2Corinthians:4

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* Therefore , being engaged in this service and being mindful of the mercy which has been shown us , we are not cowards . * Nay , we have renounced the secrecy which marks a feeling of shame . We practice no cunning tricks , nor do we adulterate God 's Message . But by a full clear statement of the truth we strive to commend ourselves in the presence of God to every human conscience . * If , however , the meaning of our Good News has been veiled , the veil has been on the hearts of those who are on the way to perdition , * in whom the god of this present age has blinded their unbelieving minds so as to shut out the sunshine of the Good News of the glory of the Christ , who is the image of God . * (For we do not proclaim ourselves , but we proclaim Christ Jesus as Lord , and ourselves as your bondservants for the sake of Jesus .) * For God who said , »Out of darkness let light shine ,« is He who has shone in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God 's glory , which is radiant on the face of Christ . * But we have this treasure in a fragile vase of clay , in order that the surpassing greatness of the power may be seen to belong to God , and not to originate in us . * We are hard pressed , yet never in absolute distress ; perplexed , yet never utterly baffled ; * pursued , yet never left unsuccoured ; struck to the ground , yet never slain ; * always , wherever we go , carrying with us in our bodies the putting to death of Jesus , so that in our bodies it may also be clearly shown that Jesus lives . * For we , alive though we are , are continually surrendering ourselves to death for the sake of Jesus , so that in this mortal nature of ours it may also be clearly shown that Jesus lives . * Thus we are constantly dying , while you are in full enjoyment of Life . * But possessing the same Spirit of faith as he who wrote , we also believe , and therefore we speak . * For we know that He who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will raise us also to be with Jesus , and will cause both us and you to stand in His own presence . * For everything is for your sakes , in order that grace , being more richly bestowed because of the thanksgivings of the increased number , may more and more promote the glory of God . * Therefore we are not cowards . Nay , even though our outward man is wasting away , yet our inward man is being renewed day by day . * For this our light and transitory burden of suffering is achieving for us a preponderating , yes , a vastly preponderating , and eternal weight of glory ; * while we look not at things seen , but things unseen ; for things seen are temporary , but things unseen are eternal .

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