Gospel Light Series

Theme: Gospel Light

Text: 2 Corinthians 4:1-12

Greetings: The lord is good and his love endures forever. “Let there be light”, Amen. Today, I would like to share with you three thoughts from 2 Corinthians 4:1-12 about the gospel light. Gospel of Christ is the light to the world and nations. It’s a magnificent light, it’s a miracle working light, it’s manifested light. Everyone whoever believes in Christ can see this light and experience the joy of the Lord.

1. Magnificent Light- 2 Corinthians 4:4

The term gospel is found ninety-nine times in the NASB and ninety-two times in the NET Bible.

In the Greek New Testament, gospel is the translation of the Greek noun euangelion (occurring 76 times) “good news,” and the verb euangelizo (occurring 54 times), meaning “to bring or announce good news.” Both words are derived from the noun angelos, “messenger.”

In classical Greek, an euangelos was one who brought a message of victory or other political or personal news that caused joy. In addition, euangelizomai meant “to speak as a messenger of gladness, to proclaim good news.” Further, the noun euangelion became a technical term for the message of victory, though it was also used for a political or private message that brought joy.

The gospel of Jesus Christ brought equalitarianism among various nations, communities and groups. Paul said in Romans 1:17 ‘ I am not ashamed of the Gospel’. It has power to save every one. The slave and a master feel equal in Christ. The Gospel is the sum total of the saving truth as God has communicated it to lost humanity as it is revealed in the person of His Son and in the Holy Scriptures, the Bible.

There is a difference between being shamed for the gospel and being ashamed of the gospel. If you are a faithful Christian, you will be shamed for the gospel. That is, you will be the target of shaming behavior. But there is a very good reason why you do not have to be ashamed when that happens.

When we read Hebrews 12:2 Jesus accepted the suffering as a joyful experience rather than shameful act. He was treated in humaneness.

The Wycliffe summarises the gospel as central truth that God has provided a way of salvation for men through the gift of his son to the world (John 3:16). Jesus suffered, sacrificed for sin, overcame death and now offers a share in his triumph to all who will accept it. It is a gift. No one can earn it or buy it through penance or through arms. ( Romans 5:8-11, 2 Corinthians 5:14-19, Titus 2:11-14).

Communion is the greatest gift to the humanity. Communion table brings equality among men ans women. It brings oneness and makes everyone to accept that we are God’s children at the table.

‘For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.’(1 Corinthians 1:18).

2. Miracles working Light - 2 Corinthians 4:6

Jesus was a miracle worker. His love extended to everyone who was on need, everyone cried out for joy and grace. During the earthly ministry Jesus Christ performed miracles by touching, healing, and transforming countless lives. He overcame the laws of nature and even he raised the dead proving he has power over life and death.

The four gospels record 37 miracles of Jesus, but most are found in the recording of Mark. Three New Testament words refer to Jesus's miracles: power, sign, and wonder. Every miracle of Jesus served a specific purpose in God's plan of salvation for humankind.

The 37 miracles of Jesus Christ that were written down in the New Testament serve a specific purpose. None were performed randomly, for amusement, or for show. Each was accompanied by a message and either met a serious human need or confirmed Christ's identity and authority of Jesus Christ as the son of God. At times Jesus refused to perform miracles because they did not fall into one of these two categories.

In the New Testament, three words refer to miracles:

Power (dunamis), which means "mighty deed." Jesus's miracles were overwhelmingly powerful acts that revealed his omnipotence and authority. Sign (semeion), which refers to a miracle that figuratively represents kingdom of God. The miracles of Jesus were signs, authenticating his ministry and revealing him to be the Messiah and Son of God.

Wonder (teras), which indicates something extraordinary. Christ's miracles were wonderful, compelling, supernatural acts that caused people to marvel and confirmed his divine nature.Paul says, ‘for our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.’(1 Thessalonians 1:5).