(2Co 4:11) “For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. (12)  So then death worketh in us, but life in you.”  It is because of the desire to put aside self’s desires and allow Jesus to be seen in us that others are influenced to believe our message: “Jesus Christ not only died bearing your sin, but also rose again from the dead. He gives life, everlasting life that begins in this life, that life being evident in me.” 

(2Co 4:11) “For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.”  Our life here is to be lived for Christ Jesus, for we have His Holy Spirit living inside us. He is there to enable us to be victorious over sin and able to live in such a way as to bring glory to God.

(2Co 4:10) “Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.”  The following verses will aid in our understanding of “always bearing  about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus…”: (Gal_2:20) “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”; (Rom_6:4)” Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”

(2Co 4:8) We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; (9)  Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;”  When reading this our minds are to go back to the previous verse: “…we have this treasure in earthen vessels, THAT…the power may be of God….”  If one lives unto God, the body may be weak but…..they are strong in spirit and soul through our Lord Jesus Who dwells within us. 

(2Co 4:7) “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.”  Salvation: the birthing of our spirit; our bodies possessing the Holy Spirit of God; the knowledge of this plan and its glory as we study God’s Word; the understanding of an inheritance waiting for us; the ability to come into the very presence of God with our prayers. We possess all this understanding in bodies of corruptible flesh. This knowledge is a treasure indeed, beyond price.

 (2Co 4:6) “For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”  The Lord Jesus said these Words: (Jn 14:9b) “… he that hath seen me hath seen the Father;…”  Yet, not everyone that saw Him believed unto salvation: (Jn 6:36) “But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not.”  One must have the heart of willingness to embrace the light while turning their backs to the darkness.

 (2Co 4:5) “For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.”  Why include the portion regarding self as a servant to the Corinthians? Answer: it is Christ Jesus alone Who should be exalted! Whether God’s spokesman be rich or poor, famous or unknown, accomplished or not, it is Jesus alone Who is to be uplifted. Otherwise, some of the glory which should have gone to Him is stolen.

(2Co 4:4) “In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.”    The gospel is glorious: it reflects God Who is light, Who came to this earth (the image of God). Is it not glorious that God Himself would live among us sinless for to die in our place on an old rugged cross? Is it not glorious that that same God the Son would then rise from the dead? Is it not glorious that He would not only save the sinner but also give that sinner everlasting life? Is it not glorious that He would promise that sinner a new glorious body like His Own?

(2Co 4:4) “In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.”   As the god of this world (Satan) is selfish and rebellious of heart, so are his followers. Many give the true God lip service, but won’t fully embrace Him, not wanting to fully give up their own ways and desires. Jesus’ sufferings for them simply is not enough to move them to full surrender, thus keeping the Lord from saving their souls.

(2Co 4:4) “In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.”  Seeing that this is true, then the Lord must open eyes to see both their need and what He has done to save them. So, it is not your own ability to convince, but the Holy Spirit’s work of opening their spiritual eyes. Once revealed, they must respond rightly with a heart of repentance combined with faith to believe He is willing to forgive and save them.