KNOWING GOD – THE GOD OF MIRACLES – Lesson Seven
MIRACLE OF THE NEW BIRTH
Text: 2 Corinthians 4 (Amplified Bible)
[In this chapter we have the “result” of the “Miracle of the New Birth.” Note that Nicodemus was astounded when he was informed of “the new birth” by Jesus. See John 3:1-10.]
V.1 – THEREFORE, SINCE we do hold and engage in this ministry by the mercy of God [granting us favor, benefits, opportunities, and especially salvation], we do not get discouraged (spiritless and despondent with fear) or become faint with weariness and exhaustion.
We – Paul and his fellow workers, such as: Barnabas – Acts 13:2; Silas – Acts 15:40; Timothy – Acts 16:1-3; Luke – Acts 16:10; Priscilla and Aquila – Acts 18:18; Sopater, Aristarchus, Secundus, Gaius, Tychicus and Trophimus – Acts 20:4; Sosthenes – 1 Corinthians 1:1; Apollos – 1 Corinthians 1:12; Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus – 1 Corinthians 16:17. See Romans 16 for others.
This ministry – 2 Corinthians 3:6 – [It is He] Who has qualified us [making us to be fit and worthy and sufficient] as ministers and dispensers of a new covenant [of salvation through Christ], not [ministers] of the letter (of legally written code) but of the Spirit; for the code [of the Law] kills, but the [Holy] Spirit makes alive.
And especially salvation – “Miracle of the new birth.” Note Acts 9:20-22 (NIV) – 20At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. 21All those who heard him were astonished and asked, “Isn’t he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name? And hasn’t he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?” 22Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Christ.
V.3 – But even if our Gospel (the glad tidings) also be hidden (obscured and covered up with a veil that hinders the knowledge of God), it is hidden [only] to those who are perishing and obscured [only] to those who are spiritually dying and veiled [only] to those who are lost. Parallel passage: 1 Corinthians 1:18 – For the story and message of the cross is sheer absurdity and folly to those who are perishing and on their way to perdition, but to us who are being saved it is the [manifestation of] the power of God.
V.7 – However, we possess this precious treasure [the divine Light of the Gospel] in [frail, human] vessels of earth, that the grandeur and exceeding greatness of the power may be shown to be from God and not from ourselves. Compare Matthew 9:14-17 – 14 Then the disciples of John came to Jesus, inquiring, Why is it that we and the Pharisees fast often, [that is, abstain from food and drink as a religious exercise], but Your disciples do not fast?
15 And Jesus replied to them, Can the wedding guests mourn while the bridegroom is still with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.
16 And no one puts a piece of cloth that has not been shrunk on an old garment, for such a patch tears away from the garment and a worse rent (tear) is made.
17 Neither is new wine put in old wineskins; for if it is, the skins burst and are torn in pieces, and the wine is spilled and the skins are ruined. But new wine is put into fresh wineskins, and so both are preserved.
V.8 – We are hedged in (pressed) on every side [troubled and oppressed in every way], but not cramped or crushed; – Examples: See 2 Corinthians 1:8-11; 7:5-7.
we suffer embarrassments and are perplexed and unable to find a way out, but not driven to despair; – (CEV) … Even when we don’t know what to do, we don’t give up.
V.9 – We are pursued (persecuted and hard driven), but not deserted [to stand alone]; we are struck down to the ground, but never struck out and destroyed; – (GNT) there are many enemies, but we are never without a friend; and though badly hurt at times, we are not destroyed.
V.17 – For our light, momentary affliction (this slight distress of the passing hour) is ever more and more abundantly preparing and producing and achieving for us an everlasting weight of glory [beyond all measure, excessively surpassing all comparisons and all calculations, a vast and transcendent glory and blessedness never to cease!] – (NIV) For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.
Application: Let us therefore ask the GOD OF MIRACLES to help us to “hear” James 1:2-4 (NIV) – 2Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 4because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.