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Power is given him to tear down the strongholds of Satan. Hearts are
broken by his presentation of the love of God, and many are led to
inquire, “What must I do to be saved?”
“Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received
mercy, we faint not; but have renounced the hidden things of dis-
honesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God
deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to
every man’s conscience in the sight of God. But if our gospel be hid, it
is hid to them that are lost: 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.
For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves
your servants for Jesus’ sake. 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.”
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Thus the apostle magnified the grace and mercy of God, shown
in the sacred trust committed to him as a minister of Christ. By
God’s abundant mercy he and his brethren had been sustained in
difficulty, affliction, and danger. They had not modeled their faith
and teaching to suit the desires of their hearers, nor kept back truths
essential to salvation in order to make their teaching more attractive.
They had presented the truth with simplicity and clearness, praying
for the conviction and conversion of souls. And they had endeavored
to bring their conduct into harmony with their teaching, that the truth
presented might commend itself to every man’s conscience.
“We have this treasure,” the apostle continued, “in earthen vessels,
that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.” God
could have proclaimed His truth through sinless angels, but this is not
His plan. He chooses human beings, men compassed with infirmity, as
instruments in the working out of His designs. The priceless treasure
is placed in earthen vessels. Through men His blessings are to be
conveyed to the world. Through them His glory is to shine forth into
the darkness of sin. In loving ministry they are to meet the sinful and
the needy, and lead them to the cross. And in all their work they are to
ascribe glory, honor, and praise to Him who is above all and over all.
Referring to his own experience, Paul showed that in choosing the
service of Christ he had not been prompted by selfish motives, for his
pathway had been beset by trial and temptation. “We are troubled on