2 Corinthians 4v11-18
For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you. Since we have the same spirit of faith according to what has been written, “I believed, and so I spoke,” we also believe, and so we also speak, knowing that He who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into His presence. For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.
So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. (ESV)
Consider the following regarding the Christian Ministry:
- Its Pain
Life is difficult, which is why ministry is difficult, no impossible without the Lord.
a) The Sufferers
Paul is referring to life in this world, where people suffer in jars of clay.
b) Their Suffering
It’s severe – ministers given over to death, facing many challenges and difficulties. Through this God showed Paul how dependant he was on Christ’s power. His message to the Corinthians also showed them how reliant they are on Christ, not thinking of themselves but those whom they minister to – like Jesus did.
c) The Saviour
Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life, showing us that by being the Way He is the only path to God – there is no other way. The Truth tells us that Jesus embodies the ultimate reality and revelation of God and the Life indicates that eternal life is found only through a relationship with Him.
He doesn’t only show you the way – He is the Way that He shows you. He does not only tell you the truth – He is the Truth that He tells you. He doesn’t just give you life – He is the Life that He gives you. That’s our Lord: our Prophet like Moses, our Priest after the order of Melchizedek, Lamb without blemish, slain before the foundation of the world and our great King on David’s throne.
Paul says we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake so we can stay in the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Salvation is God’s gracious work in choosing and redeeming individuals through faith in Jesus Christ.
It tells us of the necessity of faith in Christ alone for eternal life. This awareness causes Jesus’ Life to transform us (Gal. 2:20). - Its Purpose
a) Have the life of Jesus manifest in our mortal flesh. We do not live for ourselves but for Him who lives in His people. How do I pray, help and support those who suffer? (Col 3:4). The very life of Jesus is manifested in our mortal flesh
b) “Rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when His glory is revealed.” (1 Pet. 4:13)
c) Unto the salvation of the lost – in the congregations that the Apostles planted. Death is at work in the ministers for the spreading of the Gospel (2nd Cor. 1:6). - Its Power
Where do we get the power for this?
a) From the Right Spirit – the Holy Spirit, who is the only One who can change us (Ps 116:10).
b) From the Revealed Scriptures – believing what God said, Psalm 116 too. We have to believe all of it – loving even the ones that crush us, like that the best things that we do is like filthy rags in God’s sight. We cannot do otherwise (Acts 4:20) – believing, preaching and trusting the Word. We must also live it so that the Grace of God may extend to others.
c) To the Glory of God, which is the chief end of man, and to enjoy Him forever. It involves recognizing God’s greatness and our smallness, obeying His commandments, and living in a way that brings honour and praise to Him. To enjoy Him forever means that true fulfilment and joy comes from a personal and eternal relationship with God, which implies a deep and satisfying communion with our Lord – both in this life and the life to come. That enjoyment of God is not just a fleeting experience, but a lasting and eternal source of happiness and fulfilment.
Paul concludes by saying: “We do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient (will pass away), but the things that are unseen are eternal.” His troubles, which may seem tough now, are preparing Him for a fantastic reward that will last forever.
Bravery is not the absence of fear, but it is how we respond to fear – with virtue.