2 Corinthians 4:13-18
1. Starts with FAITH CONVICTION (vs. 13-14)
This harkens back to Psalms 116:10. Paul's conviction was one of faith in Jesus, who died for our sins. His conviction was so strong that he spoke of this one truth in the face of opposition and against whatever odds. Like Jeremiah, he was passionate for God (Jeremiah 20:9), and it exuded through his actions. What is your faith conviction?
2. There are PURPOSES (vs. 15)
(a) Grace to us
(b) Glory to God
Though these seem like different purposes, they are actually one purpose. Grace to us necessarily means glory to God. Glory to God, inasmuch it involves us, is revealed in the grace given to us.
3. There are COSTS and BENEFITS (vs. 16)
Verse 16 is really a summary of verses 7-10. On the outside, or "outwardly", we will die. We, as humans, naturally deteriorate. "Self" will die with or without Jesus. But "inwardly", we are renewed in Jesus through faith in Jesus. Absence of faith in Jesus means no renewal.
"If I am going to burn out, let me burn out for God." Henry Martyn
4. Eternally ends with a great reward (vs. 17-18)
We can see something in the distance, there seems to be something at the end of life (Hebrews 11:13). That something is apparently a reward (Hebrews 11:24-26). That reward is better than anything, and it is worth the worldly suffering in order to attain it (Hebrews 10:32-34). That reward is the "Glory that will be revealed to us" (Romans 8:18).
2. There are PURPOSES (vs. 15)
(a) Grace to us
(b) Glory to God
Though these seem like different purposes, they are actually one purpose. Grace to us necessarily means glory to God. Glory to God, inasmuch it involves us, is revealed in the grace given to us.
3. There are COSTS and BENEFITS (vs. 16)
Verse 16 is really a summary of verses 7-10. On the outside, or "outwardly", we will die. We, as humans, naturally deteriorate. "Self" will die with or without Jesus. But "inwardly", we are renewed in Jesus through faith in Jesus. Absence of faith in Jesus means no renewal.
"If I am going to burn out, let me burn out for God." Henry Martyn
4. Eternally ends with a great reward (vs. 17-18)
We can see something in the distance, there seems to be something at the end of life (Hebrews 11:13). That something is apparently a reward (Hebrews 11:24-26). That reward is better than anything, and it is worth the worldly suffering in order to attain it (Hebrews 10:32-34). That reward is the "Glory that will be revealed to us" (Romans 8:18).
Our seeing and savouring right now will become full in heaven.
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