2 Corinthians 4:1-6 Click here for Bible Verses
Hi GAMErs,
Today’s passage is 2 Corinthians 4:1-6. Let’s go!
2 Corinthians 4:1 (NIV)
1 Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart.
On verse 1: It’s only because of God’s mercy that we get to serve God and represent Him on this earth. It’s a privilege and an honour that we never earned or deserved, just one of the many benefits that comes from receiving God’s gift — Jesus Christ — by faith. If don’t feel worthy to serve God or you feel inadequate, remember: God in His mercy has saved you, chosen you and qualified you to serve Him. So serve Him with confidence, joy, perseverance and without fear.
2 Corinthians 4:2 (NIV)
2 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 every man’s conscience in the sight of God.
On verse 2: Since it is because of God’s mercy that we can serve God and be called ministers in His kingdom, we don’t need to pretend to be someone we’re not, or act as if it all depends on us. Rather, we can just “set forth the truth plainly”. The truth of what? The truth of who God is as revealed in Jesus Christ and the truth of who we are, mere sinners who have been saved by His grace, who still make mistakes but who are loved, accepted and chosen by God through Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 4:3 (NIV)
3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing.
On verse 3: Here Paul says that the consequence of not accepting what Jesus Christ has done for us is to perish, to be separated forever and eternally from God.
2 Corinthians 4:4 (NIV)
4 The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
On verse 4: Who is “the god of this age” (v4)? Here Paul is referring to Satan, saying that Satan our enemy has blinded the minds of every person who does not believe in Jesus, such that they cannot see the light that comes from God’s great gospel in Christ. Does that mean that people who don’t believe in Jesus are not responsible for not believing? No, for it is not one way blinding that takes place as if Satan blinds someone without their consent or knowledge. It’s a blinding that comes when we decide to give into the temptations and fall for the traps that Satan places in our path.
2 Corinthians 4:5 (NIV)
5 For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.
On verse 5: Paul makes clear that it’s not about preaching about how good we are and what good as Christians we have done. It’s about preaching Jesus, how good He is and what He has done for us.
2 Corinthians 4:6 (NIV)
6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.
On verse 6: Paul recalls that moment in Genesis when all was dark and God created the world by saying these words: “Let there be light” (Genesis 1). In the same way, God caused His light to shine in our darkened hearts so that through Jesus we can now see God as He truly is.
Thank You God. Before we were in the dark about who You are. Our vision of You was covered as with a veil. But then You spoke Your Word into our hearts, the lights came on and now because of Jesus we can see You for who You are. Thank You, Lord, for turning on the lights. In Jesus’ name we pray, AMEN.
