2 Corinthians 4:7-18

Preach Structure (ENG):

I.O. God's power is evident/manifested through human weakness (v7)...

How is Gods power evident/manifested?

1. God's power is evident/manifested through human weakness by empowered believers to live for Christ (v13 - 16).

What does living for Christ involve?

dying to oneself (v16)

spreading the gospel (v10-12)

ministering for one anther (v13-15)

2. God's power is evident/manifested through human weakness by empowering believers to persevere through suffering (v8-9).

in what ways does God empower us to persevere?

Mentally (v8)

Physically (v9)

3. God's power is evident/manifested through human weakness by empowered believers to have hope for Jesus return (v17-18).

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Preach Structure(RO):

I.O. Puterea lui Dumnezeu se manifestă în slăbiciunea umană (v7)...

Cum se manifestă puterea lui Dumnezeu?

1. Puterea Lui Dumnezeu se manifestă în slăbiciunea umană, dând credincioșilor puterea de a trăi pentru Hristos (v13-16).

Ce implică trăirea pentru Hristos?

A muri față de sine (v16)

Răspândirea Evangheliei (v10-12)

Slujirea reciprocă (v13-15)

2. Puterea Lui Dumnezeu se manifestă în slăbiciunea umană, oferind credincioșilor puterea de a persevera prin suferință (v8-9).

În ce moduri ne dă Dumnezeu puterea de a persevera?

Mental (v8)

Fizic (v9)

3. Puterea Lui Dumnezeu se manifestă în slăbiciunea umană, dând credincioșilor speranță prin revenirea finală a Lui Isus (v17-18).

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Verse Analisis:

v7a -

The knowledge of the full and final revelation of God in Jesus Christ is held by us as weak and insufficient men (in our knowledge, life and death).

v7b -

Why?

So that Gods power can be revealed and glorified in the weakness of mankind.

God is the one who works in us. Through our own strength we cannot do anything. Paul’s ministry is profoundly God-centered, not self aggrandizing, like the message of his opponents.

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v8-9 -

The fact that Paul is not overwhelmed by the circumstances he is in, by suffering, or by the persecution he must endure should be attributed to God's power to sustain believers even in the midst of adversity. The beauty lies in the fact that reaching the end of human resources does not mean reaching the end of God's resources. On the contrary, it is the most suitable position to benefit from them and to experience the surplus of God's power, which intervenes and resolves the human dilemma and problem. In 11:23–28 he further reports that he faced death on numerous occasions, received 39 lashes five times, was beaten with a rod three times, and was stoned. The extent to which Paul faced persecution is daunting. Yet, as he reflects in 2 Cor. 4:9, God has not abandoned him.

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v10a -

The phrase "share abundantly in Christ's sufferings" refers to the various trials and afflictions that believers may experience in their faithfulness to God. According to the apostle Paul, these sufferings are not limited to persecution for faith but can include personal sacrifices made in obedience to the Lord (Romans 6:6).

v10b - 11 -

The work, teaching and life of Jesus can be seen in our denial of ourselves, dreams and ambitions, which are oftentimes sinful or in opposition to Christs/Gods will. Because we choose to suffer for Christ, we make Him known to the world and thus the scriptures are preached to all nations.

Death at work refers to the suffering apostle Paul must undergo as a follower of Christ, so that he can spread the gospel. For the Christian minister, suffering constitutes a normal characteristic of authentic ministry

v12b -

The suffering Apostle Paul underwent was so that the gospel may be spread, so that people who lived in sin can be saved and brought to life through their belief. Gods restoration through the preaching of scripture and the good news, trough suffering and afflictions.

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v13 - 14 -

Paul explains through the language of Psalm 116 that his ministry flows from his faith; he means what he says. He is convinced of the resurrection and judgment, and thus his message is sincere despite suffering and persecution. Second, in 2 Cor. 4:14 the apostle focuses on a theology of resurrection as providing him with confidence while he faces the threat of death (v14).

v15 -

Paul concludes his statement concerning his own suffering by stating that his suffering and his ministry are for the church in Corinth in order for the church to see the grace of God and so that more and more people can believe and give thanks to God. Paul is enduring all things for the elect’s sake, that they might receive eternal salvation in Christ (2 Tim. 2:10).

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v16a - „So we do not lose heart”. (2 Corinthians 4:16)

We aren't discouraged or affected by these truths (suffering/adversities in life).

v16b -

Despite physical deterioration due to suffering believers and apostle Paul is renewed everyday. This renewal, is described by the Greek word "anakainoutai," refers to a daily replenishment of personal energy and strength for ministry.

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v17 -

The suffering that is here on earth cannot compare to the blessings and glory of heaven. Apostle Paul shows that all of his suffering and the afflictions he has faced are worth it knowing something far greater awaits him in the afterlife.

v18-

The things unseen represents the christian walk of faith and hope. We are asked in the final part of verse 18 to look at the things to come. to have a heavenly perspective and stop looking at the suffering, afflictions and things of this earth.

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Exegetical Idea:

1. The people of Corinth have to understand that human weakness serves to reveal God's power and glory, believers are sustained only by God's strength, renewed daily, and empowered to spread the gospel. Their suffering is temporary and insignificant compared to the eternal glory awaiting them, encouraging them to live by faith, with a heavenly perspective.

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2. Gods power is displayed even through human weakness, sustaining believers through suffering so that Christ’s life may be revealed in them. As they share in His sufferings, they also participate in His mission, spreading the gospel. Though afflicted, they are renewed daily, knowing that present trials are momentary compared to the eternal glory that awaits those who fix their eyes on the unseen and live by faith.