The Gospel Light

2 Corinthians 4:3–6: 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.

The awesome fact that Paul had received this ministry from Christ kept him from being a quitter and a deceiver; but it also kept him from being a self-promoter. “We preach not ourselves!” The Judaizers enjoyed preaching about themselves and glorying in their achievements. They were not servants who tried to help people; they were dictators who exploited people. Paul was certainly a man who practiced genuine humility. He did not trust in himself or commend himself or preach himself. He sought only to lead people to Jesus Christ and to build them up in the faith. It would have been easy for Paul to build a “fan club” for himself and take advantage of weak people who thrive on associating with great men. ¹

Personal Application

• Read 1 Corinthians 1:19. How does the light of Christ shine from your heart? How often is that light used to draw people to Jesus?

Godly Encouragement

• Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. –2 Corinthians 5:17

A Biblical Thought to Share with Others

A Divine Light shines through a believer’s heart to reach a darkened world. – TWEET IT

A Prayer to Consider

Lord, may my knowledge of You be for Your glory, and not mine.