The Light of the Gospel

1Wherefore, having this ministry, inasmuch as we have received mercy, we faint not; 2but we have renounced the secret works of shame, not walking in craftiness, nor adulterating the word of God; but, by the manifestation of the truth, commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. 3But if our gospel is vailed, it is vailed among the lost, 4whose unbelieving minds the god of this age has darkened, so that the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should not shine to them. 5For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your servants, for Jesus sake. 6Because God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, has shined in our hearts, to give the light of the glorious knowledge of God in the person of Jesus Christ.

Treasure in Jars of Clay
(Romans 6:1–14)

7But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the exceeding greatness of the power may be God's and not our own. 8We are pressed on all sides, yet not restrained; perplexed, but not in despair; 9persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; 10always bearing about in our body the violent death of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus may be made manifest in our body. 11For we who live are continually delivered up to death for Jesus sake, that the life also of Jesus may be made manifest in our mortal flesh. 12So, then, death is active in us, but life in you.

13But, having the same spirit of faith, according to that winch is written, I believed, and for this reason I have spoken; we also believe, and for this reason we speak, 14knowing that he who raised up the Lord Jesus will raise us up also by Jesus, and present us together with you. 15For all these afflictions are for your sakes, that the favor which abounds to me, may, through the thanksgiving of the many, abound richly to the glory of God.

16For this reason we faint not: but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. 17For our present light affliction works out for us an eternal fullness of glory, 18excelling all excellence, ls while we look not at the things that are seen, but at the things that are not seen: for the things seen are temporal; but the things not seen are eternal.