¹Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart. —2 Corinthians 4:1

“Therefore”

¹⁸But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. ¹Therefore…we do not lose heart. —2 Corinthians 3:18 - 4:1

What discourages us?

There is discouragement living in our own

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There is discouragement caused by outer

Reveal Answer

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The

of discouragmement has great affect on our lives.

What keeps us from being discouraged?

⁷But if the ministry of death, written and engraved on stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of the glory of his countenance, which glory was passing away, ⁸how will the ministry of the Spirit not be more glorious? —2 Corinthians 3:7-8

Exodus 34:29-35 provides the background for Paul’s example. Moses spent time with God while receiving the Law. When Moses came down from the mountain, his face shone with the glory of God. The problem? The shine from Moses’ face faded. Paul emphasized that the ministry of life was better because it didn’t fade.

⁹For if the ministry of condemnation had glory, the ministry of righteousness exceeds much more in glory. ¹⁰For even what was made glorious had no glory in this respect, because of the glory that excels. ¹¹For if what is passing away was glorious, what remains is much more glorious. —2 Corinthians 3:9-11

Because the glory of life in the Gospel doesn’t fade, we walk back across the “Therefore” Bridge and we do not become discouraged.

We left out two clauses that are important…

“…since we have this ministry…”
“…we have received mercy…” —2 Corinthians 4:1

Paul was the possessor of life by the MERCY of God.

When darkness tries to roll over my bones
When sorrow comes to steal the joy I own
When brokenness and pain is all I know
I won’t be shaken, no, I won’t be shaken

‘Cause my fear doesn’t stand a chance
When I stand in Your love
My fear doesn’t stand a chance
When I stand in Your love
My fear doesn’t stand a chance
When I stand in Your love —Josh Baldwin - “Stand In Your Love”