2 Corinthians, Chapter 4

 

2 Corinthians 4 In Chapter 3, Paul has established that they do not have a ministry of condemnation from the law but grace and liberty from the Spirit. He goes on now to say how they handle those who discredit them or try to bring them or their message harm. What are ways they keep themselves from "losing heart"? (vs. 1-2) Name 4 things they do: renounced shameful things hidden not walking in craftiness not adulterating the word of God commended themselves in the sight of God When people do not believe their message, what does Paul know to be true? Because they have chosen not to believe, who is the one that keeps them blinded from the truth? (vs.3) Even if the gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving. Who is Jesus according to verse 4? The light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. Paul preaches Christ Jesus as LORD. What does he present himself to be to these believers? (vs.5) Bond-servants for Christ's sake. Therefore, where does the glory go for the power they are able to conduct themselves in toward others? (vs.6-7) We have this treasure in earthen vessels.  The surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves. What power is manifested when they are afflicted? vs. 8. Not crushed. What power is manifested when they are perplexed (without direction)? vs. 8 Not despairing. What power is manifested when they are persecuted for their faith? vs. 9 Not forsaken. What power is manifested when they are struck down? vs.9 Not destroyed. Why do they continue to have to die to their work and mission and relationships in life? What does the suffering and affliction manifest to others when they survive them in power and faith? vs. 10-12 So that the life of Jesus may be manifested. What promise does Paul continue to think upon to keep him going through the trials and persecutions of his faith as he delivers the message of the Gospel of Jesus? vs. 14 He who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus. Who is Paul going through all of these things for? vs. 15 For our sakes. What does he know it will accomplish in those who believe? vs. 15 - Therefore Paul says they do not "lose heart". So that the grace which is spreading to more and more people may cause the giving of thanks to abound to the glory of God. Although their outer man is decaying everyday, what is happening to the inner man everyday? vs. 16 Our inner man is being renewed day by day. In comparison to the glory that is coming at the resurrection and also the renewal that is experienced everyday in the inner person, what does Paul call all of these hardships he goes through in his body and soul? vs. 17 Momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison. Rather than look at the things that are happening to him now and the negative things that try to weigh him down, what does he choose to look upon and think upon? vs. 18 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.