Disciples intentionally immerse themselves
as servant-disciples in the name of Jesus… to the world
2 Corinthians 4:1-12
Present Weakness and Resurrection Life
What we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.
1 Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. 2 Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we 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 The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5 For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.
7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 8 We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 10 We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. 11 For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body. 12 So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.
• In Christ, our hearts are enlightened to a knowledge of God and His glory. We proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as servants for His sake.
Pondering Point
Read 2 Corinthians 4:1-12. Not many of us actually “preach” as the Apostle Paul says, whether for Christ or ourselves, but Paul’s point still stands. He did preach – but not for personal gain. His preaching – AND living AND sharing his life with others – was for Jesus’ sake. Paul’s heart was to serve not himself but His Lord Jesus – to the glory of God. Paul’s heart shined out what God originally shined into him: The love of God in Jesus.
Paul was but one disciple of many who would become servants for life, regardless of whether such serving included preaching or not. There is a deep (and potentially unsettling) challenge here for those of us who call ourselves followers of Jesus: Are we “preaching” for self or Jesus? Are you serving self or Jesus? Are you shining for self or Jesus? Is your heart reflecting Jesus’ light or producing personal radiance? Don’t be afraid to check in with Jesus on this. Let Him enlighten you on the subject.
Prayer
Father God, thank You for shining knowledge of Yourself into my heart in the person of Jesus Christ. Keep shining intensely into me that I may know You more and more. Then let that light radiate out from me as I serve those around me to
he glory of Your holy name. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.