Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for May 6, 2018

“How to Keep Your Heart”   2 Corinthians 4:1-18   Bible Study   05/06/18

As we turn our attention to 2 Corinthians 4 this morning, we find Paul dealing with two interconnected issues which shape his Holy Spirit-inspired writing. Those issues are his intense suffering and his attacked apostleship. Rather than throw himself an ancient pity-party, Paul delights himself in the gospel. In the process, he challenges his readers of every age to join him in magnifying the gospel to the glory of God.

I. Acknowledge the illumination of Jesus (1-6)

• Therefore: pointing back to 2 Cor. 3
• declaration (1)
• renunciation (2-4)
• proclamation (5)
• illumination (6)

II. Affirm the manifestation of Jesus (7-15)

• contrast: treasure and clay pots (7)
• four cases of coping (8-9)
• Paul’s Jesus-focused perspective (10-12)
• encouragement from Psa. 116:10 (13-14)
• grace, thanksgiving and glory (15)

III. Anticipate the glorification of Jesus (16-18)

• Paul repeating himself
• external/internal contrast (16)
• temporary/permanent contrast (17)
• seen/unseen contrast (18)

IV. So What?

• Because of the power and permanence of the gospel, you can “keep your heart” in every circumstance.