2 Corinthians 4:16-18

2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Therefore we do not become discouraged.  Rather, even if our outer man is being gradually weakened our inner man is being restored day in and day out.  For the temporary insignificance of our persecution brings about for us an abundant weight of glory into an abundant eternity – while not fixing our attention the things seen but the things not seen.  For the things seen are temporary.  But the things unseen are eternal.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Paul starts us out with a great comparison.  Every day, our outer man – that is, our flesh – grows weaker.  Every day we get one step older.  There is no avoiding it.  However, in spite of our fleshly weakness we have an eternal renewal!  Our flesh grows weaker, our faith grows stronger as we draw closer to God!

Is it beneficial to think about the fact that as we grow older we have an opportunity to draw ever-closer to God and increase in His wisdom?  Why is that important?

Second Thought:

Paul gives us a wonderful perspective on persecution: temporary.  It is completely temporary.  Sure, it isn’t fun.  Sure, it can be tough.  It can even be costly.  But it is completely temporary.  There will come a time and a day when it will end.  There will come an even longer time and day when God will take us away from persecution completely and totally.  That time and day will be eternal when it comes.  Our persecution – as unenjoyable as it may be – is completely temporary.

How does it make you feel to hear Paul speak about persecution as temporary and insignificant?  How does it make you feel to think about eternal life and how once we arrive in eternal life we will be able to stay there forever?

Third Thought:

At the end of this passage Paul puts things in a great perspective.  He contrasts the things seen and the things unseen.  It is so easy in this life to focus on the things we see: money, houses, bank accounts, clothing, food, home decoration, vehicles, etc.  Not that these things are completely unimportant; rather, they are temporary.  It is harder to focus on the unseen: relationships, godliness, reputation, righteousness, justice, holiness, salvation.  These things are harder to perceive.  After all, how many times do we touch people’s lives and not even know it?  How often do we say something profound while not even realizing what it is that God is saying through us?  Yet we should strive to focus on the unseen righteous things of God.

Do you ever get caught up focusing on the things of this world rather than the things of God?  Why do you do this?  What are some ways that can help you focus on the things of God?

Passage for Tomorrow: 2 Corinthians 5:1-5