As Paul had this glorious ministry of the new covenant, the gospel of Christ, he didn’t need to use any deceptive means (v1-2). Yes, there are people who fail to grasp the Gospel as they are blinded by Satan (v3-4), but among those who are saved, the light of Christ shines brightly right into their hearts (v5-6).

Paul speaks of having this ministry in jars of clay which speaks of his vulnerability and how he suffered (v7-10). In their trials the new life of Christ would shine even more (v11-12).

The resurrection power at work in the believer, constantly helping them experience the power of new spiritual life is a great encouragement (v13-15). Yes, as they get older, they are outwardly and physically wasting away, but inwardly and spiritually they are being renewed in preparation for the glorious world to come (v16-18).

There is a challenge here for all of us as to whether our focus is primarily about having our physical needs of this world met, or if we’re looking first to have our spiritual needs met in preparation for the world to come.