Text: 2 Corinthians 4:1-7
1 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;
2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.
3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.
6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
THE LIGHT OF GOD’S GLORY
Memory verse: 1 Corinthians 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
In any programme where the interest of the deaf and dumb are considered in the planning, they make provision for them through interpretation with signs and demonstrations. The blind might hear what is being taught in the programme. But when teachings are carried out with physical objects, where there is need to demonstrate with colours for clearer understanding. What happened to the blind? The blind will hear the explanation but how do you demonstrate the practical teachings to someone without sight. They have never seen light or understands how some of these things look like. They are without the knowledge of colours or shape of things.
Just as a blind person cannot visualize objects and colours so is an unsaved brother or sister cannot see Christ in all his glory. On a Christmas celebration only, a few people would understand who Jesus really is. Many heard the report of the shepherds and were amazed, but they did not view the baby in the manger as the Son of God. Our text today will help our understanding. One of the reasons the meaning of Christmas escapes us is because we have:
Blinded Minds. Verses 3-and 4 of our text this morning has made us to understand that the god of this world is responsible to the blindness of the lost to the glory ahead. The Gospel is the power of God unto salvation to as many that would believe. But will not change the lives of the unsaved who has been vailed. This gospel that has such unique powers has been so ineffective in the cases of majority who hear the Gospel. Because they have refused to perceive the heavenly glory. The problem is not in the gospel or with the preachers or preaching methods, but in those who have failed to discern the glory ahead. It is not because the revelations in the gospel are obscure and difficult to understand, but because people preferred to be blinded by sin, self, and Satan.
From creation of man the devil has used sin to place a veil over our understanding so that we become blind to the glory ahead. Therefore, the Holy Spirit is so important to the work of sharing the gospel, for only He can lift the veil and open our spiritual eyes.
COVENANT GATE HYMNALS 18; SS & S 1. PRAISE, MY SOUL, THE KING OF HEAVEN.
- Praise, my soul, the King of heaven.
To His feet thy tribute bring.
Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven,
Who like thee His praise shall sing?
Praise Him! Praise Him!
Praise the everlasting King!
- Praise Him for His grace and favour
To our fathers in distress.
Praise Him still the same as ever,
Slow to chide, and swift to bless:
Praise Him! Praise Him!
Glorious in His faithfulness!
- Farther-like He tends and spares us,
Well, our feeble frame He knows.
In His hands he gently bears us,
Rescues us from all our foes.
Praise Him! Praise Him!
Widely as His mercy flows.
- Angels, help us to adore him,
Ye behold him face to face!
Sun and moon bow down before him!
Dwellers all in time and space,
Praise Him! Praise Him!
Praise with us the God of grace!
Today’s Prayer
- Lord Jesus, be my everlasting light. Remove every shadow of confusion, fear, and doubt from my life, and guide me daily with the brightness of Your glory.
- Father, let Your light expose and destroy every hidden work of darkness in me. Replace weakness with strength, ignorance with revelation, and bondage with freedom in Christ in Jesus’ name. Amen.
- Lord, let Your light shine on families, communities, and nations living in spiritual darkness. Break the veil of deception and reveal the saving power of Jesus Christ.
