the same spirit of faith and confidently proclaims his faith despite challenges.
- He views all trials as opportunities for grace to extend to more people, increasing thanksgiving to the glory of God.
- Renewal and Eternal Glory:
- Paul encourages not to lose heart, noting that though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.
- He characterizes the troubles faced as light and momentary, leading to an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.
- He concludes by focusing on what is unseen rather than what is seen, as the unseen is eternal, whereas the seen is temporary.
4:1 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; 4:2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.
4:3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
4:5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.
4:6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
4:7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
4:8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 4:9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; 4:10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.
4:11 For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.
4:12 So then death worketh in us, but life in you.
4:13 We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak; 4:14 Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.
4:15 For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.
4:16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
4:17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; 4:18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.