2 Corinthians: 4:1

2 Cor 4:1,2

Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we received mercy, we do not lose heart, but we have renounced the things hidden
because of shame, not walking in craftiness or adulterating the word of God, but by the manifestation of truth commending
ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.

You Have Assets!

1. The basis for everything is what God has done for you.

2. Things God Has Given Us :

A. Mercy (v1)

B. The ministry of the Spirit

This comes via the 'Therefore' in v1.
chapter 3's idea

see 3:5,6 God "made us adequate as servants"

You're Avoiding Mistakes!

1. We have a role as well.

Notice that we have some verbs too...God has give mercy, given us the Spirit, but we are not passive.

2. You've renounced the things 'hidden because of shame' (v2) (i.e. immorality)

A. You've renounced the things 'hidden because of shame' (v2) (i.e. immorality)

Summary: You're a Christian destined for success!

God has placed you "on the winning team" and given you the skills you need to win.

2 Cor 4:3,4

And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, in whose case the god of this world
has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of
Christ, who is the image of God.

You're Sure To Be A Failure!

"Our gospel is veiled...to those who are perishing" (v3)

A. Don't expect universal response to the Gospel.

Matt 7:13,14

Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.

B. Don't expect friendly ambivelence to the Gospel.

"men loved darkness because their deeds were evil" John 3:19
the biblical record of people's responses to the Gospel doesn't exactly forecast popularity...

11 of 12 apostles killed?

C. In fact, there is biblical precedent where the messenger was told he would be ignored.

Isaiah 6:8-10

Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?" Then I said, "Here am I. Send me!" He said, "Go, and tell this people: `Keep on listening, but do not perceive; Keep on looking, but do not understand.' "Render the hearts of this people insensitive, Their ears dull, And their eyes dim, Otherwise they might see with their eyes, Hear with their ears, Understand with their hearts, And return and be healed."

Christ himself repeats this verse in Mark 4:12, explaining his own ministry and parables.

Your Competition Is The Lord Of Darkness Himself (Satan)!

1. Satan is real, and Satan has power

"a roaring lion seeking whom he may destroy" (1 pet 5:8)
the accuser and attacker of job
the one we struggle with in Eph 5:12-17, who attacks with "flaming arrows"
"On Earth there is no equal" (luther, 'a mighty fortress is our god' [a song i don't care for honestly])

2. "Well it might be the Devil, or it might be the Lord..."

You are either in Satan's camp or Christs.
Jesus to some Jews who were arguing with Him, "You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar, and the father of lies. But because I speak the truth, you do not believe me" (John 8:44,45)

Summary: Don't expect popularity!

God has placed you "on the winning team" and given you the skills you need to win.

2 Cor 4:5,6

For God, who said, "Light shall shine out of darkness," is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the
Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels,
so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves;

Succes for us is not measured by popularity!

1. We don't need craftiness or to adulterate the Gospel (v2)

v2 "the manifestation of truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God"
we don't need craftiness or to adulterate the Gospel (v2)
God gave men inate knowledge (the conscience) - we appeal to that.

Succes for us is measured by purity!

1. Purity in motives

"not walking in craftiness or adulterating the word of God", v2

instead, "commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God" v2

2. Purity in service

2. Paul and Co are "your bond servants for Jesus' sake"

3. Purity in message

The work is to accurately manifest God, "the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ" (v6)
God designed this work; it is his revelation.
The way he wants us to do it is the perfect way to do it.

Summary: Success isn't what what you might expect!

God has placed you "on the winning team" and given you the skills you need to win.