Following Jesus 169

Following Jesus: The Progress of the Pilgrim.

The Castle of Doubt and the Giant of Despair. 2 Corinthians 4:1-18.

What can we learn from our personal pressures and persecutions because of Christ wherein we can overcome doubt and despair? To begin with and in light of 2 Corinthians 4:1-18, the follower of Jesus must think correctly upon the promises of God. The follower of Jesus must think correctly, or foster correct thinking, by reading and meditating upon the Word of God.

2 Corinthians 4:1-7 indicates the believer in Christ thinks correctly by never giving in to doubt and despair. “Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart” (2 Corinthians 4:1 ESV).

Secondly, the believer overcomes doubt and despair by not distorting the Word of God. Vs. 2-3. “But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God's word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone's conscience in the sight of God” (2 Corinthians 4:2 ESV). The believer does this realizes that “even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing” (2 Corinthians 4:3 ESV). The ultimate means to overcome doubt and despair is to always glorify Jesus and not ourselves. Vs. 4-7. “In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake.”

“For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us” (2 Corinthians 4:4-7 ESV).

The Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals is member supported and operates only by your faithful support. Thank you.