2 Corinthians 4:13-18
Q.1. How is real faith demonstrated in ministry? How does the resurrection keep us steadfast amid opposition? In what way did God reserve the best till last? To what event does faith cling? – (2 Cor.4:13-18)
Paul confirmed what real faith looks like, and on what it is based – 13 But having the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “I BELIEVED; therefore I spoke,” we also believe; therefore we also speak, 14 knowing that He who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and will present us with you (2 Cor.4:13-14). Note that Paul’s faith was not so much about his own salvation, as for the salvation of others. His faith motivated him to speak … and so spread the Gospel. His faith was not just about the Cross alone but focused on the resurrection. This helped him to remain steadfast amid opposition and strife. He went on to highlight a paradox, that – though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day (2 Cor.4:16). This truth stabilizes the Christian. Though our energies may diminish, our ministry can be more effective through our growing experience, and knowledge of God. Paul also understood that the trials of this life were only temporary – For this momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison (2 Cor.4:17). Paul urged us to keep life in the perspective of eternity, and to – … 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 Cor.4:18). Paul fought valiantly, not to focus on present circumstances, but rather on future certainties. He kept his eyes on the ultimate prize beyond this present life, knowing that this life could not be compared with the glories to follow for the faithful.