PROCLAMATION
“We
are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in
despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but
not destroyed; Always bearing about in the body the dying of The Lord
Jesus, that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body." 2
Corinthians 4:8-10 (KJV)
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 pressed hard 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 thanks
be to God, internally our spirit is renewed and strengthened each and every
day.
No comments:
Post a Comment