“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)
Many believers in Christ encounter doubt and despair in living and serving the Lord. What counsel does the Holy Spirit provide in the Scriptures? The Apostle Paul provides some needful direction in his second letter to the Corinthian church.
First, the believer in Christ must think correctly by reading and meditating upon the Word of God. By doing so, God protects them from doubt and despair. “Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart.” (2 Corinthians 4:1 ESV).
Second, believers in Christ do not distort the Word of God because of their circumstances. They seek to rightly interpret the Scriptures (2 Tim. 2:15). They do not ignore doubt and despair caused by difficult circumstances. They evaluate them in light of God’s Word. “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.” (2 Corinthians 4:2 ESV).
Third, believers in Christ realize that the unconverted do not understand the Scriptures. This is because in their unconverted condition, they lack the Holy Spirit. They exist in spiritual darkness (I John 1:1-7). “And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing.” (2 Corinthians 4:3 ESV).
Fourth, believers in Christ understand that enemies of the Gospel are blinded by the believer’s great enemy; the devil. “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 4:4 ESV)
Fifth, believers in Christ, as His servants, seek to glorify God whatever their circumstances. “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 Cor. 4:5-6 ESV)
May each of us be encouraged and strengthened by God’s Word when we encounter doubt and despair. Have a blessed day in the Lord.
Soli deo Gloria!
His Word Today 