8–4-19 Sermon Notes
“When The Going Gets Tough” – 2 Corinthians 4:1-18
Introduction
Last week (week 9 of the thirteen-week series “The Real Deal”) continued with Paul pointing out what a great treasure we possess and the power of that treasure. This week, we will be focusing on what awaits followers of Jesus.
Introduction
Have you ever been hiking to see something that everyone said was great to see and become discouraged to the point of possibly turning around because the trail was so difficult?
Read 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 New International Version (NIV)
16 “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
Message
Let’s begin by putting these verses in context. First, we need to be reminded that Paul’s writings were written to correct any error, preach a clear gospel message, provide encouragement and address issues of concern. And indeed, these verses are encouraging ones. Secondly, verse 16 points back to the beginning verse of chapter 4, “Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart.” In addition, the ‘therefore’ in verse 16 directs us to remember the preceding verses referring to being earthen vessels containing a great treasure.
When digging deeper into these verses, we see a number of contrasts. So, let’s take a look at them.
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Wasting away vs being renewed
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Light troubles vs ‘weighty’ glory
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Momentary troubles vs eternal glory
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Seen vs unseen
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Temporary vs eternal
Often times, our focus is upon the wasting away that exhibits itself in moans and groans. Paul could have easily gone down that path because what he suffered – beatings, shipwrecks, stoning, starvation, etc. seem to us to be much more than ‘light and momentary’ afflictions. And in most cases, our afflictions seem ‘light’ in comparison to what he endured. Plus, think about this, Paul gave up his position of being at the top of his profession (High ranking member of the Jewish ruling class) to travel the path of persecution to spread the Gospel message.
So, instead of moaning and groaning, Paul spends these three verses encouraging the Corinthians to press on because their eternal destination was worth it. “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”
Our society encourages us, on the other hand, to focus on the wasting away. Efforts to prolong life, hair restoration, wrinkle removal, etc. are designed to stave off the aging process. In addition, there has been a movement to prevent any kind of ‘light affliction. Allow yourself to think of how this plays out…….
Paul recognized that we are physically and mentally wasting away – some of us faster than others, but none the less, we are all on the same road. On the other hand, Paul offers a great word of encouragement by stating that we are being inwardly renewed on a daily basis by following Jesus. When we arrive at our final destination, many of us will look back and wonder why we were so intent on not getting there. And way too often, the message from our churches focus on our trials and tribulations (our journey) and not on our destination. How many messages have you heard on Heaven over the years?
We are visual people thereby focusing on what we see. Paul told the Corinthians and us to look beyond and imagine what lies ahead. As we look across Flathead Lake, we see mountains in the foreground and mountains behind them and mountains behind them and…..
Concluding Remarks and Application
How many of you have hiked to Avalanche Lake in Glacier Park? If you are like some who have made the hike, it seemed like the hike wasn’t worth it until you got to your destination. Pretty hard to not say, “Wow!” And along the way, were there people returning from seeing the lake encouraging us to ‘press on’ because the hike was going to be worth it? Shouldn’t we also be like those who encouraged us to help those when the going gets tough?