2 Corinthians 4 (New International Version)
View In My BibleTreasures in Jars of Clay
1 Therefore, since through God's mercy1 we have this ministry, we do not lose heart.2 2 Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways;3 we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God.4 On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to every man's conscience5 in the sight of God. 3 And even if our gospel6 is veiled,7 it is veiled to those who are perishing.8 4 The god9 of this age10 has blinded11 the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ,12 who is the image of God.13 5 For we do not preach ourselves,14 but Jesus Christ as Lord,15 and ourselves as your servants16 for Jesus' sake. 6 For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness,"a17 made his light shine in our hearts18 to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.19 7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay20 to show that this all-surpassing power is from God21 and not from us. 8 We are hard pressed on every side,22 but not crushed; perplexed,23 but not in despair; 9 persecuted,24 but not abandoned;25 struck down, but not destroyed.26 10 We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus,27 so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.28 11 For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake,29 so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. 12 So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.30 13 It is written: "I believed; therefore I have spoken."b31 With that same spirit of faith32 we also believe and therefore speak, 14 because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead33 will also raise us with Jesus34 and present us with you in his presence.35 15 All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving36 to overflow to the glory of God. 16 Therefore we do not lose heart.37 Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly38 we are being renewed39 day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.40 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen.41 For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. (New International Version Bible Online)
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