Walking in the Light of Christ's Gospel

WALKING IN THE LIGHT OF CHRIST'S GOSPEL: LESSONS FROM 2 CORINTHIANS 4:1-6

By Ezekiel Kimosop

Have you been in a situation where you are misunderstood by people despite your best intentions? Paul found himself in that situation following the schisms and divisions in the Church of Corinth. 

From our previous study of 2 Corinthians 2:3-11, we noticed that Paul was defending his apostolic ministry possibly in the face of opposition from unnamed critics who questioned or doubted his calling in Christ. 

This defense continues into 2 Corinthians 4.

When we turn to 2 Corinthians 4:1-6, we discover that Paul continues his passionate defense of the gospel that he commenced in the chapters 1-3. Paul vouches for the sincerity with which the gospel ought to be proclaimed by those to whom God has entrusted His revelation of truth in Christ.

Paul opens the first verse with the conjunctive adverb "therefore", suggesting that his thoughts had spilled from the previous chapter. He was about to make an important concluding statement based on his previous train of thought.

Earlier in 2 Corinthians 3, Paul's message centred on three areas: the defense of his ministry among the Corinthians (3:1-3); the purity and efficacy of the gospel (3:4-6) and the preeminence of the New Covenant over the Old Covenant (3:7-18). 

Now back to our passage of context of 4:1-6...

What is Paul about to conclude or sum up? 

He says "since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart" (NKJV). Paul is possibly referring to his apostolic team in this context and the persecution they suffered which was earlier described in 1:8-11. The Gentile ministry was entrusted to Paul and his associates as a distinct calling that was separate from the ministry of the Jerusalem Church. Some among the Jerusalem group were however jealous, nay, scornful of Paul's apostolic calling and sought to discredit him. 

Notice Paul's defense in 1 Corinthians 9:1-18. His statement in 1 Corinthians 9:1-2 is explicit. He argues: "Am I not an apostle? Am I not free? Have I not seen Jesus Christ the Lord? If I am not  an apostle to others, yet doubtless I am to you. For you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord" (NKJV). Paul's established Gentile ministries attest to his apostolic calling. 

It is instructive that God's mercy and grace in Christ motivated Paul and his team in soldiering on in their missionary work despite the unpleasant circumstances that obtained. Their spiritual transformation and calling in Christ had given them the impetus for serving God in truth against all odds. This truth should inform our walk and service in Christ too. 

Notice the statement of 4:2 - Paul describes the impact of their sanctification in Christ and the sincerity with which they served God in the proclamation of the gospel. This was profound.

They had renounced "the hidden things of shame", here identified with craftiness and deceitfulness with which some handled the gospel (4:2).  The Greek word for "shame" is also rendered "disgrace", a reference to disgraceful and clandestine conduct [Barnes']. Not all preachers who name the name of Christ are necessarily called by Him and neither serve Him in truth. 

Was Paul possibly referring to his critics who used the ministry of the gospel for self aggrandizement? 

Paul clarifies that his ministry service was evidenced by the manifestation of the truth. It was therefore approved of God.

In 4:3, Paul introduces a hypothetical supposition: even if the gospel is veiled [which thankfully isn't the case among the Corinthians] it is veiled to those who are perishing. This statement does not imply that God has ordained some to eternal damnation on account of their unbelief. It merely serves to demonstrate that persistent rebellion against the gospel is perilous. The present participle for "perish" is instructive that future change is not excluded [Ellicott's].The divine window of God's grace will some day be shut and those who resist God's grace may eternally perish in their disobedience. Notice that God shut the door during Noah's flood (Genesis 7:16).

Satan's role in this stubbornness is revealed in 4:4 where he is described as "the god of this age", a reference to Satan's evil empire (cf. John 12:31, 14:30. 16:11; Ephesians 2:2). Satan always stands in opposition to the gospel of Jesus Christ and God's people should stand up against him and his agents in defense of the truth. 

Scripture elsewhere exhorts us to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints (Jude 1:3-4). 

In 4:5, Paul disclaims any credit for his ministry effort. He and his associates preach "Christ Jesus the Lord". They were merely stewards of the mysteries of God (cf. 1 Corinthians 4:1-2). The authenticity of a gospel ministry should be evaluated on the basis of its focus, if any, on Christ. Once Christ ceases to be at the centre of its preaching, the ministry is lost. Our Christian doctrines must uphold the divinity and glory of the Person of Jesus Christ and honor His divine offices of Priest, Judge, and King.  

God commanded the light to shine out of darkness (4:6). The gospel is proclaimed at God's command. He is its ultimate author. God's word is unveiled through human vessels. It should therefore be entrusted to faithful men who will be able to teach others (2 Timothy 2:2). 

MORAL LESSONS

We can distill the following moral lessons from our study of the passage of 2 Corinthians 4:1-6:

1) We are saved by God's grace and our service to God should be motivated by our gratitude for His immeasurable grace towards us (cf. Romans 5:8)

2) We should serve God with sincerity and in truth and not out of a motivation for selfish gain or self acclaim (1 Corinthians 4:1-2).

3) Those who reject the gospel after having heard it proclaimed risk walking the path of perdition (John 3:16-17).

4) The gospel originates from God and proceeds at His command and by His enabling grace (John 1:1-2). It is not the work of men.

A true minister of the gospel does not commend himself to men or seek personal acclaim but faithfully proclaims Christ crucified (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:23, 2:1-5).

Christ must therefore increase as we decrease (John 3:30). In this way, God is glorified and the critics of the gospel are confounded in the end. 

Are you a child of God? Do not be ashamed of the gospel nor be discouraged by the enemies of the faith. Walk in the truth of God's word, proclaim its power and look forward to Christ's soon coming (Titus 2:11-14). 

The time is coming when God will separate the sheep from the goats and the wheat from the chaff (Matthew 25:31-36; Luke 3:17).

We ought to walk in the light of Christ's gospel. 

© Ezekiel Kimosop 2021