2 Corinthians 4:1-7
1 Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart. 2 but we have renounced the hidden things of shame, 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.
- Since God has laid on our hearts to start this ministry, we have received his mercy, and will not give up no matter what hard times may come our way.
3 But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, 4 whose minds the God of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake.
- If our message is obscure to anyone, it is not because we are holding back in anyway. We are teaching the word, that Jesus Christ died for our sins. It is because these people are blinded by Satan and are going the wrong way. They think he can supply their needs and wants. These people are blind to the truth of the message of Jesus Christ.
5 For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the Glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
- The message we speak is not about us and is not bringing honor and glory to ourselves, but bringing honor and glory to Jesus Christ. It is God whose light is shinning out from the dark, for he is the one that has shone in our hearts as we saw and understood the Glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.
- God has graciously allowed us to be apart of his ministry and we want to show to everyone the love of Jesus Christ. We have the treasure of Jesus Christ living in us and we want everyone to know the excellence of God’s power and not us.
