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) As we age our bodies may grow weaker physically, but
internally our spirit is strengthened each day.
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