Today in Church, our minister, Andrew, preached on 2 Corinthians 4:1-15. I felt he made some interesting observations.
He started his sermon with a quote from Churchill: "Never give in. Never give in. Never, never, never, never - in nothing great or small, large or petty - never give in, except to convictions of honour and good sense. Never yield to force. Never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy."
Andrew likened these comments of Churchill's to Paul's, when Paul says, "we never lose heart". Paul is saying, "never give in". Why would Paul say this? Paul is offering encouragement to the Corinthians, saying "I'm not giving in and not going away easily." He's also encouraging the Corinthians, who are in the minority - like most Christians. Even though most people don't accept the gospel, he sets forth the truth plainly; open and straight forward. He is not pressured, nor dismayed, by the unbelief around him to feel the need to change the gospel, to "sugar-coat" it, nor to "give in".
Paul does this "...because we see what they do not see." The gospel message is "veiled" as Satan, "the god of this age," has blinded people. Although the gospel message is true, they can't see it. This is beyond Paul's control, beyond anyone's power, except for God. God is the one who has the power to convert.
The fact is, no-one turns to Jesus unless God re-creates them. This is done as God has "made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God." We all used to be blind, until God shined his light into those he chooses. Thus, we Christians should be awe-struck at God's mercy and full of thanks and praise that we have been chosen.
So, why should we bother if it's all down to God? Well, the purpose of creation is to glorify and praise God - that's what we're here to do. That's why Paul bothers. His faith and obedience brings glory to God. I found that very encouraging - it's a good reminder.
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