FRAMEWORKS:
2 Corinthians 4
In
this ‘Framework' we use our usual text PLUS comment style to enable
you, as simply as possible, to catch the sense of his writing.
FRAMEWORKS:
2 Cor 4: Preaching & Apostolic Weakness
v.1-6
Preaching Light into Darkness
v.7-12
Apostolic Weakness
v.13-18
Apostolic Renewal
[Chapter
Synopsis: They
bring the gospel in an open and honest manner, to bring light
to those who will receive it (although unbelievers are blinded
by Satan) so that they can find God in Christ. Nevertheless they
always felt very weak, if not under the threat of death, and it
was only Christ who sustained them and renewed them.]
v.1-6
Preaching Light into Darkness
v.1
(our
ministry is from God and that keeps us going) Therefore,
since through God's mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose
heart.
v.2
(we
don't exercise it using human means using deception, rather we
are open and honest in our proclamation of the truth) Rather,
we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception,
nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting
forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone's conscience
in the sight of God.
v.3
(if
it's difficult to receive it is only to those destined to perish)
And
even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing.
v.4
(Satan
blinds unbelievers to stop them seeing Christ's glory) The
god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that
they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory
of Christ, who is the image of God.
v.5
(we
don't preach ourselves but the lordship of Christ) For
what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and
ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake.
v.6 (and
this gospel sheds light, the knowledge of God through Christ)
For
God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” [Gen.
1:3]
made
his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge
of God's glory displayed in the face of Christ.
[Passage
Synopsis: Exercising
their God-given ministry, the apostles declare the truth in an
open and honest manner. It is only unbelievers blinded by Satan
who struggle to receive it, but believers are enlightened to see
God in Christ.]
v.7-12
Apostolic Weakness
v.7
(yet
we are like fragile pots so the glory and power is seen to be
from God) But
we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing
power is from God and not from us.
v.8,9
(we
get dumped upon but he never lets us be destroyed) We
are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but
not in despair; persecuted,
but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.
v.10
(we
carry the weakness of Christ on the Cross, so he will be revealed
through us) We
always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the
life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.
v.11
(we
constantly despair of death but his life is constantly revealed
through us) For
we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus'
sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body.
v.12
(so
we experience death so you can experience life) So
then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.
[Passage
Synopsis: The
ministry of an apostle was one of weakness in themselves but it
revealed Christ's strength, power and glory through them. If felt
like daily death for them but that brought life to their listeners.]
v.13-18
Apostolic Renewal
v.13,14
(their
ministry only existed through their faith, trusting Jesus to deliver
them) It
is written: “I believed; therefore I have spoken.” [Psa
116:10]
Since
we have that same spirit of faith, we also believe and therefore
speak, because
we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will
also raise us with Jesus and present us with you to himself.
v.15
(this
happens for the benefit of their listeners who received God's
grace through them) All
this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more
and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory
of God.
v.16
(so
they don't give up because even though they feel they are being
exhausted daily, Christ renews them daily) Therefore
we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet
inwardly we are being renewed day by day.
v.17
(what
they suffer will result in eternal glory) For
our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal
glory that far outweighs them all.
v.18
(so
they look to Christ in heaven because he alone is lasting)
So
we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since
what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
[Passage
Synopsis: The
fragility of their ministry is only able to continue because of
the faith they have and trust in Christ that enables them to reach
more and more people as he renews them daily in their weaknesses,
that will see them through to eternal glory, and that keeps them
going.]
Chapter
Brief Summary/Recap:
Ch.
4: Preaching & Apostolic Weakness
•
this ministry is delivered with
integrity and brings light to believers
•
unbelievers are blinded by Satan
who prevents them believing
•
the apostles were like clay pots
that contained God's glory
•
although they frequently felt
exhausted God renewed them
Continue
to Chapter 5