Christians Refusing to Lose Heart

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Speaker: Steve Estes
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:1-6
April 16, 2023

2 Corinthians 4:1-6: Therefore, since through God's mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. 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. And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. The god of the 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. For 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," make his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God's glory displayed in the face of Christ.

Sermon Outline

1. Christians are sorely tempted to lose heart

2. Reasons a Christian might lose heart

• Paul will mention many reasons later in 2 Corinthians

• One reason mentioned in these verses: Lack of success in ministry

3. Christians who lose heart may be tempted to change the gospel message

• Describing "changing the gospel message"

• The opposite of changing the gospel message

4. Christians who lose heart may be tempted to make themselves more important than the message (preach themselves)

• Describing "preach themselves"

• The opposite of preaching themselves

5. Why does Paul not lose heart? Two reasons in these verses, with more to come

• God has shown him great mercy

• God can penetrate the deepest darkness

New Creation Light

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Speaker: Jere Scott Bradshaw
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:1-6
April 21, 2013