[:en]SCRIPTURE: 2 CORINTHIANS 4
“We are hard pressed in every side, but not crashed, perplexed, but not in despair, persecuted, but not abandoned, struck down, but not destroyed” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9)
“So, we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:18)
Paul was being accused of insincerity and with personal motive in his ministry. So, he refuted their claims with the following evidences:
- Despite of the dangers and sufferings, Paul continued to preach and never gave up. (v. 1)
- Paul handled God’s Word honestly and carefully without deceit. He never twisted God’s Word to win human approval. He encouraged people to read the scriptures themselves. He did his best with a good conscience not to win converts but to bring the knowledge of salvation. (vs. 2-4)
- Paul considered himself a vessel (jar of clay), a servant of God. It is the light of God that brought life and blessings. He wanted Christ to be seen in him so that Christ gets the glory. (vs. 5-7)
- Paul was willing to suffer for Christ in every way (hard pressed, perplexed, persecuted, and struck down. (vs. 8-10)
- Paul worked for the good of the church. He desired the grace of God to reach more people so that thanksgiving would overflow to the glory of God (vs. 11-15)
- Paul confirmed his faith by fixing his eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal; (vs. 16-19)
Paul’s ministry was indeed sincere. He had a pure motive that preached God’s truth. May we also follow his footsteps in our service to God.
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