2 Corinthians 4

http://www.esvbible.org/2+Corinthians+4/

Paul is showing that the people who claim he is a false teacher are wrong. First, he says he and his followers have been constant in their work. They aren't discouraged if a people rejects them, and Paul credits that to God's mercy. Paul also says that they are not doing anything dark or deceitful. They have been very open about spreading the Good News. They even say that God is watching as they reveal truths about Him. Since they admit to knowing that God is always watching them work, the people should see that they wouldn't have ulterior motives because they are spreading news that God is the ultimate judge in the afterlife. Some people are unable to see the wonderful perfection of the Good News because the devil aka "god of this world" has blinded them to it. Instead, they chase after his domain of power, riches, and other things that society says will make us happy. Therefore, they don't see God's message or the gospel because they are under such a heavy hold from this world. Paul says that he is not teaching his own word or for his own sake, but he is rather teaching for Christ's sake. He has nothing to gain in doing what he does, and Jesus has everything to gain. We are his servants, and if we teach about Jesus for our own sakes then we are not serving him, and our message is worthless. The allusion to light here is that light was the beginning of creation, and so calling Jesus light is making this a new creation. Then, Paul says that we are clay vessels that carry the Good News. We are carry the Good News inside of us, and we should go about sharing it. Paul says that while we may be cast down and hurt and persecuted and abandoned by our world while we do God's work, God will not abandon us. Jesus said that His followers would be treated in the same way He was treated, so when the troubles come, we have to remember that God is with us and on oor side, and that He is bigger than any enemy we can know. We have people who have come before us to show us an example of what to do, and in the same way we should be examples for others. When we truly believe we should want to go around and tell others about His wonderful mercy. Paul also says that it doesn't matter what happens because Christ was risen from the dead, and He will raise those who believe in Him from the dead too. Paul says that while he grows tired and weary on the outside, on the inside he is refreshed and renewed by God for doing His work. He wants to see the Church at Corinth so full of the Holy Spirit that they overflow into the people around them. He says that the suffering we face in this world is only temporary, but the things that are eternal, are better than anything we can ever imagine.