Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart. 2 But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God’s word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God. 3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5 For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.  2 Cor. 4:1-6

A.  The Glory of God Defined

Jeffery Johnson:  “God’s glory is the sum of all that God is.  It is the radiance, majesty, beauty, and splendor that since forth from His unchangeable and eternal essence.”

Jonathan Edwards:  “Glory is a shining forth, the excellency of God flowing forth, so that the glory of God is the shining forth of his perfections.”

Four Things from 2 Corinthians 4:6

          –  The glory of God is revealed by God alone: 2 Cor. 4:6a, Gen. 3:8-9, John 9:35, Luke 2:8-9, Acts 9:3-4

          –  The glory of God over the powers of darkness: 2 Cor. 4:6a, Gen. 1:1-3, Acts 9:3-8, Matt. 4:12-17

          –  The glory of God is spiritually revealed in the human heart: 2 Cor. 4:6, 2 Cor. 3:18

          –  The glory of God is spiritually revealed through the Lord Jesus: 2 Cor. 4:6, John 1:14, John 8:12

          1.  The glory of God is the chief end of all things: Romans 11:36

          2.  Beholding God’s glory is the chief need in our lives and churches: Psalm 27:4