2 CORINTHIANS 4
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. – 2 Corinthians 4:1-6
2 CORINTHIANS 4 UNBELIEVERS ARE KEPT FROM SEEING THE LIGHT
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
Anyone who believes that Jesus Christ is the Son of God
The Spirit of God lives in them, and they are given the light
Those who do not believe in Christ, will be blinded by the world
They live in the darkness full of lies and cannot fathom God’s word.
In this letter, Paul encourages the Corinthian church to press on and not be discouraged when the world persecutes or attacks their faith. He admonishes them to keep on doing what is right and proclaiming the gospel without compromise. He wants the believers to continue to press on despite the inability of unbelievers to understand the gospel. The work of the hand of God in a believer’s life is anchored on God’s grace and not on the gifts that were given them.The parable of the sower in Matthew 13, reiterates this letter of Paul. Verse 3 reminds believers of their purpose which is to sow seeds of truth in the world. Verse 4 explains that we have no control over how the soil would bear fruits from those seeds we planted. Only those who were chosen will bear fruit as they belong to him, while the unbelievers remain to live in darkness and without fruit.
This goes to say that we can only sow and plant God’s word, but it is the Spirit’s work to bear the fruit in the lives of those who believe in the Lord.
REFLECTION
- Why is it that some Christians think that declaring the gospel means that the hearer will receive it right away? What is not right with this thinking?
