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 craftiness or adulterating the word of God, but by the manifestation of truth commending ourselves to every man’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 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.

*** 

Paul said since they had this glorious ministry of the Spirit, having received the mercy of God, they were encouraged. They had renounced the shameful things, and didn’t handle the Word of God deceptively or secretly. They were commending themselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God, (not with letters of commendation from man as he had previously spoken of).

As glorious, truthful, and revealing the gospel is, if it is hidden at all, it’s to those who are perishing—those who don’t believe. The ones whom the god of this world has blinded the minds of so they can’t see the light of the gospel of Christ—the very image of God Himself. God is shining, revealing, and speaking the gospel so people can believe it and receive His life and light, but the god of this world veils it, tries to hide it and darken the minds and hearts of people so they can’t see its light and truth. This is the message Paul preached, not to bring glory to himself, for he was not looking to gain glory or prestige from them, but to serve them.

Just as God spoke light into existence in the beginning, He is the One who shines in our hearts now to give the light of the knowledge of His glory in the face of Christ; and as we behold the Lord, we are changed into His image (3:18). This is the power of the gospel, the power of the light and truth of God Himself.



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