O 4:1-6. Contrasts as to others. P 4:7-14. Instrumentalities. Q 4:15. Benefit to the Corinthians. O 4:15-5:5. Contracts as to themselves. P 5:6-10. Instrumentalities. Q 5:11. Benefit to mankind.
2 Corinthians 4)
1 On account of this having this ministry, as we received mercy (cp. 1 Cor. 7:25), we faint not; (We've got the faith. We know we've got God's hand upon us, mercy. He's going to take care of us. We are not going to quit. We are can-do type people.)
2 But have renounced the shameful secret things, not walking in craftiness (see Luke 20:23), nor handling the word of God deceitfully (if you ever want to make our Father unhappy, do one of those things, you'll find yourself on the end of His paddle.); but by manifestation (see 1 Cor. 12:7) of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. (Letting them see it in their own sight, making the Word come to life. Pray for that gift.)
3 But if our gospel be hid also, it is hid also in them that are perishing: (See Cor. 1:18)
4 In whom the god of this age (Satan, he's allowed that power. See 1 Pet. 3:7) has blinded the minds of the unbelieving, to the end the illumination of the gospel (or good news) of glory of the Christ, who is the image of God, should not shine unto them. (Satan likes to hinder the gospel.)
5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord (cp. Rom. 10:9); and ourselves your servants on account of Jesus.
6 For God, who commanded (lit. spoke. Cp. Gen. 1:3) the light to shine out of darkness, has shined in our hearts, to the illumination of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels (treasure in the East is often hidden in the earth and in a potter's vessel to protect from damp,&c. Cp. Jer. 32:14), in order that the excellency out of the power may be of God, and not of us. (It does not emanate from us. Above "of god" is the possessive case. The power not only emanates from God, but belongs to Him. He does not part with it.)
8 We are afflicted in everything, yet not distressed; we are perplexed (not knowing which way to turn. See Acts 25:20), but not in despair;
9 Persecuted, but not abandoned; cast down (Gr. kataballō, Heb. 6:1. Rev. 12:10), but not destroyed; (Notice the 4 "not's" in these 2 verses. Things may get rough, but we will rejoice in our persecution for the sake of the Lord. We will never give up.)
10 Always bearing about in the body the dying (it means the condition of the corpse. It was his constant experience. See next verse) of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.
11 For we which live are always delivered to death for Jesus' sake (see John 19:30), that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. (See Rom. 6:12. God's elect will be delivered to death, that is to say Satan, and they will make the true Jesus known.)
12 So then death works in us, but life in you.
13 We having the same spirit of faith (faith being the Spirit's gift. 1 Cor. 12:9), according to that which has been written, "I believed, therefore I spoke;" we also believe, therefore we speak also; (Eternal life works in you. You will enter the 4th dimension of time eternal, that is to say forever.)
14 Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also through Jesus, and shall present us with you. (If you believe Jesus rose and went to a higher place, so will you. See 1 Thess. 4:14.)
15 For all things are on account of you, that the abounding grace might through the thanksgiving of the majority overflow to the glory of God. (Anything you're suffering through, God loves you, and He's trying to fix it for you. You've got to help Him help you though. Then, when we die, we are resurrected into the very kingdom of God. We enter the 4th dimension of time eternal.)
16 Therefore we faint not; but though our outward man is corrupted (or destroyed. don't let the flesh control you), yet the inward man (Rom. 7:22. Eph. 3:16) is renewed day by day. (Eternal.)
17 For our light affliction (lit. momentary lightness of our affliction), which is but for a moment, works for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; (See Acts 15:28. The little bit of trouble you may endure can't compare to the glory you will experience in the 4th dimension.)
18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporary (for a season); but the things which are not seen are eternal. (The 4th dimension is eternal. You can't see it, but you know it is real. It is our Father's Kingdom.)