06 Why Paul Did Not Lose Heart and What We Can Learn From Him (2 Corinthians 4)

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When ministry feels discouraging, confusing, or simply exhausting, how do you keep going? In this episode, Krisan walks through 2 Corinthians 4 and traces Paul’s repeated conviction: “We do not lose heart.” By unpacking Paul’s imagery of light in darkness, treasure in jars of clay, and an “eternal weight of glory,” she shows how his battered, unimpressive life as an apostle actually highlights the power and beauty of the gospel he proclaims.

In this week’s episode, we explore:

• How 2 Corinthians 4 fits into Paul’s larger defense of his ministry in this letter
• Why Paul refuses to “tamper with God’s word,” even when many people reject his message
• What Paul means when he says the god of this world has blinded the minds of unbelievers
• The significance of “the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ”
• Why Paul describes himself as a fragile “jar of clay” carrying a priceless treasure
• How his afflictions mirror the sufferings of Jesus
• Why Paul can call his very real hardships “light and momentary” in contrast to the eternal glory to come
• How Paul’s sufferings serve both the Corinthians’ spiritual good and his own confident hope of resurrection

After listening, you’ll come away with a clearer understanding of why Paul did not give up, even when his ministry looked weak and unsuccessful by human standards. You’ll be encouraged to see your own weaknesses and trials in light of God’s purposes, to remember that the results of faithful service belong to Him, and to keep speaking and living for Christ without losing heart, anchored in the promise of eternal life and glory with Him.

Series: 2 Corinthians: When Church Hurts

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