II Corinthians Study II Corinthians 4:1-18 The Privilege of Bearing the Glorious Gospel of Jesus

As Chapter 4 opens, the Apostle Paul is revealing to us that we are blessed to be recipients of the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ; indeed, God has given us the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ because of His mercy.  Since God has granted us the glorious gospel, we faint not (v. 1).  Having received this glorious gospel, Paul stressed that their lives served as an example of the gospel; in other words, their lives were not characterized by dishonesty and crafty methods.  Paul stated that they had renounced those things! (v. 2).

As believers our conduct should not contradict the message of the gospel in which we are sharing with others!  In view of the fact that we have been given a glorious gospel, the god of this age, Satan, has blinded the minds of those who do not believe the gospel.  The light of the gospel is shining, but Satan has darkened their understanding!  (vv. 3-4).  Paul went on to say that we preach a gospel that is about Jesus Christ, and not about ourselves!  The gospel message spurred a great conviction in our hearts, for God brought about light out of darkness (vv. 5-6).  The light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, shines in us!  As believers, we are nothing but earthen vessels (weak vessels) that can be broken but we possess the treasure of the glorious gospel (v. 7).

In verses 8-9, the grand Apostle Paul discusses some paradoxes of the Christian life, contrasting human helplessness on one hand and Divine enablement on the other.  The troubles in which Paul spoke about would have broken him, however, the Lord intervened and enabled him!  Paul further related that in his own body he carried around the death of Jesus, that is, he suffered for Jesus and bore physical scars resulting from the many afflictions for Christ’s sake.  Paul was always being given over to death (vv. 10-11).

Following the worthy example of Christ’s life, Paul viewed his sufferings as a mean of ministering to others (v. 12).  In the midst of his sufferings, Paul was confident that God would deliver him.  This confidence was founded on the Resurrection of Christ, the First fruit and the grand assurance for all who place their faith for salvation in Him (I Corinthians 15:12-19; I Thessalonians 4:14) (vv. 13-14).

All the suffering that Paul experienced was for the benefit of others (v. 15); yet, Paul said he suffered for Christ (v. 11).  God’s grace was extended to many people through the gospel that Paul preached.  Those who responded in faith gave thanks to God.  Paul’s ministry was for the benefit of others and to the glory of God.  Viewing his earthly mortality, Paul states outwardly he was wasting away, yet spiritually he was being renewed day by day (v. 16).  Paul compared the sufferings he had encountered, even as severe as they were, to light and transitory troubles.  They were nothing in view of the eternal glory that would be his when he would be in Jesus’ presence (I Corinthians 15:49; Philippians 3:21; I John 3:2).

Finally, Paul was sustained in all of his troubles by focusing on the eternal rather than temporary.  As believers we should look not on what is seen but on what cannot be seen (vv. 17-18).

May God Bless!