Container of Truth

The Holy Spirit Provides Truth

2 Corinthians 4:1-6

INTRODUCTION

Jars of Clay- weak, small jars made out of mud. Cheap container for another product.

Dead Sea Scrolls- kid throwing rocks in a cave.

Tuperware (for older generation)

2 Corinthians 4:1–6 ESV

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. 6 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.

Set-up

We are all ministers and therefore all have a ministry.

What ministry? 2 Corinthians 3:7-9

2 Corinthians 3:7–9 (ESV)

7 Now if the ministry of death, carved in letters on stone, came with such glory that the Israelites could not gaze at Moses’ face because of its glory, which was being brought to an end,

8 will not the ministry of the Spirit have even more glory?

9 For if there was glory in the ministry of condemnation, the ministry of righteousness must far exceed it in glory.

(these 6 verses parallel 2 Corinthians 3:7-18)

Ministry of death- we die so others can live.

God has given us "light of the knowledge of the glory of God" by his Spirit that is in us (6)

4 Evidences of Ministering in the Spirit

1. We Persevere (1)

2 Corinthians 4:1 ESV

1 Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart.

Not losing heart

2 Corinthians 3:12 ESV

12 Since we have such a hope, we are very bold,

We are not those who start fast and then fade.

Parable of Seed and the Sower-

Seed that falls upon the weeds- sprouts quickly but is choked by the things of this world.

Trials make Christians stronger.

James 1:2–4 ESV

2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

1 John 5:4–5 ESV

4 For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. 5 Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

2. 2. We are Open (2)

2 Corinthians 4:2 ESV

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.

deception is done in secret.

hypocrite= wearing a mask- pretending to be something you are not.

3 Things Paul does here

Speaks against it (renounced)

Practices against it (practice cunning)

Stands on God's Word.

3. We are Accountable (2b)

2 Corinthians 4:2 ESV

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.

"open statement... everyone's conscience"

Accountable to the Church and to God.

Accountable to Others

Proverbs 27:17 ESV

17 Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.

Galatians 6:1–2 ESV

1 Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. 2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

Matthew 18:15–17 ESV

15 “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. 16 But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.

Ecclesiastes 4:9–12 ESV

9 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. 10 For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! 11 Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? 12 And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

Ephesians 4:25 ESV

25 Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.

Hebrews 10:25 ESV

25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Luke 17:3 ESV

3 Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him,

4. We are Faithful (3-6)

Faithful to Hard Hearted (3-4)

2 Corinthians 4:3–4 ESV

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.

2 Corinthians 3:14–16 ESV

14 But their minds were hardened. For to this day, when they read the old covenant, that same veil remains unlifted, because only through Christ is it taken away. 15 Yes, to this day whenever Moses is read a veil lies over their hearts. 16 But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed.

Matthew 13:13–17 ESV

13 This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. 14 Indeed, in their case the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled that says: “ ‘ “You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive.” 15 For this people’s heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.’ 16 But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear. 17 For truly, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.

Parable of Seed and Sower

We must remain faithful telling the Gospel to even the difficult.

Faithful to Jesus (5)

2 Corinthians 4:5 ESV

5 For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.

Salvation in Christ alone.

Seeing God through Jesus

Lord vs Servant

“Jesus’ sake”= for His glory. For His name to be glorified- not ours.

Faithful to Purpose (shine light)

Holy Spirit shines in our heart to help us understand this truth: God's glory is found in Jesus Christ.

We preach God in Jesus.

All religions cannot be pointing to same God. We point to God in Jesus. If a religion does not believe that Jesus is God then they cannot be speaking of the same God we speak of.

We only know because of the Light.

It is our job to share the Light.

Matthew 5:14–16 ESV

14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

CONCLUSION

The Light is the truth shining through you.

How bright is the Light in you?