Proclamation:
“We are pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed,
but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not
destroyed. We always carry around in our
body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our
body." 2 Corinthians 4:8-10 (NIV)
Explanation:
These words were written by the apostle Paul, under the
influence of The Holy Spirit of God, to the believers in the church at Corinth . In this chapter Paul discusses his present
physical weakness as compared to his spiritual strength through Christ. He begins by saying that he does not distort
The Word of God. He presents it plainly.
(2 Corinthians 4:1-2) He says that those
who do not understand it are unbelievers. (2 Corinthians 4:3-4) It is the light of God which shines on
believers and brings them out of darkness into knowledge. (2 Corinthians
4:6-7) Then he tells them that believers
are hard pressed but not crushed, perplexed but not in despair, persecuted but
not abandoned, and struck down but not destroyed because of The Christ within
them. He goes on to say that outwardly
they may be wasting away but inwardly they are renewed each day, and that any
momentary trouble they face is far outweighed by the eternal glory that awaits
them. (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)
Application:
Things may not be easy in this life for believers but if we
hold on and keep the faith we will be rewarded in the end. We may be beaten, abused, and mistreated,
verbally or physically, but we will not be defeated. In the end we will be victorious. (1
Corinthians 15:57) The Christ within us
is bigger, and stronger, and greater, and more powerful than anything that
comes up against us. (1 John 4:4)
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