Treasure in Jars of Clay: Perseverance in Ministry
2 Corinthians 4:1-18
1Therefore, since we have this ministry, just as we were shown mercy, we do not lose heart.2But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness or distorting the word of God, but by the open presentation of the truth we commend ourselves to every human conscience before God.3And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled among those who are perishing.4In which the god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.5For we do not preach ourselves but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your slaves for Jesus' sake.6For the God who said, 'Out of darkness light will shine,' has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.7But we have this treasure in clay vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power may be of God and not from us.8We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair.9Persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.10Always carrying about in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be revealed in our body.11For we who live are always being delivered to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be revealed in our mortal flesh.12So death is at work in us, but life in you.13But having the same spirit of faith according to what is written, 'I believed, therefore I spoke,' we also believe, therefore we also speak.14Knowing that the one who raised Jesus will also raise us with Jesus and will present us with you.15For all things are for your sake, so that the grace which has increased through the greater number may cause the thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God.16Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer human is being destroyed, yet our inner self is being renewed day by day.17For our momentary light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison.18While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.