Verses 1-6, “Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart. But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake. For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”
Recognizing that this ministry was ordained by God, Paul is not going to lose heart and become cowardly in approaching to his service to God. Contrary to what others have done, he is going to preach the message boldly without fearing man so much that the message is altered in any way to his own benefit. Unfortunately there are those in teaching positions who will hide their true agendas, rendering them ineffective for the kingdom of God. We could say they are enemies of God. However, this is not the case with Paul. If the message was not received, it is not because he failed to speak the truth boldly or had some hidden agenda; but rather that the listeners' hearts were darkened, or veiled. They have been blinded by the god of this age and refuse to believe. I John 5:19, “We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one.”
I love that Paul says, "we do not preach ourselves." How many times have you left a church services knowing more about the pastor and his personal life than about Jesus? Don't get me wrong, it is okay to use a personal example to demonstrate the application of a spiritual concept, but when the sermon is devoted to winning followers unto a church or pastor through wordly wisdom and tactics, then the sheep are the ones who suffer. Think of it like junk food. A little bit isn't going to kill you, but a steady diet of it over time will really mess with your overall health. There is no healthy substitute for the word of God, so a real shepherd will deliver the pure word. Hebrews 4:12, “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” According to James 1:2, the word has the power to save souls. A man's personality and stories cannot do that. Therefore, we should always stick to the word, and avoid giving advice based on our personal opinions.
Verses 7-15, “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed— always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So then death is working in us, but life in you. And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “I believed and therefore I spoke,” we also believe and therefore speak, knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present us with you. For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God.”
Paul understands completely that any power he may appear to have is only from God. We are nothing more than containers, or vessels, used by Him for His glory. Even through trials and tribulations, Paul will not lose heart knowing that God will strengthen him daily to do His will and calling. In fact, it is during the most difficult times in our lives, that God will shine through us to those watching us. That is precisely why we can rejoice, even in the midst of these trials. The more we are dead to ourselves, the more God can use us. II Corinthians 12:10, “Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
Verses 16-18, “Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” Knowing that God's excellency is at work in us is what gives us the strength to keep going, even when our situation looks impossible. The reality is, anything that we suffer is so small compared to the sufferings of Christ. Because we suffer for Christ's sake, we will also share in His glory. By these sufferings, we know that we are His children. Romans 8:16-17, “The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.” Paul had his eyes on eternity, as we all should, keeping our focus off the temporal and looking forward to our future with Him.
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