1 + 2 Corinthians | Reading Plan + Study QuestionsNäide

2 CORINTHIANS 4

BELIEVERS ARE GIVEN RESURRECTION POWER + ETERNAL HOPE

Paul encourages the Christians in Corinth not to lose heart or become discouraged. Warning the people of Corinth to cling to truth, Paul refutes cunning practices that distort God’s Word. He refers to Satan as the “god of this world,” not because Satan has authority over the world, but because humanity falls into the evil ways of sin. Satan, or the Enemy, aims to blind people from the light of God’s Word, not wanting them to know the truth of Jesus. Because of this opposition believers are called to act as lights by sharing God’s glory.

Paul compares the messengers of Jesus to clay jars containing a treasure. God has trusted His greatest gift, Jesus, to fragile, temporary people. Paul treats this calling with great caution and great honor. Acknowledging both their oppression and God’s protection, Paul states that the believers are persecuted, but not abandoned, struck down, but not destroyed.

Paul explains that believers are given the same Holy Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead, allowing Christians to experience resurrection power. Although physical bodies will eventually waste away, believers will be restored and redeemed in God’s presence. Although believers will face temporary affliction, they are being prepared for eternal glory beyond all comparison. Because of this hope, Paul encourages believers to focus on eternal unseen things over physical, transient persecution.

STUDY QUESTIONS

2 Corinthians 4:3-4 references the “god of this world.” To whom is that referring?

How does 2 Corinthians 4:7-18 offer hope for both this life and eternity?