“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. (17) For this slight momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, (18) as we look not to the things that are seen but the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”
The Christian is to always view one’s life from the perspective of eternity. Those who have placed their faith for salvation in Jesus have been made a new creation (2 Cor 5:17). In this newness of life we experience a foretaste serving of the promises of God now, and then in its fullness in the new heaven and earth to come. At the same time, we are not immune to, nor does God shield us from all suffering (Jn 16:33), but rather He reigns and administrates over it (and within it) for his purposes and glory. In light of this, scripture teaches we shall endure:
- Persecutions for our proclamation and witness of the Gospel.
- The degenerative effects of the fallen creation that is being ravaged by sin and death (Rom 5:12).
Therefore, we shall suffer human illnesses, physical infirmities, gradual deterioration of our human bodies, broken relationships, calamities, death of loved ones and even our own departure from this life. Additionally, for the sake of the Gospel, we shall be reviled, ostracized, slandered, hated, and persecuted by a world of non-believers who loathe and detest the name and glory of Jesus Christ. Apostle Paul endured all these things as a believer. No matter his circumstances, he remained resilient in his faith that derived its power from God. Being an excellent model of perseverance in a life of God, he encourages us in two primary ways.
Do not lose heart. The struggle to follow God is real on this side of heaven. We should not waiver in our faith in Him when we suffer setbacks, are afflicted with discouragements, and fail in human strength in various areas of our lives. Remember, God’s grace is all-sufficient for us. He is glorified in our weaknesses (2 Cor 12:9-10). This world and our old nature is passing away. At the same time, Paul reminds us of our new life and redeemed humanity, “…though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day…” The new person that God has made us in Jesus upon the day of our salvation is being progressively transformed by the knowledge of the Word, true righteousness and holiness. The more you and I die to the affections and love of this world, the closer we grow to Jesus by the Spirit within.
Our troubles have a divine purpose and expiration date. Paul states that our suffering is but a moment. To be clear, he does not intend to minimize earthly hardships, for he also endured much in his life for Christ. What does he have in view? It is this: Our earthly life is temporary (and everything in it), and we should view it from the perspective of eternity. The duration of our earthly suffering is but a fleeting moment in light of coming new creation that we shall enjoy (1 Cor 15). Scripture teaches us that it will be free of the corruption of this world to include our human bodies (i.e., earthly temples). Further, Paul reminds us that God allows suffering to enter our lives for the purposes of growing us in faith (Rom 5:3-5) and His glory.
Paul’s words gifts us heaven’s perspective. Trials and tribulations of this life are light and insignificant compared to the glory we shall inherit of immeasurable blessings in eternity. This is why when we focus our attention on heaven towards the Author and Finisher of our faith, hope will refresh our inner nature in the midst of our sufferings of this earth. Let the courage of God fill our hearts with rejoicing as we look to what is unseen, while we endure what is seen. Hallelujah! Amen.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com