Lake Region Bible Church | Sermons
GODLY CONFIDENCE IN DAILY LIFE THRU THE GOSPEL (2Co 4:1-18) 06-28-09
INTRODUCTION: Today’s Topic: Confidence. Today’s Passage in Context (2 Corinthians 4:1-18): --> the Central Theme of 2 Corinthians: * “The central theme of 2 Corinthians is the relationship between suffering and the power of the Spirit in Paul's apostolic life, ministry, and message . . . Paul's opponents had argued that Paul suffered too much to be a Spirit-filled apostle of the risen Christ. Paul argues that his weakness as an apostle is the very means by which believers are comforted (1:3–11) and God in Christ is made known in the world (2:14–17; 4:7–12; 6:3–10; 11:23b–33). Paul's sufferings embody the cross of Christ, while his endurance amid adversity, with thanksgiving and contentment, manifests the resurrection power of the Spirit (12:7–10). Paul's suffering as an apostle is thus the very means God uses to reveal his glory (1:3–4, 11, 20; 4:15; 9:11–15; 10:17–18).” *ESV Study Bible, Crossway Bibles, © 2007. --> the New Covenant: a new creation is coming thru God’s power. CONFIDENCE, TRUTH, AND THE GOSPEL -->(vs1-6) We have an Unshakeable Confidence based on God’s Truth in the Gospel. --> Therefore, we do not lose heart (though our Gospel is Rejected, God’s Truth prevails Victoriously). CONFIDENCE, POWER, AND THE GOSPEL --> (vs7-12) We have a Persevering Confidence based on God’s Power in the Gospel. --> Therefore, we do not lose heart: though we suffer many trials, God’s Power manifests the Life of Jesus thru our weaknesses. CONFIDENCE, HOPE, AND THE GOSPEL --> (vs13-18) We have a Joyful Confidence based on our Hope of God’s Promise in the Gospel. --> Therefore, we do not lose heart: though our lives are wasting away, we find Joy in the Hope of the coming Eternal Glory.