2 Corinthians 4:1-6
[1] 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. (ESV)
BIG IDEA: Preaching Power is not Saving Power
We
[1] 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.
The
[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.
We
[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. (ESV)
Applications/Uses:
Discussion Questions:
1. What was the big idea of the sermon? Is it faithful to what the text says?
2. What struck you most about the passage as you listened?
3. How does this passage help or motivate us to live for God through Christ?
4. How can the fact that God’s power is required for people to be saved be a comfort to you?
5. Paul describes a limit on his responsibilities and an understanding of what is his to do versus what is not. What are some areas you have believed you need to control and have worried about, but need to learn to entrust them to God and to be content with being faithful?
6. If the power to save is not in the preaching, what is the point of preaching?
7. Is there a difference between being saved and God shining in someone’s heart to give them the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ? If so, what is it? If there is no difference, should this description change the way you think about what it means to be saved? Why or why not?