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Reflection on 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Reflection on 2 Corinthians 4:16-18


Seeing the Invisible

16 Therefore, we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, 18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.


4:16 - We Do Not Lose Heart:

It's often difficult not to lose heart, especially when we're up against the ropes, facing continuous spiritual battles. The Orthodox Faith teaches that salvation in Christ includes:


A Passage from Death to Life:

Scriptural References: John 3:1-6, Colossians 1:13-14.

Process: Through repentance, faith, and baptism ("I have been saved").


A Process of Spiritual Growth and Maturation:

Scriptural References: 2 Peter 1:2-8.

Process: Through ongoing repentance, faith, and communion, often called deification ("I am being saved").


A Promise of Eternal Life:

Scriptural References: 2 Corinthians 5:9-11, John 14:1-6.

Process: Calling us to perseverance and righteousness ("I shall be saved").


Paul describes this second element, the process of our salvation, here, saying that our inner life is being renewed day by day. Even though our battles take a toll, and losing heart seems more accessible, the renewal process continues as we grow spiritually.


4:17—Light and Momentary Troubles Despite

Paul's hardships (vv. 8-12), he sees God's everlasting glory and calls his trials "light affliction." This perspective challenges us to view our struggles through the lens of eternal significance. Though heavy now, our troubles are light compared to the everlasting glory they are achieving for us.


4:18—Fixing Our Eyes on the Unseen

As part of our inner renewal in Christ (v. 16), we gain the gift of seeing the unseen, the eternal things. Our outward bodies may be wasting away, but this is temporary. The visible world is transient, but the unseen, eternal realities are where we should focus.


In practical application, amid spiritual battles:

It is easy to be overwhelmed by our outward circumstances. The flesh is weak, and our minds can become weapons for despair. However, if we concentrate more on our inward renewal, being renewed daily by God's grace, we can navigate our setbacks and difficulties with hope and perseverance.


By shifting our focus from the temporary to the eternal, we find strength in the promise of our ongoing renewal and the ultimate glory that awaits us. This perspective transforms our view of present hardships, enabling us to endure with faith and resilience.


Conclusion Reflecting

This passage shows that Paul's words encourage us not to lose heart despite our outward struggles. The process of salvation involves continuous spiritual growth and renewal, ultimately leading us to eternal life. By focusing on what is unseen and eternal, we can find strength and hope amid our trials, trusting in God's promise of eternal glory.


In Christ, love Jared W Campbell


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