Verses 1-6
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Since we have been entrusted with such a powerful message, which reveals the knowledge of the glory of God...
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Verse 1. Don't lose courage. Keep sharing the Word!
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Verse 2. Don't misuse the Word for sin or selfish gain.
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See note on 2 Corinthian 2:17.
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Verses 3-4. Don't worry about people who do not receive the Word, as they are perishing anyway, and blinded by the devil.
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Know that everyone who will be saved will receive and believe the gospel!
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Verse 5. Don't preach your name, your opinions, your brand...only preach and promote the name of Jesus and His gospel!
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And give your life to serve others for the sake of promoting Christ!
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Verses 7-12
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But we carry the knowledge of Jesus and carry out His mission in weak, frail bodies. This is so that, when we are empowered, we know that the power comes from God and not from ourselves.
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Our presently weak bodies make us vulnerable to persecutions and pains. But if we endure these things and continue to press on in preaching the gospel, the life of Christ will give us energy, which shows His power to the world!
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“For My strength is made perfect in weakness,” Jesus said (2 Corinthians 12:9).
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No matter what you go through, purpose to stay obedient to God and continue to push the gospel forward. God will give you power and this is great for glorifying Him!
Verses 13-14
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Preach the gospel because you believe it! And never give up because you know that we all will be raised from death and live forever with Christ!
Verse 15
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And preach the gospel, do everything, endure everything...for the sole purpose of helping others and bringing glory to God. Period.
Verses 16-18
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Again, yes, we have a weak body that is growing old and will eventually die or be replaced, but our spirit-man is new every day. It never dies or wears out.
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And compared to the glory that awaits us, the pains of this life are insignificant. In fact, they do well even to prepare us for the eternal future to come!
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So, have an eternal perspective, and you will be stronger.
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Our current body and all of currents pains are small and temporary, but the glory to come is eternal!
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