2 Corinthians 4
Earthen vessels of power
1 ¶ Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy[1], we faint not;
2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.
3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.
| Are we earthen vessels filled with the Holy Spirit or under a strong delusion who have not "renounced the hidden things of dishonesty". Are we even workers of iniquity? Download Recording 2 Corinthians 4 broadcast |
| What are the "hidden things of dishonesty"? |
| What does it mean to not in walk in craftiness? |
| Who has been handling the word of God deceitfully |
| Does the modern Christian live by faith, hope and charity? |
| Does the modern Church provide a daily ministration of pure Religion like the early Church? |
| What does it mean to be "commending ourselves to every man’s conscience"? |
| "The rejection of the gospel is here traced to the wilful blindness and wickedness of the human heart." [2] |
| Questions |
| 2 Corinthians 3:13 "...could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished:" What was abolished...? |
| The word in the Greek is not normally translated abolished. In other translations it appears as "passing away." |
| Titular | Benefactors | Republic | Democracy | |
| Contracts, Covenants and Constitutions | Early Church |
| Pure Religion | Christian conflict | Altars | |
| Corban | Public religion | Sophistry | |
| Civil law | Civil Rights | Civil Government |
| Contracts, Covenants and Constitutions | Coach Dave Daubenmire |
| What are the Altars of clay and stone |
| Who is your Patronus? |
| Who is your Father? |
| Who is your Benefactor? |
| Are you engaged in covetous practices? |
| Have you need of repentance? |
| Will you gather in tens to exercise fervent charity? |
| Will you continue to apply for the reward of unrighteousness provided by legal charity through men who exercise authority one over the other? |
6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
We faint not
8 ¶ We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;
9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;
10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.
11 For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.
12 So then death worketh in us, but life in you.
13 We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;
14 Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.
15 For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.
16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
Corinthians Index
Corinthians: Introduction | 1 Corinthians 1 | 1 Corinthians 2 | 1 Corinthians 3 | 1 Corinthians 4 | 1 Corinthians 5 | 1 Corinthians 6 | 1 Corinthians 7 | 1 Corinthians 8 | 1 Corinthians 9 | 1 Corinthians 10 | 1 Corinthians 11 | 1 Corinthians 12 | 1 Corinthians 13 | 1 Corinthians 14 | 1 Corinthians 15 | 1 Corinthians 16
2 Corinthians 1 | 2 Corinthians 2 | 2 Corinthians 3 | 2 Corinthians 4 | 2 Corinthians 5 | 2 Corinthians 6 | 2 Corinthians 7 | 2 Corinthians 8 | 2 Corinthians 9 | 2 Corinthians 10 | 2 Corinthians 11 | 2 Corinthians 12 | 2 Corinthians 13 | Bible
Footnotes
- ↑ 1653 ἐλεέω eleeo [el-eh-eh’-o] from 1656; v; TDNT-2:477,222; [{See TDNT 232 }] AV-have mercy on 14, obtain mercy 8, show mercy 2, have compassion 1, have compassion on 1, have pity on 1, have mercy 1, have mercy upon 1, receive mercy 1; 31
- 1) to have mercy on
- 2) to help one afflicted or seeking aid
- 3) to help the afflicted, to bring help to the wretched
- 4) to experience mercy
- For Synonyms see entry 5842
- ↑ Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary