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1. In order to the perception of God's material creation, two things are indispensable — the presence of light and the possession of an eye as the perceiving power or medium. So, in order to the knowledge of the highest spiritual truth, there must be a revelation and an appropriate organ or state of the soul. "Spiritual things" are "spiritually discerned."

2. But reference is not merely to the receiving, but also to the imparting, of light. See preceding verses and chap.

3. "If we appear to be the speakers, it is nevertheless Christ, who works by us, and who inwardly enlightens us, in order that we should enlighten others." Nor need we confine the design of such enlightenment to apostles or ministers. Every Christian is to be a "light-giver in the world." Observe —

I. THAT THE GLORY OF GOD IS MOST CLEARLY AND FULLY REVEALED IN THE FACE OF CHRIST. In Christ we behold —

1. The real and direct expression of God. In nature we have the indirect — in the ancient modes of revelation the typical — expressions of God, in Christ the direct and true.

2. The Divine excellences embodied in a living person. The attributes of God, considered abstractly, have little influence compared with that exerted by their personal embodiment in Jesus Christ.

3. The expression of the Divine perfections in their human form — perfections which, from their very glory and exaltation, we regard as beyond our imitation. In Christ, however, we see holiness, not merely in conjunction with infinite power, but in human circumstances, contending with human weakness and difficulties. And then His love — how human, tender, touching! He reveals the heart of God.

4. The perfect blending of all God's attributes in beautiful harmony. In other revelations of God you have the divided, and sometimes distorted, beam; here, in the face of Christ, shines the pure and perfect light.

II. THAT GOD GIVES A STATE OF SOUL ADAPTED TO RECEIVE AND REALISE HIS GLORY IN THE FACE OF CHRIST.

1. The appropriate state of soul is specially a heart preparation. "In our hearts." Unlike other truths, which need to be understood in order to be loved, religious truths require to be loved in order to be known. How can the carnal mind, at enmity with God, perceive the beauty of holiness, or the narrow, selfish heart realise a love which is as wide as the world, which stoops from the highest glory to the deepest abasement, and gives itself forth unto death that others might have eternal life? The heart must be opened, purged, clear, to receive the light of the knowledge of Christ.

2. Such preparation is a great and Divine work. No mere resolutions or arguments can accomplish the new creation in the soul. Gently and almost unconsciously are men often led to behold the glory of God in Christ, as the eyelids unclose beneath the brightening beams of morning.

III. THAT THE PURPOSE FOR WHICH GOD GIVES HIS LIGHT TO SOME IS THAT THEY MAY IMPART IT TO OTHERS.

1. The fact of our having received light enables us to impart it; and the more we receive, the more shall we be able to give.

2. This fact also renders it a most solemn duty, incumbent on all who have received the truth, to impart it to others.

3. And should we not, too, by dwelling on the glory of God in Christ, be inspired with motives sufficiently strong to bear us through all the difficulties attending the endeavour to diffuse the truth?

(B. Dale, M. A.)

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KJV: For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.

WEB: For we don't preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake;