Paul described the truth of the gospel as only revealed to those who were predestined to believe in the life, the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, God’s only begotten son. To those living in darkness destined to burn in the lake of fire will never see the light hidden behind the veil of the world.
God in the flesh, the man named Jesus walked the earth spreading the good news about heaven, that whoever believes in Him will inherit eternal life.
“16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.” (2 Corinthians 4:16)
The outward man is the body we have been assigned by God while the inward man is the spiritual man inside all of us, empowered each day by the Holy Spirit and armed with the sword of salvation which is our faith in the truth.
Blessed and strengthened by the Holy Spirit, Paul declares victory over the enemy, resisting to lose heart or “faint” along his walk on the narrow path that leads to eternal life.
“17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.” (2 Corinthians 4:17)
Paul describes his battle as lightly affecting him physically, which was temporary, contrary to his spiritual journey which, through faith in Jesus Christ, has eternal destination.
For Paul, the joy emitted by the fulfillment of his mission far outweighed the pain from the afflictions he faced. The apostle continues to glorify the Lord in both action and words in spite of the situation he finds himself, where pain and suffering abounds.
“18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:18)
Paul refers to the things seen, all that surrounds us including our earthly bodies and all the afflictions we suffered physically, either for Jesus or not. These physical scars will heal when each believer is given his and her new heavenly body, to enjoy among a new earth, free of sin for all eternity.
The things unseen are God’s grace and our faith in Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah and glorious deliverer. The things unseen are works of devoted hands, that help rebuild life, and feet that walk the hard pavement in the name of the only one true divine King.
Focus on God almighty and His plan for your life. Trust in His will, obey His commands and answer Your calling. Unwavering, push forward with great confidence as you advance the gospel of Jesus Christ. Armed with the breastplate of salvation and the blue steele sword which is the Holy word, let us break down the enemy by exuding love as we fulfill God’s plan… Let us pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives and for your servant Paul,
We praise you Lord for his wisdom and for his works through this scripture,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we grow in you through the teachings of your faithful apostle.
Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your word, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.
We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: DanielStPierre@ThriveThroughChrist.com
