CHAPTER 4 (ESV)

 

The Light of the Gospel

¹ Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart. ² But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God’s word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone’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 their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. ⁵ For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. ⁶ For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

Treasure in Jars of Clay

⁷ But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.⁸ We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; ⁹ persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; ¹⁰ always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. ¹¹ For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. ¹² So death is at work in us, but life in you.

 

REFLECTION

1. Paul was contrasting the weak and ordinary character of the messenger with the overwhelming power of the message. In fact, he was under pressure, perplexed, persecuted, knocked to the ground. Everything in his experience reminded him that the dynamic power that had marked his ministry had not come from him. He credited Jesus with the fact that despite his weaknesses he had not been crushed, nor drowned in despair, nor abandoned or destroyed.
2. Don’t let a sense of personal weakness keep you from serving God. The fact that we are weak is the backdrop against which the incomparable power of God is revealed.
3. Sing quietly this traditional gospel song “Just a closer walk with Thee” as a prayer to God: www.youtube.com/watch?v=KStZ40DlOQc

I am weak but Thou art strong, Jesus keep me from all wrong
I’ll be satisfied as long as I walk, let me walk close to Thee
Just a closer walk with Thee, grant it Jesus is my plea
Daily walking close to Thee, oh let it be dear Lord let it be.

 

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little longer. Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell me.

If you have a prayer journal, as you listen to God, write down a few thoughts, questions, words, names, drawings, or anything that has come to your mind during this time.