2 Corinthians 4-3.30.22

Scripture‭‭

2 Corinthians‬ ‭4:8-10‬ ‭ERV

“We have troubles all around us, but we are not defeated. We often don’t know what to do, but we don’t give up. We are persecuted, but God does not leave us. We are hurt sometimes, but we are not destroyed. So we constantly experience the death of Jesus in our own bodies, but this is so that the life of Jesus can also be seen in our bodies.”

Observation-What does it say?

In his second letter to the Corinthians, Paul is no doubt feeling the aches and pains of being physically persecuted. Paul reminds the Corinthians that the physical body is only a temporary abode. Our true heavenly perfected body awaits us in Heaven. Paul reminds them that all of life’s struggles that they may be experiencing are only temporary. Paul encourages them to remain strong in their faith and that there is a purpose behind their struggles; That purpose is to shine the light of Jesus to others even through our struggles; To point those people still in “the dark”, towards the light; To give these people hope. A hope that never fails. A hope in eternal life. A hope in Jesus Christ.

Understanding-What does it mean?

Hope in the unseen.

How did Paul maintain such joy and obedience in the face of so much suffering and the threat of death? The answer should be one of every believer. Paul’s hope was in Jesus Christ and His resurrection. He could care less about his own peace and security. His confidence of an eternity free of sin, death, and sadness sustained him. Paul didn’t let life’s circumstances bring him down. Instead, Paul put his complete trust in the promises of Jesus.

Sure it’s easy to be a Christ Follower when everything is good and going our way. But what if things became extremely difficult and each day was a struggle? How should we respond? I think what Paul is reminding us here is to keep our “eyes on the prize”. Our treasure isn’t here on earth. It awaits us in Heaven. We need to remain faithful and focused on the mission we were given, which is to multiply Christ Followers everywhere. Even in life’s struggles, stand strong knowing even Jesus Christ Himself wasn’t exempt from it, but know that if we submit to God’s will, the way Jesus did, we too will be in paradise alongside Him some day.

Life Application

Praise God through life’s ups and downs.

Father God, I thank You for watching over me throughout life’s ups and downs. Your love is constant and never changing. May You bless me with the strength to make it through this day. May I give You praise not only in the good times, but even through the difficult times. I know You will never leave me and Your strength sustains me. Allow my faith and my life to point others to Your light. May You get all the glory, honor, and praise. In Your Holy name I pray, Amen.

-Moses Gaddi