2 Corinthians 4:1-6
Introduction
Paul confronted the spirit in the Corinthian church, who were known for divisions in the church, issues of immorality, misuse and abuse of spiritual gifts, underhanded tampering with God’s Word, ministerial celebrity-ism, for having their favourite super Apostles (Paul was not one of them), for questioning and attacking Paul’s character, authority, ministry and even his physical appearance.
There were false accusations against Paul (not so much related Corinth) which we read of in Acts 21:27-28, which led to a violent reaction against him. These challenges to Paul’s authority were part of the complex dynamics and conflicts within the Corinthian church. He addresses them in his letters to correct misunderstandings and to re-affirm his apostolic authority.
Paul faced imprisonments, persecution, opposition, and conflict from several quarters. He faced shipwrecks, beatings, false accusations, and a thorn in the flesh. And now he even had to content with Christians.
What makes Paul’s ministry glorious is that it was by the Mercy of God and to the Glory of God.
- Ministry by the Mercy of God
“Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God,”
a. The Fortitude of it:
“… we do not lose heart.”
b. The Faithfulness of it –
“But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God’s Word,”
c. The Forthrightness of it –
“… but by the open statement of the truth …”
(i) Commendable – “… we would commend ourselves …”
(ii) Conscientious – “… to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God.”
(iii) Consistent – “And even if our Gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing …”
(iv) Clear – “… the light of the Gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”
(v) Christ-Centred – “For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord,”
(vi) Compassionate – “with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.”
Ways in which Paul exemplified himself as a servant of Christ in showing compassion:
a. Submission to His Lordship, carrying out the will of Christ in proclaiming the Gospel.
b. Selflessness – Paul prioritised the interests of Christ and others above his own. He demonstrated selflessness in his sacrificial service.
c. Proclamation of Christ – Paul’s primary message was centred on Jesus.
d. Compassionate ministry is enduring. It entails suffering like Paul endured.
e. Focus on spiritual transformation – we as Elders are not to break snapped reads or put out smoking flaxes – we know why they are that broken. If we don’t keep that in mind, we will lose our compassion and become legalistic, hard and critical. - Ministry to the Glory of God
a Initiated by God.
“For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness’, …”
b. Illumined by God.
“… has shone in our hearts to give the light…”
c. Informed by God.
“… of the knowledge of the glory of God …”
d. Illustrated by God.
“… in the face of Jesus Christ.”
Conclusion
Our ministry, though we be unworthy vessels, is by the sovereign mercy of God alone.
In times of adversity and attacks, let fortitude be our shield, for the Lord’s strength is made perfect in our weakness.
Renounce deceitful ways, faithfully present the unaltered truth of God’s Word forthrightly, commendably, conscientiously, consistently, clearly, Christ-centred, and compassionately. All to the glory of God who initiates, illumines, informs, and illustrates such ministry in the face of Jesus Christ.