2 Corinthians 4
August Memory Verse: So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NIV)
Read: 2 Corinthians 4
"God, what are you doing? How am I supposed to believe you are good when I see nothing good or redeemable about this situation?" These are the questions I have cried out to God in recent days and my guess is I’m not alone. Paul’s words in chapter four don’t take away the questions or the suffering, but they help us understand the bigger picture.
“But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;” 2 Cor 4:7-9
Chapter four picks up with Paul’s analogy from chapter three. God has given believers the ministry of being mirrors that reflect the glory of the Lord. We understand that mirrors reflect an image, but what do mirrors have to do with the suffering that Paul focuses on for rest of chapter four? Two things, first, mirrors reflect the exact image that it beholds. It doesn’t reflect a different picture, nor does it add/take away from the source. If we are mirrors designed to reflect the glory of God in Christ, then we ought to look like Christ. This is why Paul instructs us in 4:2-6 to reject all shameful and sinful ways and to proclaim Jesus.
Secondly, if we are mirrors of Christ, then we will reflect his death and resurrection. We cannot model Jesus and expect earthly ease. Christ suffered…for you. Christ died…in your place. And Christ lives again…so will you. If we truly reflect the glory of God in Christ, then our earthly lives will be marked with suffering. This is why Paul writes, “Through suffering, these bodies of ours constantly share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies” (4:10).
Well that doesn’t make my suffering ANY easier. That’s true, but God’s Word in 2 Corinthians gives us perspective and hope. The God we reflect suffered on the cross to bring us life. More than that - the God we reflect conquered death forevermore, and so will we! (4:14) So brothers and sisters, do not dwell on the troubles/suffering we can see right now - even though it hurts. Rather look to Christ and take comfort in what is unseen - eternity with Him.
By: Joe Weaver
Read: 2 Corinthians 4
"God, what are you doing? How am I supposed to believe you are good when I see nothing good or redeemable about this situation?" These are the questions I have cried out to God in recent days and my guess is I’m not alone. Paul’s words in chapter four don’t take away the questions or the suffering, but they help us understand the bigger picture.
“But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;” 2 Cor 4:7-9
Chapter four picks up with Paul’s analogy from chapter three. God has given believers the ministry of being mirrors that reflect the glory of the Lord. We understand that mirrors reflect an image, but what do mirrors have to do with the suffering that Paul focuses on for rest of chapter four? Two things, first, mirrors reflect the exact image that it beholds. It doesn’t reflect a different picture, nor does it add/take away from the source. If we are mirrors designed to reflect the glory of God in Christ, then we ought to look like Christ. This is why Paul instructs us in 4:2-6 to reject all shameful and sinful ways and to proclaim Jesus.
Secondly, if we are mirrors of Christ, then we will reflect his death and resurrection. We cannot model Jesus and expect earthly ease. Christ suffered…for you. Christ died…in your place. And Christ lives again…so will you. If we truly reflect the glory of God in Christ, then our earthly lives will be marked with suffering. This is why Paul writes, “Through suffering, these bodies of ours constantly share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies” (4:10).
Well that doesn’t make my suffering ANY easier. That’s true, but God’s Word in 2 Corinthians gives us perspective and hope. The God we reflect suffered on the cross to bring us life. More than that - the God we reflect conquered death forevermore, and so will we! (4:14) So brothers and sisters, do not dwell on the troubles/suffering we can see right now - even though it hurts. Rather look to Christ and take comfort in what is unseen - eternity with Him.
By: Joe Weaver
6 Comments
My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the LORD. (Psalm 104:34)
Often, thoughts of Christ give me the grace that is needed for the moment. Often, the world causes me to be drained spiritually...but let us seek to be renewed by the truths of Christ.
Thanks Joe!
I love the hope that we see in this chapter. I will rest in that today.
We need to rest in these promises now more than ever. Thankful that we can rely on God to get us through these trying times. We may not understand why God allows suffering and loss, and we may never know on this side of Heaven, but God is there to bring us through it. We just need to focus on him for that peace and comfort. Thanks for walking us through that this morning, Joe.
Thanks for the encouraging word today Joe!
16 That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day.
I'm reading Jumpstart later today than I normally do. As my heart grieves over the loss of my friend and pastor I can just hear Tim Parsons saying "never give up". All of us have bodies that are dying and it will continue until the Lord calls us home and gives us a new heavenly body. However, our spirits are being renewed every day in Christ regardless of our physical or emotional suffering in this life. Let's honor Jesus and our beloved pastor by continuing the mission of evangelism & discipleship until the Lord returns or call us home.
Today and through Chapter 4 I was reminded of the song All Things New by Big Daddy Weave. I am thankful that we have such a loving Father holding us together and that we can rest in knowing we rise with Him, out of darkness into the light.
Thank you Joe for the encouraging words and this Jumpstart post.
Well said. And this is so comforting to read today. Thank you, Joe.