2 Corinthians – Chapter 4

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. 2 Corinthians 4:3-4 – Paul is seeking to make it clear to the Corinthian church that the message he is sharing to them and the world of the Gospel is clear, honest, and without any hidden agendas. Any who are willing to truly listen to his words will hear and see for themselves the light of the Gospel. Yet some have closed themselves off from the truth, veiled from seeing. Through their rejection, Satan, the “god of this world,” has blinded them from seeing the truth of the gospel and he is working overtime to keep their eyes from seeing the light. Let’s keep this in mind as we are sharing with others about Jesus. When we have someone who rejects our words and rejects anything of the Lord, remember Satan is feeding their “blindness.” He is daily seeking to keep their heart cold to the gospel and their eyes darkened from seeing the light. So truly this is a battle we are in when it comes to the Gospel. We are seeking to fight against the holds the devil has on those who don’t yet know Jesus. Pray for God’s power to break the holds of Satan, allow the fruits of the Spirit to be evident in your life with these relationships, and if the doors are opening to opportunities to share with them about Jesus…take it. The enemy isn’t taking a day off, but remember neither is Jesus. The question is are we being lazy in the fight that Jesus has called us to? Let your light shine and let it be seen by those still under Satan’s yoke. While the “god of the world” may appear to have victory in some people’s life, Jesus, the One True God, is able to easily take the victory for Himself. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 3127

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. 2 Corinthians 4:3-4 – This passage is saying that our enemy and sin has blinded them from seeing the beauty of the Gospel. Meaning, they don’t see the appeal or need to have God’s grace and love in their story. As confusing as that might be for us who see the immeasurable beauty of His love and grace, don’t give up on those who don’t see what you see. While they may not see it yet it doesn’t change the fact they need God’s grace and love in their story. Be sure to have your conversations filled with talk of Christ’s love, but make sure that you’re living it out as well. Maybe they don’t see the point yet of a relationship with God, but if they see it lived out fully within your life, possibly your life will attract them to wanting their own life with God. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac

But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. 2 Corinthians 4:7 – The treasure is the Gospel and the jars of clay are us. We have had the Gospel poured into us, ordinary people, simple jars of clay, so that all the glory is given to God for the work that is done. For if something amazing happens out of someone like you and me, it must have been something bigger than us working through us. So don’t take the label of being a “Jar of clay” as an insult, it’s exactly what God created us to be so His Gospel is heard and acknowledged. Our weakness shows to all how powerful God is. The fact you are still standing through all you’ve gone through and the list of amazing things that have happened because of you is proof that there is someone bigger who loves you and is supporting you. Celebrate how God has made you and chosen to use people like us weaknesses and all. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 722

For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God. 2 Corinthians 4:15 – We see Paul here describe for the church in Corinth why he was willing to go through such sufferings as a follower of Jesus. It was all for the glory of God. He shares that as grace extends to more people, meaning more people hear about the gospel and accept the forgiveness of Jesus, then more thanksgiving will take place for what God is doing. As a result, more glory will be given to God, more eyes will be on Him, and more lives will be devoted to Him. The suffering for Paul was worth it because God’s glory was worth suffering for. So maybe an odd question, but when would you say was the last time you suffered for God’s glory? No, maybe it wasn’t being thrown in prison for the gospel or being crucified, but you willing stepped into something uncomfortable because you know it would mean more people coming to know Jesus and more glory being given to God. Let’s say if the answer you give is too far to even remember it clearly, maybe we’ve been living too comfortably. Be willing to get uncomfortable for the sake of God’s glory. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2064