2015-09-13 — As Ministers, We Do Not Lose Heart!

Church Year: Pentecost 16:
Date: September 13, 2015

Theme: As Ministers, We Do Not Lose Heart!

– 2 Corinthians 4:1-12

– Pastor: John Hein

The Order of Worship: Bulletin

Liturgy: WS, p. 12 ff.

Hymns:

TLH 628 : Shepherd of Tender Youth
TLH 485 : Lord Jesus, Who Art Come
TLH 493 : Thou Who the Night in Prayer Didst Spend
WS 780 : Dear Lord, to Your True Servants Give
Installation of S.S. Teachers (after Lord’s Prayer)

Scripture Readings:

Theme: As Ministers, We Do Not Lose Heart!

2 Corinthians 4:1–12 (Listen)

The Light of the Gospel

4:1 Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God,¹ we do not lose heart. 2 But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice² cunning or to tamper with God’s word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God. 3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5 For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants³ for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

Treasure in Jars of Clay

7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. 8 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; 10 always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. 11 For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. 12 So death is at work in us, but life in you.

(ESV)