I promised 5 more posts. I’ll give you 2. There are lots of reasons why it’s easy to lose heart in the Christian life and in Christian ministry. But don’t. Don’t lose heart.
Here are 5 things we can know from 2 Corinthians 4, that will help us to not lose heart:
- We know some will reject the gospel – we can be discouraged by fruitlessness in Christian ministry. We want our churches and youth groups to be overflowing with people who are accepting the gospel. 2 Cor 4:1-4 makes it clear that people will reject the gospel. Don’t be surprised. It is veiled to those who are perishing. So, we don’t lose heart, we don’t change the gospel, rather we’re to keep setting forth the truth plainly.
- We know some will accept the gospel – as we set forth the truth, God will save some. As we preach the message that Jesus Christ is Lord (v5), God will shine his light into the hearts of people that they will come to know Jesus (v6). Don’t lose heart. Many might reject the gospel, but many will believe in Jesus. Rejoice with the angels in heaven over one sinner who repents.
- We know where God’s power is found – it’s easy to think we need to be like Superman or Superwoman. We don’t. Don’t lose heart over your weakness and frailty. We are like jars of clay to show that the power belongs to God (v7). God is the One who works. It’s his work, we are but servants of Him (v6). We’re not competent – any competency we have comes from God (2 Cor 3:5-6). Don’t lose heart – learn to trust that God will work powerfully as his word goes out. More than that, we can even boast in our weakness (2 Cor 12:9)!
- We know that Jesus’ death brings life – remember Jesus (2 Tim 2:8). When you are tempted to lose heart and give up, consider Jesus (Heb 12:3). His death – on the cross, in our place, for our sins – brings life (vv10-12). When you understand the death of Jesus, it changes everything! Don’t lose heart – trust Jesus – and be thankful for the life you now have through his death. Look back to the cross.
- We know that we will be raised with Jesus – as well as looking back, look forward. “…we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you in his presence” (v14). You might be discouraged. But know that the life Jesus offers is a life beyond the grave. We have a resurrection hope. This isn’t it. There’s more. Don’t lose heart – but long to be physically raised with Him.
What does all this mean? Stay tuned for the final post in the series…