"We have such trust through Christ..."
Text: 2 Corinthians 3:4
A PROFOUNDLY NEW UNDERSTANDING
Paul’s teaching here was profoundly new and even startling! He had to explain himself further.
“And we have such trust through Christ toward God.”
2 Corinthians 3:4
1. Common understanding
The usual ministries of those who serve the Lord include the following:
a) Preaching
b) Teaching
c) Evangelising
d) Counseling
2. “And we have such trust”
a) This speaks of Paul’s confidence or trust.
b) How did he come to have such a strong sense of trust?
3. This confidence was to be found in Christ Jesus Himself
a) All ministries must centre on the Lord Jesus Christ Himself.
i) He is the epicentre of all our ministries.
ii) He is the Source of both inspiration and power.
b) This confident trust
i) It grew from experience.
ii) It was cultivated through greater knowledge and insight.
iii) It was nurtured carefully in prayer and faith.
4. Towards God
a) Ministries are never mechanical.
b) Ministries are done with God in mind.
i) They must have His approval.
ii) They must be done for His glory.
5. Divine involvement
a) God’s work must be done in full consciousness of the need of His involvement.
b) His blessing must be sought.
c) His power must also be evidently demonstrated.
d) There will be fruits to encourage our hearts to know that such confident trust is not a vain hope.