2 Corinthians 4
Today's Passage: 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? Why have you not healed my friend, or loved one? 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 the rest of chapter four? Two things, first, mirrors reflect the exact image that they behold. They don't reflect a different picture, nor do they 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.
Written By: Joe Weaver
God, what are you doing? How am I supposed to believe you are good when I see nothing good or redeemable about this situation? Why have you not healed my friend, or loved one? 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 the rest of chapter four? Two things, first, mirrors reflect the exact image that they behold. They don't reflect a different picture, nor do they 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.
Written By: Joe Weaver
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