A Superceding Confidence

2 Corinthians 4:1 (KJV)

1 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;

2 Corinthians 4:7–9 KJV

7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. 8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;

2 Corinthians 4:16 (KJV)

16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

Two instances of ‘we faint not’ (v. 1, 16). In each case, it is a pivot between a foregoing reason and an ensuing contrast. (Because x, we faint not, but do y.)

Courage in Adversity

2 Corinthians 4:7–9 KJV

7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. 8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;

We are earthen vessels, subject to all the distresses that afflict humanity.

Set backs

Mental duress

Spiritual opposition

Cultural pressure

There is a purpose to the struggle

So that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our bodies V.10, 11.

So that Christian witness can shine brightly, even if it means our brokenness.

Courage in Ministry

Ministry of Spirit and Revelation

v. 1 Seeing we have this ministry

Ministry of writing the epistle of men’s lives with the Spirit of the living God. 2 Cor 3.4

Able ministers of the New Testament 2 Cor 3.6.

Ministry of the Spirit (in contrast to the ministry of death written in stones) 2 Co 3.8.

Ministry of righteousness in contrast to the ministry of condemnation 2 Co 3.9. We Faint Not

Why would Paul say we do not lose heart?

There can be a temptation to hide light under a bushel when there is a love of darkness.

So We Faint Not

2 Corinthians 4:1 (KJV)

1 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;

Rm 8.1 “1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”

Persistent Transparency

Mercy makes room for honesty. Hypocrisy need not be added to error.

One of the greatest works of the NT gospel is that it brought the problems out of the hidden corners, and into light where they can be addressed and resolved.

As such, we engage ministry honestly.

2 Co 4.2 “2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.”

We cannot be dishonest about the Scirptures, and with the revelation of mercy, we don’t need to be.

We manifest truth in a way that commends ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.

Courage in Faith

The Spirit of Faith

2 Corinthians 4:13–15 KJV

13 We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak; 14 Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you. 15 For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.

We have the same spirit of faith

Ps 116.10-11 “10 I believed, therefore have I spoken: I was greatly afflicted: 11 I said in my haste, All men are liars.”

We also believe, and we also speak.

Knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also.

So that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, the glory of God.

So we do not lose heart

2 Corinthians 4:16 KJV

16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

It matters where you place your faith. The Psalmist’s words were true of Paul’s situation; he had just talked about being troubled, perplexed, persecuted and cast down (affliction), and he had also dealt with the rejection of dishonesty (all men are liars). But he pivoted, and chose instead to focus his belief and his speaking on the gospel of Christ rather than on the problems he saw.

Though our outward man is perishing

Our inward man is being renewed day by day

The light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison

We look for what is unseen

For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.