Religion & Spirituality
As we begin Chapter 4 Paul continued defending and explaining his ministry; focusing on the suffering he and his company experienced for Christ’s sake. Even so, Paul was confident that this suffering would lead to his own honor, to the benefit of the Corinthians, and to God’s glory. On side note suffering, difficulty, if will allow it, will lead to our own good, to the benefit of others and ultimately to God’s Glory.I. Because we were shown mercy we have this ministry A. This ministry is anything that invests in others B. Paul credits his effectiveness to the mercy of GodII. We do not give up this ministry A. Faint – to lose heart, lack courage be fainthearted B. No less than 5 times Paul encourages other to not lose heart, become discouraged, give up 1. Here to lose heart meant at least two things a. Paul did not give into the temptation to use deceit in his ministry b. He did not crumble to the pressures of persecution and hardship 2. 2 Cor 4:16 Don’t lose heart when facing physical problems as spiritual man healthy 3. Gal 6:9 Don’t lose heart in doing good for in due time we see the harvest 4. Eph 3:13 Don’t lose heart because others are investing in your life at a great cost to them. 5. 2 Thess 3:13 – There is always people who need ministry so don’t lose heart in doing good. C. You don’t quit on your family, marriage, ministry in the church, spiritual growth. You don’t quit on life.III. We have renounced things hidden because of shame A. Renounced – apo from and eipon to say disowning, renounce forbidding the approach of the things. B. Paul did not use under- handed tactics or methods in his ministry. Instead, he spoke of his goals and strategies in ministry. In this respect, Paul had nothing to hide. IV. We have not acted deceitfully, in craftiness. A. Panourgie denotes deplorable action or speech that tricks others. B. Paul was so confident of the glory of ministering in the new covenant that he never resorted to deception.V. We have not distorted, adulterated the Word of God A. False teachers are recognized by wrong motives – acting deceitfully – and the wrong message – distorting the word B. True teachers are recognized by true motives and by