2 Corinthians 4:1-12
Q.1. What was Paul’s approach to ministry? Why is the Gospel hidden from some hearers? How much authority does Satan have? Why did Paul equate the Gospel with light? – (2 Cor.4:1-6)
It is clear that Paul did not rely on his natural abilities or cleverness. He had the utmost confidence in the power of the Word of God, to bring conviction of sin to the consciences of those to whom he ministered (2 Cor.4:2). Sadly, he recognised that – if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing (2 Cor.4:3). The fact that Satan was under God’s sovereign control kept Paul from discouragement or from using questionable methods. He accepted that it was God’s prerogative to choose and to save whomever He elected. He understood that it was – the god of this world who has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God (2 Cor.4:4). It may come as a shock that Paul called Satan ‘the god of this world’. This revealed the sinister power that the devil wields. Paul saw himself as a bondservant of God. This helped him to keep his ministry Christ-centred, for – we do not preach ourselves but Christ Jesus as Lord (2 Cor.4:5). He not only preached that Jesus is Saviour, but also that He is Lord. Even beyond that, Paul presented Christ as – the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ (2 Cor.4:6). Paul had a very high view of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Q.2. Does our fallen state destroy the impact of the Gospel? How are God’s servants treated by the world? Why do believers have to suffer? How do our trials advance the Gospel? – (2 Cor.4:7-12)
Without exception, Christ’s witnesses are flawed. However, far from detracting from the impact of the Gospel, our imperfections magnify its power. Paul asserted that – we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves (2 Cor.4:7). He then outlined all the negative experiences of the saints of God – 8 we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; 10 always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. 11 For we who live are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh (2 Cor.4:8-11). It has been observed that the church was built on the blood of martyrs. For people to believe when all is going well is one thing … but the steadfastness of believers amid suffering, magnifies the truth of the Gospel like nothing else (2 Cor.4:10-11). Many today have received life because others were prepared to die for their faith (2 Cor.4:12). God’s purposes cannot be thwarted by our sinfulness or by Satan’s deviousness.