1. 2 Corinthians 4:1 - 6 Living in the light of the gospel

2. Overview This passage continues from last week The call to gospel ministry The approach to gospel ministry The (lack of) response to gospel ministry The focus of gospel ministry So what?

3. What’s the “therefore” there for? This is not a new thought – It links firmly to last weeks passage What were we considering last week? – The apparent “plainness” of the gospel – The glory of the gospel – The veil over unbelieving hearts – The transforming power of the gospel Therefore…

4. The call to gospel ministry God has shown mercy to us God commissioned us to this ministry God empowers us for this ministry Jesus’ specific command – Matthew 28: 18-20 (The great commission)

5. The approach to gospel ministry Renounced secret and shameful ways Don’t deceive Don’t distort the Word of God Present the truth plainly We must answer to our consciences We must answer to God

6. Lack of response to gospel ministry The gospel remains veiled by unbelief Satan blinds the minds of unbelievers – Blinded minds not blinded eyes – Refusal to accept the gospel We must believe even when we can’t explain – It is Jesus that they are rejecting

7. Salvation is only in Jesus Don’t elevate yourself Don’t look to human ability We lift Jesus high for all to see We are willing servants God shines His light into our hearts The light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ

8. So what? Do we live in the light of the gospel? – Are we responding to the great commission? Are we open and honest about scripture and the gospel? – Are we more biblical than the Bible itself? Do we handle scripture faithfully? Do we appeal to conscience or reason? Do we recognise the spiritual nature of the battle? Do we pray against the blindness? Are we lifting Jesus high?