Message Notes

MORNING WORSHIP 28 June 2020
Text: 2 Corinthians 4
Title: “The same spirit of faith” 2 Corinthians 4:13

INTRODUCTION

1. Conclusion of this series of messages
“In all our tribulation” 2 Corinthians 1:4

2. A Theology of tribulation was carefully developed

a) We need not be afraid when we face tribulation

b) We can have deep assurance:

i) We have God and His comfort

ii) His help would be truly sufficient for all our needs

iii) He is with us in all our tribulation

c) We need to play our part

i) In having faith in God and His promises

ii) In trusting God’s leading

iii) In cultivating a good conscience

3. The last message on this series

a) The focus is on Faith and Ministry

b) Deep thoughts on this subject may be found (2 Corinthians 4)

THE MINISTRY GOD HAS GIVEN TO US

1. God has given us a ministry indeed

a) It has to do with our Church

b) It has to do with the Word of God 2 Corinthians 4:2

c) In the Covid-19 Pandemic

i) We have not been able to come together to worship at Bethany

ii) But the ministry of the Lord continues, just in different ways

2. The Ministry of the Word of God

a) It has very much to do with the word of God 2 Corinthians 4:2

b) It is the manifestation of the truth 2 Corinthians 4:2

c) It is the proclamation of the Gospel of the Lord
(Therein is the glory of Christ manifested) 2 Corinthians 4:4

i) The Gospel brings light 2 Corinthians 4:4

ii) God has commanded the light to shine 2 Corinthians 4:6

iii) It must be personally experienced 2 Corinthians 4:6

iv) “Light” is the knowledge of the glory of God
reflecting the face of Christ 2 Corinthians 4:6

3. A great Treasure described

a) Jesus called the Kingdom of heaven a hidden treasure Matthew 13:44

b) He also called it a pearl of great price Matthew 13:45-46

c) He describes a householder who has many treasures Matthew 13:52

4. A great Treasure appreciated
Paul also spoke of a “treasure” 2 Corinthians 4:7

a) This treasure is not confined to a single aspect

b) It has a number of features:

i) The word of God is more precious than gold Psalm 19:10

ii) The ministry entrusted is as precious as treasure 2 Corinthians 4:1

iii) It is the Gospel and the light it sheds 2 Corinthians 4:4

iv) It is Christ and His glory 2 Corinthians 4:4

v) It is the light of the knowledge of God in Christ 2 Corinthians 4:6

THE FAITH THAT GOD HAS GIVEN TO US

1. It is a Faith that we share
It is a very significant blessing God has given us and must not be taken for granted.

a) We have the same spirit of faith 2 Corinthians 4:13a

b) According to what is written 2 Corinthians 4:13b

i) I believed

ii) Therefore, I spoke Psalm 116:10

c) Application

i) We also believe

ii) And therefore speak 2 Corinthians 4:13c

2. There is Power in this faith we speak of

a) We are but “earthen vessels” 2 Corinthians 4:7a

i) We may not be strong physically

ii) We may have many illnesses/ weaknesses

b) But there is Power from God 2 Corinthians 4:7b

i) This is divine power

ii) This is not human power

3. Power is made manifest when Faith is exercised

a) Hard-pressed on every side
Yet not crushed 2 Corinthians 4:8a

b) We are perplexed
But not in despair 2 Corinthians 4:8b

c) Persecuted
But not forsaken 2 Corinthians 4:9a

d) Struck down
But not destroyed 2 Corinthians 4:9b

FAITH SHEDS LIGHT ON DEATH AND LIFE

1. The threat of Death

a) Delivered to death for Jesus’ sake 2 Corinthians 4:11a

b) Death is working in us 2 Corinthians 4:12a

2. The glory of Life

a) The life of Jesus is manifested
in our mortal flesh 2 Corinthians 4:11b

b) Life in you 2 Corinthians 4:12b

FAITH AND GRACE

1. Faith enables us to see the grace of God at work

2. Grace spreads to many 2 Corinthians 4:15

3. Grace would lead to salvation

4. Grace would cause thanksgiving to abound
to the glory of God 2 Corinthians 4:15

FAITH AND NEVER LOSING HEART

1. We do not lose heart

a) Even if the outward man is perishing 2 Corinthians 4:16b

b) Even if there is affliction 2 Corinthians 4:17

2. We are renewed

i) In the inner man 2 Corinthians 4:16c

ii) Day by day 2 Corinthians 4:16c

FAITH AND SPIRITUAL SIGHT

1. Faith enables us to see God working in us 2 Corinthians 4:17

a) God uses affliction to teach deep lessons

b) He helps us see an eternal weight of glory

2. Faith enables us to see the eternal perspective

a) We do not look at things which we see 2 Corinthians 4:18a

b) We see things that are not seen 2 Corinthians 4:18b

c) We do not see temporary things 2 Corinthians 4:18c

d) We see things that are eternal 2 Corinthians 4:18d

CONCLUSION

1. Faith is to be treasured

2. Faith is to be cultivated/ nurtured

3. Faith is to be applied

4. Faith will strengthen us significantly as we face tribulation in life