Read 2 Corinthians 4
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Corinthians%204&version=NIV
4:1–6 Take note of 4:1, 7, 16. The subject of stability was Paul’s launching pad for the mention of despair and restlessness in spirit (2:13). Since Paul was adequate in Christ, rejection and persecution did not cause him to lose heart. Surpassing glory (3:1–11) and veiled hearts (3:12–18) explain the context and problems surrounding new covenant glory. In 4:6 Paul was loosely quoting from Genesis 1:3. The God who created physical light can illumine the minds of his spiritually blinded creatures. What then could be the reason that not all acknowledged and understood Paul’s great adequacy?
4:7–15 The answer to the final question in the previous section is: because the great glory of new covenant adequacy is within the earthen vessels of human frailty. This contrast between glory and weakness finds its source in a lesson Paul previously learned from God, which he waited until the end of the letter to recount (12:7–9). Weakness allows the glory of God to be revealed. To point to difficult physical circumstances was not to point to spiritual inner despair or inferiority (4:8–12). Both the psalmist and Paul spoke of their trials in order to glorify God (4:13, quoting Ps. 116:10). Paul poured out his heart with reference to his suffering for the sake of Christ. He shared a divine perspective on suffering that has been an encouragement to many in the straits of affliction.
4:16–18 Why did Paul not lose heart? First, he knew the difference between the problems of an earthen vessel and the strength found through the glory within (4:1–15). Second, he looked forward to an eternal state in which a body of glory would replace the mortal body of weakness (4:16–5:10). This is building to his point in 5:12 that commendation must be made on heart realities, not external abilities or personality. Paul found strength of heart because of the promise of his future eternal state (4:16–18).
Discussion & Reflection question
How is Verse’s 16- 18 speaking to you?
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I believe these verses are calling me to concentrate on things not seeable with the human eye but rather that which is seen through scripture and prayer as revealed by God himself.
ReplyDeleteTo trust in god. Our bodies will grow older & we will not be physicaly able to do what we did when we were younger. To trust in god, even though we are growing older. To trust in god through tough times, financial, emotional & physical. To remember that god has a plan. To have faith.
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