Tuesday, August 9, 2022

WE GET KNOCKED DOWN BUT NOT OUT

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. 

 

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