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Treasure in Jars of Clay: Perseverance in Ministry

2 Corinthians 4:1-18

4
Chapter 4
1 For this reason, having this ministry just as we were shown mercy, we do not grow weary, 2 but we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in cunning nor adulterating the word of God, but by the manifestation of truth commending ourselves to every human conscience in the presence of God. 3 But if our gospel is even veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4 In whom the god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, so that the illumination of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, might not shine. 5 For we do not proclaim ourselves but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your slaves for Jesus' sake. 6 because the God who said, “Out of darkness, light will shine,” is the one who shone in our hearts for the illumination of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. 7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing power may be from God and not from us. 8 in every tribulation pressed but not distressed, perplexed but not despairing, 9 persecuted but not forsaken, knocked down but not destroyed, 10 always carrying about the dying of Jesus in the body, so that the life of Jesus in our body may also be manifested. 11 For we who are alive are always being handed over to death on account of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our mortal flesh. 12 So death is at work in us, but life in you. 13 Having, however, the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “I believed, therefore I spoke,” we also believe, therefore we also speak. 14 knowing that the one who raised Jesus and us with Jesus will raise us and will present us with you. 15 For all things are for your sake, so that the grace, having abounded through the many, might abound the thanksgiving to the glory of God. 16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Even if our outer man is being destroyed, our inner man is being renewed day by day. 17 For our momentary, light affliction, which is of this tribulation, is working for us far more exceedingly an eternal weight of glory. 18 not looking at the things that are seen but the things that are not seen; for the things that are seen are temporary, but the things that are not seen are eternal.