2 Corinthians 4:16-18 Part 4

Things Seen Are Transient - Things Unseen Are Eternal 

Last time we found it was normal to have affliction now in preparation for an eternal state of glory later on. In this lesson we will consider the difference between things seen and those unseen. The things that are seen are described as being transient and things we are not to look to. In 1 John 2:15 - 17, we are told not to love the things of the world because if we do there is no place left for the love of the Father. These things would include the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life. We are not to invest in things that are passing away, but to do the will of God and that will would be to look to the things unseen that are eternal. We are to look at things like mercy, grace, salvation, forgiveness and the fruit of the Spirit. We are to be crucified with Christ, to the desires and things of the world to allow Jesus Christ to bless us with the things that are eternal and seen only in their effects.

Prayer

Father, with our citizenship now in heaven, we are here on assignment as aliens and strangers. The temptation is great to allow our focus to drift from our assignment to involvement in what the world has to offer. Help us remember our assignment to search out the lost sheep among us and disciple them to prepare them to do likewise until all lost sheep listed in the book of life are found and accounted for. Father, protect us from that which we can see and encourage us to work toward and invest in that which is not seen or understood by those of unbelief.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 Part 3

Light Momentary Afflictions Now - An Eternal Weight of Glory Later

In our last lesson we were encouraged to learn that for the believer, as self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. In this lesson the contrast is between light momentary affliction now and how it is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison. From the writings of Paul, James and Peter, it is clear that suffering is the norm for a growing Christian. Paul speaks of tribulation, James of various trials, and Peter of those fiery trials. But these "light afflictions" have a purpose of preparing us for eternal life. The more one studies the Scriptures the more one realizes that we can't even imagine the glory of what lies ahead. Peter speaks of this as "an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for [us], who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time" (1 Peter 1:4 - 5 ESV). Don't be discouraged by trials, even if they are the fiery kind, because out of them is coming an eternal weight of glory that is beyond all comparison.

Prayer 

Father, how important it is to have something to look forward to when going through times of suffering. Jesus endured the cross for the joy that was set before him; joy of knowing he would be able to enjoy for an eternity all of us in the body of Christ. Likewise, we can endure suffering for the living hope we have of the inheritance waiting for us in heaven. Father, help us turn our focus from our suffering to Jesus Christ and the provision he has secured for us to enjoy with him and with you for an eternity.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 Part 2

The Outer Self Is Wasting Away - The Inner Self Is Being Renewed

When you see the word "therefore" you should stop and ask, "What is it there for?" The therefore at the beginning of verse 16 points back to that which comes before it; to the promise of our resurrection and the extension of grace to us. With our faith established in Jesus Christ we are not to lose heart but to endure the hardships being experienced. We look at ourselves and we see bodies that are wasting away for various reasons. Maybe it is simply from the process of living, as here in the west, or maybe it is from the abuse it receives from persecution, form the effects of war or natural disasters, etc. If we have been born again we are a new creature in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17), which God is conforming into the image of his Son (Romans 8:29). So as the outer self waists away the inner self, the new creature in Christ, is renewed day by day as we nourish it from the Word and time with the Lord. Christianity is not about safety, security and comfort, but is a state of daily being crucified with Christ to allow him to live in and through us.

Prayer

Father, life can be so difficult for so many; difficulties caused by such things as relationships, physical, mental or emotional issues, financial or job issues, and persecution for various reasons and in various degrees of intensity. From various forms of abuse or the process of ageing, the physical body is revealing its sentence of death. How thankful I am for the living hope I have in Jesus Christ; for the new creation within me that is being renewed that will live on for ever. It is my prayer that you have been born again and are being renewed day by day.

2 Corinthians 4:16 - 18 Part 1

Reading through these verses carefully one notices three comparisons:1) Outer self is wasting away - the inner self is being renewed; 2) Light momentary afflictions now - eternal weight of glory later on; 3) Things seen are transient - things unseen are eternal. It is clear these verses do not describe a state of comfort, but one of suffering and if care is not taken could result in the lose of heart, or simply giving up or giving in. Because of our wealth in the west we can secure a rather high level of comfort under most circumstances, but this is not so for one facing persecution in other countries. Sacrificing everything for their faith, being driven away as a refuge, tortured or imprisoned are examples of conditions feared or experienced by many.

This is the first of a four part series. We will devote a lesson to each of the three comparisons given above.

Prayer 

Father, I pray this study will be an encouragement for the one going through a difficult time. Jesus suffered greatly for us with joy, to secure an eternal relationship with us. Father, provide encouragement and endurance for those who are now suffering; fill their hearts with your love that they would experience joy, peace, and be able to show patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Father, have mercy on them and extend an extra measure of grace to them as they seek your face through this time of darkness.