2nd Corinthians 4

 

1 Therefore seeing as we have (received) this ministry (the same way), as we have received mercy (from the Lord), we do not (grow weary, exerting our own strength, so that we) faint;

2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, and do not walk in craftiness, nor handle the word of God deceitfully (for our own gain); but by the manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience (we speak Christ) in the sight of God.

3 But if our gospel is hidden (behind a veil), it is hidden to those that are lost (trying to find their own way to preserve their lives from the death and corruption in the world):

4 In whom the god of this world has blinded (by death) the minds of them which do not believe (their death has been sent away), lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of (the invisible) God, should shine unto them.

5 For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord (and Him crucified); and ourselves your servants (of the word of life) for Jesus' sake.

6 For God, who (in the beginning) commanded the light to shine out of darkness, has (in these last days of death in the earth, by the Son) shined (the light of the Father’s life and approval) in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God (which He has always purposed for us, now revealed) in the face of Jesus Christ.

7 But (right now in this present evil world) we have this treasure inside earthen vessels (the light of His indestructible life), so that the (surpassing) excellency of the power (for us to appear in the likeness of His resurrection) may be of (the Spirit of) God, and not of us.

8 (And because of this hope) we are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;

9 Persecuted, but never forsaken; cast down, but never destroyed;

10 Always carrying around in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, so that (in fellowshipping with His sufferings) the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body (looking to the faith of Him whereby He did not lift a finger to preserve His own life).

11 For we who (are crucified with Christ and who do now) live (by the faith of Him) are always delivered to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest inside our mortal flesh (even unto our bodies immortal in the resurrection).

12 So then (even while) death works (and manifests) in us, but (the) life (of Christ) in you.

13 (For) we, having the same spirit of faith (as Christ), according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak (we in Christ);

14 Knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus shall also raise up us by Jesus and shall present us (along) with you (in the likeness of His life and bodily immortality).

15 For all things are for your sakes, so that the grace (of God) might abound more and more through the thanksgiving of many (calling upon the name of the Lord) to the glory of God.

16 For this reason, we do not faint (relying upon our own strength); but though our outward man perishes, yet the inward man is renewed day by day (by the Spirit of the living God).

17 For this light affliction, which is but for a moment, (is not worthy to be compared to and) works for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;

18 While we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal (and will fade away); but (we look at the faith of Jesus, who has provided the certainty of) the things which are not seen (that) are eternal.