The Light of the Gospel
2 Corinthians 3:16 &18 (NLT)
16 But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. …. 18 So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. ….
John 8:12 (NLT)
Jesus, the Light of the World
12 Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”
- We can see and reflect the glory of the Lord.
2 Corinthians 4:1-6 (NLT)
The Light of the Gospel
4 Therefore, since God in his mercy has given us this new way, we never give up. 2 We reject all shameful deeds and underhanded methods. We don’t try to trick anyone or distort the word of God. We tell the truth before God, and all who are honest know this.
3 If the Good News we preach is hidden behind a veil, it is hidden only from people who are perishing. 4 Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.
5 You see, we don’t go around preaching about ourselves. We preach that Jesus Christ is Lord, and we ourselves are your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ.
Examine the scriptures:
2 Corinthians 4:1-6 (NLT)
The Light of the Gospel
1Therefore, since God in his mercy has given us (Paul and his coworkers) this new way, we never give up.
- Grace is a gift we don’t deserve, while mercy is not getting the punishment we deserve.
A gift
Ephesians 2:8-9 (NLT)
8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.
God’s role in this verse: God saved us by his grace.
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- God saved us by his grace.
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Our role in this verse: Never give up.
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- Paul never gave up. We should never get tired of doing what is good.
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Galatians 6:9 (NLT)
9 So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.
2 We reject all shameful deeds and underhanded methods.
Matthew 24:24 (NLT)
24 For false messiahs and false prophets will rise up and perform great signs and wonders so as to deceive, if possible, even God’s chosen ones.
- We are surrounded by false teachers.
We don’t try to trick anyone or distort the word of God. We tell the truth before God, and all who are honest know this.
We (Paul and his coworkers) don’t try to trick anyone or distort the word of God.
Colossians 2:4 (NLT)
4 I am telling you this so no one will deceive you with well-crafted arguments.
- We should not be fooled by well-crafted arguments and we should not use well-crafted arguments to try to convince others of God’s truths.
We don’t argue. We share the truth.
- We dare not water down scripture.
2 Timothy 4:3 (NLT)
3 For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear.
- We dare not be influenced to teach just what people want to hear.
2 Timothy 2:15 (NLT)
An Approved Worker
15 Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.
3 If the Good News we preach is hidden behind a veil, it is hidden only from people who are perishing.
We cannot persuade people to believe; only God can do that.
Some people won’t “get it”. That is not our responsibility.
4 Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.
- Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe.
5 You see, we don’t go around preaching about ourselves.
It’s not about us.
We preach that Jesus Christ is Lord,
- We preach that Jesus Christ is Lord.
1 Corinthians 10:31 NLT
31 So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
and we ourselves are your servants for Jesus’ sake.
- We are Christ’s servants.
6 For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ.
Physical
Genesis 1:3
3 Then God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.
Spiritual
Colossians 1:13 (NLT)
13 For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son,
Encounter the life-transforming glory of God.
Ephesians 5:8 (NLT)
8 For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light!
Matthew 5:16 (NLT)
16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
- Live as someone who has been transformed by the glory of God.
- Live as people of light!
