1 Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart.
2 But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God’s word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God.
3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing.
4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
5 For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.
For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.
8 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair;
9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;
10 always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.
11 For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.
12 So death is at work in us, but life in you.
13 Since we have the same spirit of faith according to what has been written, “I believed, and so I spoke,” we also believe, and so we also speak,
14 knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence.
15 For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.
16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.
17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison,
18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
The True Meaning of 2 Corinthians 4
The Second Epistle to the Corinthians was written by the Apostle Paul, a former persecutor of the early Christian church who experienced a dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus. After his transformation, Paul became a zealous missionary, spreading the gospel throughout the Roman Empire. Paul addresses the challenges and hardships he and his fellow believers face as they proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ in this chapter. He reminds the Corinthian church that their struggles are not in vain, for they have the light of the gospel shining in their hearts, even in the midst of darkness. Paul’s words offer encouragement and a steadfast hope, as he points to the eternal glory that awaits those who remain faithful. As we delve into this passage, we will witness Paul’s unwavering commitment to his calling, even in the face of adversity. He reminds us that our earthly troubles are temporary, while the eternal rewards that await us are far greater. This chapter serves as a powerful testament to the transformative power of the gospel and the resilience of those who follow Christ.
2 Corinthians 4:1-6
Certainly! Let’s break down 2 Corinthians 4:1-6 into sections and provide commentary on each:
Section 1: “Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. Paul is emphasizing the source and nature of the ministry that he and his fellow workers are engaged in in this section. He highlights that their ministry is a result of God’s mercy, not of their own abilities or qualifications. Paul emphasizes the grace of God that enables them to carry out their work by grounding the ministry in God’s mercy. This serves as a reminder to all believers that anything we do in service to God is not about our own strength or merits but is made possible by God’s grace.
Section 2: “Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God. Paul is contrasting the integrity of their ministry with deceitful practices that some may engage in in this section. He emphasizes that their approach to ministry is characterized by transparency, honesty, and a commitment to presenting the truth of God’s word without distortion. Paul’s words serve as a reminder to all believers that integrity and truth are essential in carrying out God’s work. This aligns with the broader biblical themes of honesty, integrity, and the importance of speaking truth in love (Ephesians 4:15).
Section 3: “And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. Paul delves into the spiritual battle that is at play in the dissemination of the gospel in this section. He acknowledges that there are those who do not receive or understand the gospel message not because of its content but because they are blinded by the enemy, referring to Satan as the “god of this age.” This highlights the spiritual dimension of unbelief and the forces at work to hinder people from coming to faith. It underscores the importance of prayer, spiritual warfare, and the illuminating work of the Holy Spirit in helping unbelievers to see the truth of the gospel (2 Corinthians 4:4).
Section 4: “For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ. Paul centers the focus of their preaching on Jesus Christ as Lord in this final section. He emphasizes that their preaching is not self-centered but Christ-centered, with themselves as servants for the sake of Jesus. Paul draws a parallel between God’s creative act of bringing light into the world at the beginning of creation (Genesis 1:3) and the illuminating work of God in the hearts of believers to reveal the knowledge of His glory in Jesus Christ. This passage underscores the primacy of Christ in the Christian message and the transformative power of encountering the glory of God in the face of Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:1-6 carries profound themes of God’s mercy enabling ministry, the importance of integrity and truth in service, the spiritual battle in the dissemination of the gospel, and the centrality of Jesus Christ in the preaching of the good news. These verses not only provide guidance for those engaged in ministry but also remind all believers of the foundational principles that should undergird our faith and service to God.
2 Corinthians 4:7-12
The apostle Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 4:7-12, “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.” We are hard-pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.”
Interpretation:
1. Treasure in Jars of Clay: The metaphor of treasure in jars of clay signifies that as Christians, we are vessels containing the precious message of the gospel. Just as clay jars are ordinary and fragile, we as humans are imperfect and weak. However, the power and glory of God residing within us surpasses our limitations. This highlights the notion that the strength to endure trials and tribulations comes from God’s power working in and through us, not from our own abilities.
2. Hard-pressed but not crushed: Paul acknowledges the difficulties and challenges faced by believers, emphasizing that while they may face pressure and adversity, they are not ultimately defeated. This reflects the resilience and perseverance that Christians are called to exhibit in the face of hardships. This sentiment aligns with the broader biblical theme of God’s faithfulness in sustaining His people through trials, as seen in verses like Psalm 34:19 which states, “The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all.”
3. Carrying the Death of Jesus: Paul expresses the concept of dying to self and sharing in the sufferings of Christ. Believers participate in the redemptive work of Jesus by enduring hardships and persecution, allowing His life and resurrection power to be manifested in their own lives. This idea resonates with Paul’s earlier writings in Galatians 2:20, where he proclaims, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.”
