Bible Reading
2 Corinthians 4
Devotional Thoughts
I don’t think I noticed that these 2 verses were in the same passage before.
- 2 Cor 4:8-9 “We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed, perplexed but not driven to despair, persecuted by not forsaken, struck down but not destroyed.”
- 2 Cor 4:17 “For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory”
I always think it’s so cool to see theology lived out in the lives of Biblical characters. Paul wasn’t just stating some kind of Biblical ideal here, he was living it! How did Paul come to have the attitude he describes in verse 17, even though he was facing what he describes in 8 and 9? He declared truth to himself. So, what were Paul’s declarations in this passage? These can be our declarations today as well.
- 2 Cor 4:5 What I proclaim is not myself, but Christ as Lord, I am just a servant for Jesus’ sake
- 2 Cor 4:6 I have the incredible treasure of turning on the light that shows the glory of God as people see the face of Jesus through me.
- 2 Cor 4:7 I am just a fragile lantern that radiates the light of the glory of God. It’s not about me, I’m just the vessel, a jar of clay. The surpassing power belongs to God and not to me.
- 2 Cor 4:8-11 As long as I keep my focus on the greater reward (2 Cor 4:16) although I am afflicted, perplexed, persecuted and struck down, I will not despair, because I know I won’t be forsaken, crushed or destroyed.
- 2 Cor 4:11-12 My trials and hardships are to display the life of Jesus in me. Death working in me to give life to you.
- 2 Cor 4:16-18 My greater reward is an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison. I need to be focused not on the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are temporary, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
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