The Glory of Christ
Audio Recording
Sermon Outline
Speaker: Rev. Scott Strickman
Sermon Series: Behold the Glory of God
2 Corinthians 4:1-6 (ESV)
1 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.
Sermon Outline
At the heart of Christianity is God opening the eyes of people to see the glory of Christ (v4).
1. We are meant to reflect God’s glory
v6 “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness’…”
v4 “…Christ, who is the image of God”
2. We have been prohibited from seeing God’s glory
v3 “…even if our gospel is veiled”
v4 “the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers”
3. God shines the glory of Christ into our hearts
v6 “God… has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”
v5 “what we proclaim is not ourselves… your servants for Jesus’ sake”
Prayer of Confession
Our great and glorious God: you have made the world to flourish but we have made a ruin of it. We have been mistaken thinking we could have life apart from you and like fools we have turned from you. We have not reflected the honorable characteristics in you, like truth, wisdom, justice, and goodness. Instead we are guilty of sin, having said and done things which dishonor you, and which we regret. We cannot escape our own twisted thoughts. If you were not merciful, we would be without hope. Forgive us. We marvel how unlike us you are, and we thank you for the grace to show us your glory in the face of Jesus Christ. We pray for more light in our lives, and for the gracious working of your Spirit to help us to see and to transform us into the image and likeness of Christ. Amen.
Questions for Reflection
What makes the gospel message “good news”? What is so good? What do you think are the most attractive aspects of Christianity?
Why is there an emphasis in the New Testament on “seeing” or “looking to” Christ? How do we fix our eyes on Jesus?
What does it mean that humans are made in God’s image? What are some of the implications of this?
What does it mean that Jesus “is” the image of God?
If the gospel message is so good and attractive, why do people reject it? What is the Bible’s explanation?
How do you experience the “god of this world” coming between you and God? How do you feel you are kept from seeing the glory of Christ?
How does the Holy Spirit open our eyes so that we see the glory of Christ? How does God bring light into our lives?
What can you do when you are not able to see the glory of Christ? What does it mean to live by faith and not by sight?
How can the glory of Christ help you become a more authentic person? Where do you struggle with superficiality, hiding, trying to impress people, etc.? How can you experience more joy in living so that your life helps people see the glory of Christ?