God makes faithful ministers through prayer, study, and suffering. Over the years he purposes to diminish our self-confidence and bring us into greater dependence on grace. The ever increasing discovery of our weakness makes us increasingly effective shepherds of God's flock.

The Apostle Paul's defense of his ministry against the accusations of the self-described “super apostles” and other critics is instructive for ministers young and old. In contrast to theirs, his ministry began with God's mercy to sinners in Christ, was conducted in the open for all to see, and unlike his critics, his preaching and life were consistent.

In 2 Cor 4:3–6, Paul asserts the deadly work of Satan on unbelievers blinding them to the glory and life-giving light of Christ in his gospel which believers know and which shapes his ministry.

 As Paul encourages Timothy to press on in his ministry, he describes the Gospel and its spread. It is all the work of God, and yet the Lord's servants play a crucial role. 

Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness replicated key moments of human faithlessness. Where others—like Adam, Israel, and you and me—failed, he remained faithful. 

Jesus makes clear to three would-be disciples that following Him means self-denial, suffering, and sacrifice.

The word of God has the power to destroy strongholds of the world through the gospel. It will accomplish the ends for which God has set it forth.

Our faith is inflamed with the beauty, the truth, and the goodness of the gospel. 

Dr. Michael Horton exposits 2 Cor. 3, in particular to those seeking to go into pastoral ministry. He shows from this text that pastors are a “letter of recommendation” from Jesus as ministers of the New Covenant. 

Paul exhorts the Corinthian believers to live according to their New Covenant status by portraying the world in absolute contrasts.

At the end of 2 Corinthians Paul proclaims a fitting benediction upon his readers.

Obsessed with success and power, the disciples are confronted with Jesus' radical definition of greatness.

How can Paul characterize the letter (the law) being a ministration of death, but the Spirit giving life when he speaks elsewhere of the law in such a positive manner?

 The story of Jesus healing the blind man (in Mark 8) is surprising in many ways. It is also revealing how difficult it is to see Jesus clearly.

Hebrews shows us that Psalm 102:25-27 reveals the eternal permanence of God's Son, our Savior, Jesus.

 Jesus, our priest-king, is seated in Heaven.

We were reminded by Paul that all our sufferings – insults, slanders, hardship, persecutions and difficulties – if suffered for Christ’s sake become the perfect opportunity (as weakness) for the manifestation of Christ’s glory.  And for that reason, “his grace is sufficient for you”.

Paul calls us to repentance and to demonstrate gratitude for the reconciliation that we have in Jesus Christ.

Learning from Paul's example–not only what he prayed but also that he prayed.

Paul defends his ministry by contrasting it with Moses' ministry.