2 Corinthians 4:1-6
1 Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we received mercy, we do not lose heart,
2 but we have renounced the things hidden because of shame, not walking in trickery nor distorting the word of God, but by the open proclamation of the truth commending ourselves to every person’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 whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they will 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 on account of Jesus.
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.
Paul Serving the Glory of the Gospel
Paul’s attitude as an apostle
Paul speaks of himself as one who has been called to the ministry of the New Covenant as follows. (1) He fulfills his mission as an apostle without losing heart. A person who is convinced that his work has lasting value will never become discouraged. (2) He has renounced the things hidden because of shame. (3) He does not walk in craftiness. (4) He speaks without adulterating the word of God. (5) He seeks to manifest the truth. (6) In the sight of God, he commends himself to every person’s conscience. All of the above were points on which Paul was being criticized by other Jewish and Gentile Christians. The criticism was that “Paul is distorting the Law of Moses and, through deceitful schemes for financial gain, leading the Jewish people away from the truth.”
The reason people do not get saved
As described above, Paul proclaimed the gospel with complete sincerity. Yet even so, there were many who did not accept Christ. Why was this? (1) If there are still those who reject the gospel, the problem is not with those who proclaim it, but with those who reject it. (2) As those who are perishing, they are unable to understand the gospel because a spiritual veil lies over them. (3) In fact, they are in a state in which the eyes of their hearts have been blinded by Satan, the god of this world. As a result, the glorious light radiating from the gospel of Christ does not reach their hearts. In verses 5-6, the principles of Paul’s ministry are clearly stated. (1) The gospel Paul proclaims shines forth the light of the glory of Christ, not because of Paul’s own ability. (2) The God who caused light to shine out of darkness at the creation of the heavens and the earth did the same thing in Paul’s heart. As a result, the light of the knowledge of Christ was given to Paul’s heart. (3) Therefore, Paul has nothing to boast about, nor does he need to proclaim his own greatness. (4) Paul’s only desire is to serve people and proclaim Christ. Let us also, like Paul, develop the attitude of faithfully proclaiming the gospel and entrusting the results to God.
Today's prayer
Almighty God, when I proclaim the gospel, may the light of the glory of Christ shine forth. May it shine forth so overwhelmingly that it is clearly evident that it is not by my own power. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.