Let The Light Shine*

Introduction

Paul in this book:

Answers his critics showing that his ministry is authentic

Reminds the Christians regarding giving

If Paul is discredited, so is his message. This is why Paul has to defend his credibility.

Ch. 4 gives us an indication why Paul has to set this matter straight: Satan.

He is the enemy we don’t see but his effects are felt.

Background

Paul describes the ministry in defense of His apostleship

He says it is:

Written in the heart (vs.3) Brings confidence in Christ (vs.4) of the Spirit that brings life (vs.6) It is glorious (vs.9) brings righteousness (vs.9) inspires hope (vs. 12) removes the OT veil (vs.14) Causes transformation (vs. 16)

If I am not genuine how do you explain the transformation in the brethren?

Paul takes attention away from himself whilst showing the power of the gospel and Christ.

Our Text

2 Cor 4:1-6 “Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we received mercy, [1 Tim 1:12-13] we do not lose heart [give up in the face of difficulty],

2. but we have renounced the things hidden [secret intentions of the heart] because of shame, not walking in craftiness or adulterating the word of God, but by the manifestation [set forth plainly] of truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.

Paul argues that his ministry amongst them is not like the ones the naysayers are saying.

3. And even if [you claim] our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, [2 Cor. 2:16-17; 1 Cor. 1:18]

If minds are clouded it is not a result of a lack of truth but a willful reluctance to see.

4. in whose case the god of this world [Satan Jn 16:11; Eph 2:2 Paul knew about him 1 Thes 2:18] has blinded the minds [dishonesty, selfishness, pride, sin, troubles] 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.

5. For we do not preach ourselves but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your bond-servants for Jesus’ sake.

6. For God, who said, “Light shall shine out of darkness,” is 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.”

APPLICATION

Why we need to be weary of the “god of this world”

The Power of the Gospel

The power to bring men from darkness to light (4:6)

The power to cause reconciliation to God (5:20)

The power to transform (5:17)

These are things Satan does not want.

The Bearers of the Gospel

Directly the apostles (Those who teach today)

Anyone who carries the gospel to someone else

The Response to the Gospel

How will I respond to hearing it?

How will I respond to carrying it? (Do I still think that it’s someone else’s job?)

Satan wants to affect the above three (3) points.

By Blinding to the POWER

By Distorting the TRUTH

By Causing Indifference (lack of concern for) TO RESPONDING