2 Corinthians 4

(1)  Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;
(2)  But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.
(3)  But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
(4)  In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
(5)  For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.
(6)  For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
(7)  But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
(8)  We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;
(9)  Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;
(10)  Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.
(11)  For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.
(12)  So then death worketh in us, but life in you.
(13)  We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;
(14)  Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.
(15)  For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.
(16)  For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
(17)  For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
(18)  While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

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Study Questions

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1. What two things led Paul to never faint or lose heart? Verse 1.

2. By implication, how does Paul describe his opponents and slanders at Corinth? Verse 2.

3. How did Paul commend himself to the approval of the consciences of all who had been taught by him? Verse 2.

4. In spite of Paul’s efforts, there were some to whom the gospel was hidden. Who were they? Verse 3.

5. Who is the “god of this world”? Verse 4.

6. How did the god of this world prevent the light of the gospel from shining unto the lost? Verse 4.

7. What two things were the subjects of the apostle and his companions in their preaching? Verse 5.

8. Who or what commanded the light to shine out of darkness in the hearts of Paul and his companions? Verse 6.

9. What was the purpose of the light that shined out of darkness? Verse 6.

10. What was the treasure Paul claimed to have? What were the containers for the treasure? Verse 7.

11. How is the excellency of the power of God shown by having the treasure in earthen vessels? Verse 7.

12. What five descriptions does Paul give about his opposition and trouble while preaching? Verses 8-9.

13. What is Paul’s attitude while undergoing the pressure of trouble and persecution? Verses 8-9.

14. What was Paul’s purpose in “bearing about in the body that dying of the Lord Jesus” Verse 10.

15. Why was Paul willing to risk death for Jesus’ sake? Verse 11.

16. What was the benefit for the Corinthians and others as Paul faced death? Verse 12.

17. What was the one reason Paul gave for his willingness to endure trials? What famous person expressed the same spirit of faith? Verse 13. (See Psalm 116:10)

18. What other reason did Paul give for his endurance? How does this verse show Paul did not expect Christ to come in his and the Corinthians lifetimes? Verse 14.

19. What other reason for Paul’s endurance is given here? Why did “the many” have reason to be thankful? Verse 15.

20. Although Paul’s outward man was perishing, what was the cause, stated in the previous verse, that the inward man was being renewed? Verse 16.

21. How could Paul describe his trials, some of which are described in chapter 11, as “light” affliction? Verse 17.

22. What was the “far more exceeding an eternal weight of Glory” that made Paul’s sufferings seem to him as but a “moment”? Verse 17.

23. What are some of the eternal things that are not seen? Verse 18.

24. What is the meaning of “temporal”? Verse 18.