4. Death at Work in Us, Life at Work in You: The paradoxical nature of suffering leading to life is a central theme in Christianity. Paul illustrates that as he and his fellow workers undergo trials and persecution, it ultimately results in the spiritual flourishing and growth of the Corinthian believers. This echoes the principle of dying to self in order to experience true life in Christ, as Jesus teaches in Matthew 16:25, “For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. 2 Corinthians 4:7-12 conveys a powerful message about the transformative and redemptive nature of suffering in the Christian walk. It underscores the idea that our weaknesses and trials do not diminish the glory of God working through us, but rather serve to reveal His strength and life within us. Paul’s words serve as a reminder for believers to persevere in faith, trusting that through our struggles, God is at work both in us and through us, bringing forth life and hope amidst the challenges of this world.
2 Corinthians 4:13-15
The apostle Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 4:13-15: “It is written: ‘I believed; therefore, I have spoken.’”‘ Since we have that same spirit of faith, we also believe and therefore speak, because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you to himself. All this is for your benefit so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God. Paul in this passage is drawing on a powerful truth about faith and its connection to our confession. The verse “I believed; therefore, I have spoken” refers to a psalm of David (Psalm 116:10), where David expresses his belief in God’s faithfulness even in times of distress. Paul is emphasizing that our belief in the resurrection power of Jesus should lead us to speak boldly about our faith, even in the face of challenges and opposition.
Paul’s confidence in the resurrection of Jesus is central to his message here. He is reminding the Corinthians, and us today, that just as God raised Jesus from the dead, He will also raise believers to eternal life. This assurance gives us hope and empowers us to proclaim our faith with boldness and conviction.
The mention of grace in this passage is significant. Paul points out that the spreading of God’s grace to more people should result in thanksgiving overflowing to the glory of God. This teaches us about the transformative nature of grace and how it should lead to a response of gratitude and praise. It is a reminder that as recipients of God’s grace, we are called to share it with others so that they too may come to know the goodness of God.
This passage also echoes the theme of resurrection found throughout the New Testament. Paul speaks about Christ being the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep and assures believers that they will be raised to life because of Christ’s resurrection in 1 Corinthians 15:20-22. This interconnectedness of our faith, confession, and the promise of resurrection underscores the core message of Christianity – the victory over sin and death through Jesus Christ. These verses in 2 Corinthians 4 serve as a powerful reminder of the connection between our faith, our proclamation of that faith, the hope of resurrection, and the spreading of God’s grace. They encourage us to persevere in our belief, to speak boldly about what we believe, and to live in a way that reflects the transformative power of God’s grace in our lives.
2 Corinthians 4:16-18
The Apostle Paul writes, “Therefore we do not lose heart in 2 Corinthians 4:16-18. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. Paul addresses the concept of not losing heart despite the challenges and hardships that come with living a life dedicated to Christ in the first part of this passage. He acknowledges the physical struggles that believers may face in the world, as we all experience the effects of aging and the trials of life. However, Paul emphasizes the importance of the internal renewal that comes from our faith in Christ. This renewal is not a one-time event but is a continuous process that occurs daily as we walk with the Lord. This is a powerful reminder of the spiritual growth that takes place within us, even as our physical bodies may deteriorate over time.
Paul then shifts the focus to the trials and tribulations that believers encounter in their lives. He describes these difficulties as “light and momentary” in comparison to the eternal glory that awaits us in Christ. This eternal glory far surpasses any troubles we may face on earth, highlighting the temporary nature of our present struggles. This perspective encourages believers to endure hardships with hope and perseverance, knowing that they are producing a greater spiritual reward in the unseen realm.
The final part of the passage underscores the importance of fixing our eyes on the eternal rather than the temporary. We, as Christians, are called to focus on the unseen realities of God’s kingdom rather than being consumed by the visible circumstances of this world. This shift in perspective enables us to navigate life’s challenges with faith and confidence in God’s promises, knowing that what is unseen—our eternal destiny in Christ—is far more significant than what is seen in the present moment.
This passage echoes the theme of perseverance through trials and suffering that is prevalent throughout the Bible. Paul writes about the benefits of facing trials with endurance in Romans 5:3-5, as they produce character, hope, and ultimately lead to a deeper experience of God’s love. The idea that our earthly struggles are temporary and are working towards a greater purpose is also reflected in Romans 8:18, where Paul speaks of the glory that will be revealed to us in the future. Believers can maintain faith, hope, and perseverance in the face of life’s challenges by focusing on the eternal promises of God rather than being swayed by temporary difficulties, as 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 powerfully exhorts. It reminds us that our present sufferings are not in vain and that God is continually renewing and preparing us for the eternal glory that awaits us in Christ.
After 2 Corinthians 4
Beloved congregation, as we reflect on the trials and tribulations faced by the apostle Paul and his companions, we are reminded of the enduring power of faith in the face of adversity. Despite the challenges and hardships they encountered, they remained steadfast in their belief, knowing that the light of God’s glory far outweighs the temporary struggles of this world. We should take heart in their example and hold fast to our faith, knowing that God’s grace is always sufficient. As we prepare to delve into the next chapter, let us remember the words of Paul: “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. God’s love and mercy will sustain us through all trials as we trust in the promise of a greater glory that awaits us and continue to walk in faith. May we be encouraged and strengthened as we journey forward, keeping our eyes fixed on the eternal hope that lies ahead. Amen.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.