2 Corinthians 4:1-6
The Light of Christ’s Gospel
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 [a]handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.
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 image of God, should shine on them.
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.
Context
What about ‘new covenant’ ministry helps us not lose heart? (2 Corinthians 3:6, 16)
Reflection
- How had Paul received mercy? (Psalm 103:8-11/Lam 3:22, 23/2 Corinthians 1:3/Titus 3:5)
- How is the gospel veiled to ‘those who are perishing’? (Psalm 14:1/Romans 1:21/1 Corinthians 1:18/2:14/2 Corinthians 3:15)
- Why does he warn of the ‘God of this age’? (Matthew 6:13/John 12:31/14:30/ 16:11/Ephesians 2:2/6:12/1 John 5:19)
- How does creation correlate to our new creation in Christ? (Genesis 1:3/Acts 9:1-9/22:5-11/1 john 1:5/1 Peter 2:9)
- What is the ‘knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ’? (John 1:1-4, 14/9:24, 25, 35-41/1 Corinthians 2:10-14/2 Corinthians 3:18)
Testimony Time
- What shameful things do I need to renounce? (2 Corinthians 7:1/1 Peter 2:11, 12)
- Who am I praying for to receive the light of Christ? (Acts 1:8/2 Corinthians 3:16/Ephesians 1:18/6:20/1 Peter 3:15)
