2 Corinthians 4:1-7
Paul begins this section with a phrase “this ministry.” This was given to him in Acts chapter nine by Christ who he actually saw from Heaven. Paul was made an Apostle that day and he never backed away. True servants of God renounce the hidden things of dishonesty, walking in craftiness and handling the Word of God deceitfully. If any of this is characteristic of you, stay away from preaching because you will do more harm than good. Paul’s agenda was to manifest the truth commending himself to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. Remember Jesus said in John 14:6, “I am the truth.”
Verses 3 & 4 speak of the gospel being hid (assuming it is spoken plainly) to those who are lost. What hides their eyes from the truth about Jesus? Satan here is called the god of this world. In Ephesians 2:2 Satan is called “the prince of the power of the air, or atmosphere.” He is also known as the spirit who now works in the sons (and daughters) of disobedience. I want to reserve the rest of this passage to dwell on the light that has shined in our hearts. This is the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. In the next verse Paul calls it a treasure. Is this precious to you as it is to me? However, we have this in a vessel of clay. This means we are but dirt. I don’t deserve this. It is mine by the grace of God.
Verses 3 & 4 speak of the gospel being hid (assuming it is spoken plainly) to those who are lost. What hides their eyes from the truth about Jesus? Satan here is called the god of this world. In Ephesians 2:2 Satan is called “the prince of the power of the air, or atmosphere.” He is also known as the spirit who now works in the sons (and daughters) of disobedience. I want to reserve the rest of this passage to dwell on the light that has shined in our hearts. This is the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. In the next verse Paul calls it a treasure. Is this precious to you as it is to me? However, we have this in a vessel of clay. This means we are but dirt. I don’t deserve this. It is mine by the grace of God.
