This Sunday we’ll be taking a two week detour from the book of John into 2 Corinthians 4. In this letter Paul is making a defense of his ministry against those “super-apostles” who would undermine his message. In actuality Paul isn’t defending himself though. He is defending the gospel against those who would add to it, subtract from it, and twist it for their own gain.

2 Corinthians is Paul’s most personal letter. With great humility he wrings himself out for the sake of the Corinthian church. What comes pouring out through this letter is Paul’s desire for the gospel. He is gloriously fixated on God’s undeserved lavish love, His mercy. Paul has wild accusations leveled against him, though he suffers physically and spiritually, he does not lose heart. Paul encourages us by his own life that God is in control. He is at work so we can persevere, we can rest in Christ. Because the gospel is true we don’t lose heart in a world that seems to have gone crazy.