My Walk With Him: 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. For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. 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.

Tuesday, June 27, 2023

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. For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. 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.

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. For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. 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. 2 Corinthians 4:4-6

I continue my study looking at the life of Paul using John Piper's 30 Reasons Why I Love the Apostle Paul. Today, I move to chapter two - Beyond Rational Persuasion to the Revelation of Glory. Here, John Piper shares how Paul's encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus is one of history's greatest moments, yet this historical moment does not become a primary argument by Paul to advance the gospel. Instead, Piper describes how Paul "mov[es] beyond his own supernatural conversion as evidence, to the intrinsic glory of the gospel itself as the ground of its truth.*" He points us to 2 Corinthians 4:4-6, Ephesians 1:18 (God opens the eyes of our hearts to see His glory), John 1:14 (John testifies to how he saw God's glory), Matthew 13:13 (Jesus explains how we must see with our hearts) and 16:17 (Jesus explains to Peter how He revealed Himself to Peter) where scripture emphasizes that "historical evidences alone do not go to the depths of our souls, where spiritual conviction rests. If we are going to live and die for Jesus, we must see his glory with the eyes of our hearts.*" Our hearts must recognize that we are broken and sinful and He alone reveals Himself, He chooses us as one of His elect, seals us for eternity, and sanctifies us on our earthly journey with Him. Jesus does all of this and we must recognize that we see Jesus with our heart.

*John Piper. 30 Reasons Why I Love the Apostle Paul

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are light and You opened the eyes of my heart so I can see Your glory - thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of my election, conversion, justification, and sanctification. My sin is great and it is daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You wtih all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.