Motivated by Mercy

Bishop Gobat of Jerusalem, after a long missionary journey at one time, was greatly discouraged, He felt that God had forsaken him. Finding a cave, he went into it, spending a long time in prayer, telling the Lord how forsaken he was. It was a very dark cave. After being in the dark a while, his eyes became accustomed to it. He was startled by seeing a wild animal, a hyena and her cubs, near him. It is said that there is no animal more ferocious than a hyena with cubs. But God protected him; the hyena never offered to touch him. God's hand was keeping him at the very hour in which he thought that he was forsaken. He passed out unharmed. Oh that God would open our eyes so that we might realize the fact that at times when we get the idea that we are forsaken of Him He is keeping us from unseen dangers.—

"WE DO NOT LOSE HEART"

The Bible Exposition Commentary Chapter Four: Courage for the Conflict (2 Corinthians 4:1–5:8)

The key theme of this section is repeated in 2 Corinthians 4:1 and 16: “We faint not!” Literally, Paul said, “We do not lose heart!” There were certainly plenty of reasons for discouragement in Paul’s situation, yet the great apostle did not quit. What was it that kept him from fainting in the conflicts of life? He knew what he possessed in Jesus Christ! Instead of complaining about what he did not have, Paul rejoiced in what he did have; and you and I can do the same thing.

2 COR 4:16

2 Corinthians 4:16 NASB95

Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day.

2 Corinthians 4:1

2 Corinthians 4:1 NASB95

Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we received mercy, we do not lose heart,

A GLORIOUS MINISTRY

The Bible Exposition Commentary Chapter Four: Courage for the Conflict (2 Corinthians 4:1–5:8)

We Have a Glorious Ministry (2 Cor. 4:1–6)

“Therefore, seeing we have this kind of ministry” is the literal translation of what Paul wrote. What kind of ministry? The kind described in the previous chapter: a glorious ministry that brings men life, salvation, and righteousness; a ministry that is able to transform men’s lives. This ministry is a gift—we receive it from God. It is given to us because of God’s mercy, not because of anything we are or we have done (see 1 Tim. 1:12–17).

The way you look at your ministry helps to determine how you will fulfill it. If you look on serving Christ as a burden instead of a privilege, you will be a drudge and do only what is required of you. Some people even look on service as a punishment from God. When Paul considered the fact that he was a minister of Jesus Christ, he was overwhelmed by the grace and mercy of God. His positive attitude toward the ministry had some practical consequences in his life.

1 Tim. 1:12–17

1 Timothy 1:12–17 NASB95

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service, even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor. Yet I was shown mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief; and the grace of our Lord was more than abundant, with the faith and love which are found in Christ Jesus. It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all. Yet for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

Divine Calling Comes with Divine Enabling

Mercy Should Motivate Us:

It will keep us from being quitters (v. 1). He confessed to the Corinthians that his trials in Asia had almost brought him to despair (2 Cor. 1:8). In spite of his great gifts and vast experience, Paul was human and subject to human frailties. But how could he lose heart when he was involved in such a wonderful ministry? Would God have entrusted this ministry to him so that he might fail? Of course not! With the divine calling came the divine enabling; he knew that God would see him through.

2 Corinthians 1:8 NASB95

For we do not want you to be unaware, brethren, of our affliction which came to us in Asia, that we were burdened excessively, beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of life;

A discouraged Methodist preacher wrote to the great Scottish preacher, Alexander Whyte, to ask his counsel. Should he leave the ministry? “Never think of giving up preaching!” Whyte wrote to him. “The angels around the throne envy you your great work!” That was the kind of reply Paul would have written, the kind of reply all of us need to ponder whenever we feel our work is in vain.

Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, p. 641). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

Worth Fighting For:

This ministry belongs to us

People don't give up on what matters to them

because they what matters is worth fighting for!

Jesus died for us because he thought we worth it

Thank God for Mercy

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