1 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, even as we obtained mercy,
we don’t faint. 2 But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not
walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by the
manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in
the sight of God. 3 Even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled in those
who perish; 4 in whom the god of this world has blinded the minds of the
unbelieving, that the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the
image of God, should not dawn on them. 5 For we don’t preach ourselves,
but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake;
6 seeing it is God who said, “Light will shine out of darkness,” who has
shone in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God
in the face of Jesus Christ.
7 But we have this treasure in clay vessels, that the exceeding greatness
of the power may be of God, and not from ourselves. 8 We are pressed on
every side, yet not crushed; perplexed, yet not to despair; 9 pursued, yet
not forsaken; struck down, yet not destroyed; 10 always carrying in the
body the putting to death of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus may also
be revealed in our body. 11 For we who live are always delivered to death
for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus may be revealed in our mortal
flesh. 12 So then death works in us, but life in you. 13 But having the
same spirit of faith, according to that which is written, “I believed, and
therefore I spoke.” We also believe, and therefore also we speak;
14 knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with
Jesus, and will present us with you. 15 For all things are for your sakes,
that the grace, being multiplied through the many, may cause the thanksgiving
to abound to the glory of God. 16 Therefore we don’t faint, but though our
outward man is decaying, yet our inward man is renewed day by day. 17 For
our light affliction, which is for the moment, works for us more and more
exceedingly an eternal weight of glory; 18 while we don’t look at the
things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things
which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are
eternal.
World English Bible - Public Domain |
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