2 Corinthians 4v16-18
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 qualities of the Saints:
- Their fortitude (v16-17)
a) Resilience – they do not lose heart. We must rejoice in our sufferings as we are being prepared for something awesome and wonderful: heaven (see Rom. 5v3-5).
c) Two Realities – Mortality and an inner Metamorphosis.
(i) Our outer self is wasting away, and we cannot live as if we are immortal. We must not squander or waste the gift of life given to us by God. We must not waste our time, treasure, ties (relationships) and talent given to us by our Father in heaven.
(ii) There is an inner metamorphosis, wherein we are being transformed by the Word of God, growing in righteousness and virtue. The purpose of evil is to show that the power and glory belongs to God. - Their future (v17)
a) An eternal future – God is preparing for us an eternal future which no one can take away from us. As believers in Christ Jesus, nothing can pluck us from God the Father’s hand.
b) An enormous fortune – a weight of glory too glorious to comprehend and which has not been revealed (see 1 Peter 1v4-5, 1 John 3v2). We must not become so attached to the things of this world (mere glimpses of God’s glory) that they become idols in our lives. We ought to take our focus off the things of the world and seek first the kingdom of God.
c) An exceptional fortune – see Romans 8v18. - Their focus (v18)
Eyes fixed on the eternal – we must look and keep our eyes on Christ. Where is our focus and what commands our gaze? We cannot focus on the outer self and the sufferings of the world. This shouldn’t be all that we look at (see Heb. 12v2, Col. 3v1-2, Phil. 3v13-14, 2 Cor. 4v6). Even good things that can be seen must not command our focus, as they can blind us to the glory of God (see 2 Cor. 4v4). We must look to the God of heaven and keep our eyes on eternal things (see Heb. 10v32-39).
How do we live in this life?
Take my life and let it be, consecrated Lord to Thee!