What is the Christian life all about? It is about having your eyes fixed on Jesus, who is the author and finisher of your faith. Always … in every situation … looking at the face of Christ and finding the revealed glory of God. When Paul wrote 2 Corinthians he was under great difficulty and stress. it seems there is no part of Paul’s life that is not being challenged. What was the solution for all of Paul’s trouble? As long as he kept the proper focus, he found strength, comfort, encouragement, and even joy … all while experiencing extreme difficulty.
Looking into the Glory of the Lord
October 23, 2022 • Jim Rutter • 2 Corinthians 4:4–6, John 1:5, John 8:12
Looking into the Glory of the Lord 3
October 16, 2022 • 2 Corinthians 4:3–4
What a privilege it has been to be together with in the book of 2 Corinthians this month. What Paul writes in 3.18-4.6 is really profound. He addresses matters related to our salvation and the proclamation of the gospel. He says new covenant believers come with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, 3.18. Then he says, God has shone in our hearts, bringing the light of the knowledge of God’s glory, in the face of Jesus Christ. This privilege is given to those who believe on Christ and have received the New Covenant promises.
Looking into the Glory of the Lord 2
October 9, 2022 • 2 Corinthians 4:2–4
Jesus is always with us … and He cares. The reality, privilege, and good news of the New Covenant is that God is personally and intimately known to us by looking into the face of Jesus Christ. At all times in the Christian experience, the vision is Christ. This was certainly the case for Paul, who spent the vast majority of his life focusing on Jesus. When he looked at the glory of the Lord he found the sustaining power for every issue of life. In Jesus he found joy, hope, reassurance, and confidence. This is not something only reserved for Paul - this is for all of us. What happens when we look to Christ … keeping our eyes fixed on Him:
Looking Into the Glory of the Lord 1
October 2, 2022 • 2 Corinthians 3:18—4:1
Life can be incredibly difficult. And it seems the more dedicated we are to Christ, the more difficult it becomes. Jesus never promised anything other than trials, troubles, difficulties, pressures, and temptations for His own, John 16.33. But yet, he did promise to love us, never forsake us, and in the midst of all those struggles, trials, chaos, and confusion to be a present help. So how do we deal with life? How do we triumph or overcome? How do we keep moving forward? The answer to this is given in 2 Corinthians 3.18-4.6 As believers we can understand the fullness of God, which will sustain our spiritual life. To succeed, we must keep our eyes fixed on the glory of the Lord.
