What does "death is at work in us" mean for Christian ministry today? Death at Work: Paul's Phrase in Plain Sight “So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.” (2 Corinthians 4:12) • Paul is pointing to the daily cost of gospel ministry. • His body is exposed to hardship, danger, and self-denial—“death.” • That very dying produces “life” in the people he serves; the gospel takes root because he is willing to suffer. The Immediate Context: Jars of Clay 2 Corinthians 4:7-11 paints the picture: • “We have this treasure in jars of clay…” – fragile messengers, priceless message. • Pressed, perplexed, persecuted, struck down—yet never destroyed. • “We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus” so “the life of Jesus may also be revealed.” Death in the messenger, life in the hearer: a God-designed paradox that showcases His power, not ours. How the Principle Lives On Today 1. Ministry still calls for visible, costly self-sacrifice. • Time, energy, reputation, comfort—all placed on the altar. 2. Suffering authenticates the message. • A scarred messenger mirrors the crucified Lord (Philippians 3:10). 3. Weakness becomes the stage for God’s strength. • “My power is perfected in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). Daily “Deaths” Modern Servants Should Expect • Dying to self-promotion—letting Christ, not the minister, be noticed (John 3:30). • Dying to convenience—late-night hospital visits, unseen hours of intercession. • Dying to security—serving in hard places, trusting God for provision (Matthew 6:33). • Dying to applause—preaching truth even when unpopular (2 Timothy 4:2). Why Embrace This Path? • It imitates Jesus, “who did not come to be served, but to serve and to give His life” (Mark 10:45). • It multiplies spiritual life in others; our losses become their gain (2 Corinthians 1:6). • It yields inner renewal even while the outer self is wasting away (2 Corinthians 4:16). • It stores up eternal reward—“our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal glory” (2 Corinthians 4:17). Walking It Out • Start each day with Galatians 2:20—remind yourself you’re already “crucified with Christ.” • Measure success not by comfort retained but by life released in others. • View hardships as participation in Jesus’ sufferings, not interruptions to ministry (Romans 8:36). • Encourage fellow servants: share stories of God bringing life through your losses. Hope on the Horizon Death works in us only temporarily; resurrection power is the endgame. The same Lord who let Paul’s clay jar crack now “will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you” (2 Corinthians 4:14). Until that day, every small death we die is a seed God turns into someone else’s eternal life. |
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