Let There Be Light – 2 Corinthians 4:1-6

One of the virtues attributed to George Washington was honesty. “I cannot tell a lie,” the legend goes that he said when confronted about chopping down a cherry tree. Washington was very careful to be honest and to appear unambitious. He wanted position but he did not vaunt himself. He allowed others to call on him to take places of power. He knew the power of a good reputation.

Paul’s reputation with the Corinthians is suffering because of the jealousy of certain leaders who have gained influence in the Corinthian congregation. He is still defending himself but also helping the Corinthians to see the truth of the gospel and its implications for how they and their leaders must operate.

Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart. But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God’s word, but by the open statement of the truth we would 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. In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. (2 Corinthians 4:1-6 ESV)

The ministry of the New Covenant, though it involves a death to self and suffering for Christ’s sake, nevertheless gives courage and integrity for serving the God of mercy.  It makes us realize we cannot manipulate people to believe it.  We can’t hide our true motives for preaching it.  We certainly cannot alter it ourselves.  Instead we must preach it openly and truthfully to whomever will listen.

If someone doesn’t receive it, it is because the veil still lies over their heart and Satan is deceiving them still so they won’t be saved.  If one embraces it, as we have, it is only because the Creator God who said, “Let there be light,” has said the same in our hearts and caused us to come to know Jesus Christ.  We see the glory of God when we see the Savior’s face.  We see the Savior’s face in the gospel.

Paul is indirectly answering the charges of the Corinthians leaders who suggest Paul preaches from impure motives. The best defense, as they say, is a good offense. When we are accused of impure motives we, like Paul, act with openness and represent the truth in both our teaching and behavior. We act selflessly, serving others, and proclaim Jesus as Lord.

Discussion Questions for Small Groups

1. If you could be a star on TV, what type of show would it be and why?
2. What is the right motive for wanting to have a good reputation?
3. How does Paul say he got this ministry of New Covenant proclamation and what decisions had he made as a result?
4. How does Paul explain the varying results we might get to our sharing of the gospel?
5. How did you experience God shining His light in your darkness?
6. How do you feel you do with sharing God’s light with others?       How do you want to improve?