Based on a series of sermons preached in PCC Prayer Meetings in 2023-2024
Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you. 15 For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God. 16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; 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 4:14-18
2 Corinthians is a treasure trove of comforting texts for Christians suffering various forms of affliction. This is perhaps because the apostle Paul was himself greatly afflicted due to some issues he had with the Corinthians. Indeed, it was only after he was able to sort out some of the issues he had with them and was assured of their love and respect for him that he wrote 2 Corinthians.
In any case, our text, 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 is one of the most frequently quoted by believers throughout the ages to encourage fellow saints who are going through trials. In some ways, the text itself is comforting enough, even without an exposition. However, it will do well for us to unpack it a little so that we may meditate on it with understanding for the comfort of our souls.
If you scrutinise this passage, you will see that Paul presents three logical pairs of sentiments. In each pair, he expresses a positive attitude or thought, and a reason for it.
1. We Faint Not
“For which cause we faint not,” says Paul (v. 16). What does it mean to faint not? To faint is to lose heart, to be discouraged, disheartened or despondent. Despite severe trials, we fail not, but are encouraged, sustained, and emboldened. Why?
The answer is given in the preceding verses. In short, we faint not because Christ has been raised for us; therefore, we shall be raised in Him. What is true of Paul and his company is true of us. “He which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus” (v. 14).
If that is true, how can we remain discouraged and despondent like soldiers running out of ammunition, trapped in a bunker with no hope of rescue? Whatever situation you may be in, remember that the resurrection of Christ is the greatest deliverance ever accomplished. And it was accomplished for you. Shall He who did it now leave you to perish?
2. God Is Doing Something Wonderful to Us
Paul does not say these words explicitly in our text. But is he not saying that when he declares, “Though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day” (v. 16)?
Isn’t he saying that God is doing something extraordinary to us through the afflictions He appoints for us? Our soul is being renewed day by day, though our outward man, our body, perishes.
Are you suffering physically, dear child of God? Be assured that there is a purpose for your suffering. God is, by His Spirit, working something wonderful and eternal in your soul. “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory” (v. 17). Compared to the weight of the glory that awaits us, our affliction is light.
Many of us are willing to subject our bodies to all sorts of torments in physical training for temporal health benefits. Shall we not humbly receive the training that the Lord has appointed for our eternal good?
Therefore, our attitude towards our present difficulties must not be one of discontentment and fretfulness, but instead one of meekness, peace and contentment in Christ.
Remember: our momentary and light affliction is accomplishing an eternal weight of glory.
3. We Live by Faith, Not by Sight
Again, Paul does not say this explicitly here. He says it in the next chapter, in verse 7. But is that statement, not a summary of what he says here in verse 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.”
As believers, we should not be overly concerned about things seen. What are these? They are our food, drink, clothing, houses, vehicles, and even bodies. Solomon refers to these as things under the sun. All these things are temporal. On the other hand, spiritual things are eternal.
This is why we must not live by sight, but by faith. We are too easily discomfited by what we see and feel with our outward men. The result is that we respond to the situation we are in with a worldly attitude using worldly wisdom rather than with faith and hope in the Lord.
But the man led by the Spirit of Christ looks at things differently. Every reality—whether physical or spiritual—in this world has two price tags: one indicates its temporal, earthly value, while the other indicates its eternal, heavenly value. The worldly man looks only at the first price tag: its temporal value. He makes his choices and responds emotionally to the loss or gain of it according to this price tag.
On the other hand, the spiritual man looks at both, but is more concerned with the second price tag: its eternal value. He makes his choices and responds emotionally to their loss or gains accordingly.
This is how the spiritual man can have peace and contentment in his heart despite suffering physically due to loss of health, comfort, status or property.
Conclusion
The apostle Paul once taught that we must enter the kingdom of God through many tribulations. Are you facing any tribulation? If you are not, blessed are you, but be sure that tribulation will find you sooner or later.
But if you are presently facing some tribulation, whatever it may be, do not allow your heart to be overwhelmed, for Christ is risen for you. Remember that God is doing something wonderful and eternal in your soul through the trial. Seek to walk by faith, not by sight. Seek to measure all gains and losses in this world according to their spiritual price tags. And keep your eyes on the Lord Jesus, for all will ultimately be well for all who are united to Him by faith. Amen.
—JJ Lim