Day 153 – Friday, August 1, 2025

One Year Journey Through the New Testament

2 Corinthians 4

Welcome to our journey through the New Testament!

The Light of Christ’s Gospel

1 Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart. ² But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, 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 even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, ⁴ whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. ⁵ For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake. ⁶ For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 

(2 Corinthians 4:1–6, NKJV)

Points to Ponder:

• Paul seems to be defending his ministry in this passage.
• He reaffirms that they use the word of God faithfully and teach the truth without deceit.
• If the gospel is veiled, it is veiled because sinners cannot see the light of the gospel unless they repent and seek it.
• God commanded the light to shine in darkness, but some refuse to see it.
• Paul saw the light, took it in his heart, and declares it to all who will receive.

Cast Down But Unconquered

⁷ But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. ⁸ We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; ⁹ persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed—¹⁰ always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. ¹¹ For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. ¹² So then death is working in us, but life in you.

¹³ And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “I believed and therefore I spoke,” we also believe and therefore speak, ¹⁴ knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present us with you. ¹⁵ For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God. 

(2 Corinthians 4:7–15, NKJV)

Points to Ponder:

• I love this passage. It reminds us of the staying power found in a dedicated relationship with Jesus Christ. Verse 8 especially describes the pressures of this life in this world, but promises that God will not allow them to overcome us.
• We die with Christ, but also live in Christ. Christ is seen in the life and witness of a bold leader.
• No matter what it costs, a true minister of the gospel will go and preach, even if the cost is death. However, he or she knows that God’s resurrection power will either bring him or her though or will resurrect them in the last day. Either way, we are not defeated.

Seeing the Invisible

¹⁶ Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. ¹⁷ For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, ¹⁸ while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. 

(2 Corinthians 4:16–18, NKJV)

Points to Ponder:

• Paul encourages the Corinthians not to lost heart. Stay firm in your belief and your commitment to serve.
• Outwardly, we may be tired and weary, but inside, God is renewing us day by day.
• The trouble we deal with here cannot compare to the glory we will receive there (heaven).
• Count on what you cannot see, rather than what you can see. The invisible is eternal.

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All Scriptures from New King James Version unless otherwise noted.

Join us this afternoon at 5:00 pm for a discussion of this chapter live online. Live@5 with Dr. Greg Sloop can be found on Facebook on the Dr. Greg Sloop page or on the Kannapolis Church of God Facebook page or Youtube page. Another blog will be posted each weekday at 6:00 a.m.