Overview of: 2 CorinthiansToday's Reading:
2Cor. 4:1 – 5:10
"Eternal Hope and Life"
Focus Verses: 2 Cor. 4:16-18
16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
Insight:
Paul was honest with the Corinthians about the fatigue and weariness he was experiencing in his life and ministry. He was also clear about the hope he had in Christ. Though there were hardships and troubles, he did not lose heart. In fact, he could see God using those troubles to accomplish greater things.
Though Paul and his ministry partners were outwardly weary, he said they were being inwardly renewed one day at a time. They looked past the momentary troubles to the eternal promises of God. Christians can find strength, purpose, and renewal each day by having an eternal perspective that sees beyond the trouble of the moment. We must look to Jesus for strength, and trust that God can use even the hardships of life.
Response and Action:
Jesus said that in this world we would see trouble, but even in the face of trouble we should take heart because he has overcome the world (John 16:33). I will place my hope in Jesus and fix my eyes on him. Because my perspective of life includes eternity, I will look at the troubles of today as momentary and temporary. I will trust God to bring me through my problems and look to him for the strength I need for today. I believe God is so redemptive and sovereign that he can use even the hardships of my life to accomplish good things.
O God, lead me away from temptation and deliver me from evil. This world is filled with trouble, in your grace and mercy, sustain me and renew me. Help me to fix my eyes on Jesus and your eternal promises so that I might not lose heart. Make my life a testimony of your faithfulness to uphold and strengthen those who trust in you. Amen.
Old Testament for Today: Psalm 44:6-8
6 I do not trust in my bow, my sword does not bring me victory; 7 but you give us victory over our enemies, you put our adversaries to shame. 8 In God we make our boast all day long, and we will praise your name forever.
In Context: Psalm 44
Proverb for Today: Prov. 1:32-33
"For the waywardness of the simple will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them, but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm."
Recommended Reading:
Surprised by Hope: Rethinking Heaven, the Resurrection, and the Mission of the Church
by N. T. Wright
