God will triumph in saving his people, bringing in his kingdom and fully ushering in the new creation. Therefore, be faithful. There is no justification for adulterating the gospel message to secure results. This is the major theme of our passage. We consider three aspects of this truth:

1. A Minister Troubled (vv. 12–13)

2. A Minister Triumphant (vv. 14–16a)

3. A Minister Tested (vv. 16b–17)