2 Corinthians 4:16-18
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
“Therefore, we do not lose heart!”That’s a powerful declaration all ardent disciples of Christ must echo today. There are pressures all around us, but we do not lose heart. All sorts of problems assault our lives, but we do not lose heart. Through storms, trials and tribulations, we do not throw in the towel. That’s just the way it is. Such is the intentional stance true disciples of Christ adopt. Why? In this passage Paul outlines at least 4 good reasons.
Firstly, we don’t lose heart because OUR INNER SELF IS RENEWED DAILY (v16). We do not deny that our physical bodies are ageing. It’s just that our minds and spirits are growing and refreshed everyday. How? By means of our daily routines. As the saying goes, “the key to your success lies in your daily routine”.
Like what? To start with, our minds are renewed by the WORD of God, enabling us to be transformed within (Romans 12:2). When you regularly read, study and meditate on the word of God, victory is certain (see Psalms 1:2-3). Also, when you keep on PRAYING in the Spirit at all times with all kinds of prayer, you’re unstoppable (see Ephesians 6:18, Luke 18:1-8). You will continue to grow in the wisdom and knowledge of Christ and strengthened with might in the inner man (Colossians 1:10-11). When your inner self is robust, your outer issues can’t harm you. Hallelujah!
Secondly, we don’t lose heart because we know that our current problems are LIGHT AND MOMENTARY (v17a). Observe how Paul rates his challenges. He deems all the pressures on every side, the persecutions, frustrations and heavy blows as light and temporary. He deliberately minimises his problems, rather than magnifying them. We also must learn this winning strategy. We shouldn’t exaggerate our challenges. We mustn’t magnify our problems. Let us recognise that “this too shall pass”. Know that all your problems have an expiry date. Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning (Psalms 30:5).
Thirdly, we do not lose heart because we know that our earthly problems are PREPARING FOR US AN ETERNAL WEIGHT OF GLORY beyond all comparison (v17b). We understand that our pain is not pointless. We know that there is no crown without a cross. But at the end of the day we shall profit from our problems and gain from our pain. Our groaning shall turn to glory. Every burden becomes a blessing. Our Messiah will give us beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning and a garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness (Isaiah 61:3). What a perspective, beloveds!
Such was the experience of Joseph, Prince of Egypt. From persecution, to the pit, to Potiphar’s house, to prison, but he ended up in the palace. God made all things work together for Joseph’s good (Genesis 50:20). He still makes all things work together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). That means you!
Fourthly, we don’t lose heart because we FOCUS ON THE UNSEEN RATHER THAN THE VISIBLE REALITY (v18). In the next chapter Paul calls this walking by faith rather than by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). Likewise, the writer to the Hebrews defines faith as the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:6). In short, we don’t lose heart because we choose to walk by faith and not by sight.
Paul proceeds to explain that visible things are temporary while invisible reality is eternal (v18b). That’s quite helpful, beloveds. To start with, God is invisible but eternal (1 Timothy 1:17). He is the greatest reality of all. If we have Him, we have everything. Heaven is real. The power of God is invisible but real. That is why it makes sense to focus on unseen things. So we must never be overwhelmed by what we see. We must remember always that the greatest reality is invisible. Our greatest assets are invisible. Nothing shall separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:39).
Pastor Josh