It can be difficult to encourage yourself when circumstances are going against you. Christians do get discouraged but do not have to stay down. We can also be an encourager to other Christians and those who are not. The unbeliever needs to be told the truth about Jesus. The believer needs to remember the power of God.

1 – We are ministers of truth (vs. 1-4)

Therefore we are to:-

• Tell the truth (vs. 2). We are to tell the truth plainly. We are not like a magician who is out to trick people. If you conceal the truth then you shall lose heart. Paul did not water down the truth.
• Live the truth (vs. 2). There is no point telling the truth if we live in contradiction to it. No one likes a hypocrite!
• Expect opposition to the truth (vs. 3-4). There will be an opposition to the gospel. The truth is not always welcome.

2 – We minister the truth by focusing on Jesus (vs. 5-6)

We must penetrate the darkness with the light of Jesus Christ. The church must always proclaim the gospel to those who do not know Jesus. We must focus on Jesus. It is not about being the best that we can or cleaning up our lives. Without Jesus on the inside, you are living without Christ.

3 – We minister the truth by focusing on Jesus in our weakness (vs. 7-12)

When we are weak then we can still be strong in God.

• We are clay pots full of treasure. We may be weak on the outside but spiritually we can be strong.
• We are clay pots empowered. When we are weak we can receive strength from God. All we have to do is ask.
• We are clay pots broken, but not beyond repair. Weakness is required for God’s power to be displayed. They are opportunities to prove God’s power.

Categories: 2 Corinthians