Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.
--2 Corinthians 4:16 (NKJV)
From the daily Bible reading on June 9, 2013 of Psalm 106:1-15; 2 Corinthians 3-4:16; 1 Kings 7:13-8:21.
When Paul wrote his second letter to the church in Corinth (there is a school of thought that believes this to actually be the fourth letter in the series to the Corinthians, with two being lost long ago), he had traveled to Macedonia where he met with Titus. His colleague and brother in Christ's service shared the good news that the church family had finally turned from their rebellion against Paul's teachings. This greatly relieved and delighted Paul, evident in the lighter tone of this letter and leading up to his last recorded visit to the Corinth church. The basic elements of this letter are Paul's expression of joy at the church's acceptance of his ministry, a reminder of their commitment of financial support for the Christians in Judea, and a defense and vindication of Paul himself and his authority as an Apostle of Christ.
Today's focus verse comes from that first component, specifically dealing with the circumstances of Paul's apostolic ministry. Coming toward the end of chapter four, it repeats and therefore reinforces how the chapter began, with the statement that "we do not lose heart". Through the early chapters of this letter, Paul provides insight into why he and Timothy (ostensibly the "we" used here and referenced in verse one of chapter one), and by extension the entire church, can maintain their confidence in Paul's ministry, attributing his effectiveness to the mercy of God. He has renounced the false teachers that once held sway, comparing the openness of his message with their deceitful ways. And he praised Jesus for shining a light into the darkness of man's heart. In this, Christ makes of us a new creation. Sadly, some are blinded by Lucifer and cannot see the Light of the Gospel and are doomed to perish.
It's been said that we all suffer from an incurable terminal disease: life. We all die. Some sooner than others, some more quietly than others, but we will all pass from this life. Our physical body, the "outward man", will break down and someday stop functioning all together. Yet both Jesus and Paul have assured us that the same God who raised Jesus from the dead will raise us as well. Paul takes it a little further. Although our bodies are dying, perishing a little every day, our souls, the "inward man", are constantly being renewed, day by day, leading up to our own resurrection. That constant renewal comes directly from the Holy Spirit, sent by Christ after His ascension. We who believe will not perish, but will have everlasting life. Amen.
Dearest Jesus, thank You for sending God's Holy Spirit to each of us, to be our Helper, our Companion, our Counselor. He renews our soul every minute of every day, keeping our confidence and faith in You secure. Thank You, Father, for Your promise to raise us when we die and bring us to live with Christ Jesus for all of time. In Your name, precious Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Today's focus verse comes from that first component, specifically dealing with the circumstances of Paul's apostolic ministry. Coming toward the end of chapter four, it repeats and therefore reinforces how the chapter began, with the statement that "we do not lose heart". Through the early chapters of this letter, Paul provides insight into why he and Timothy (ostensibly the "we" used here and referenced in verse one of chapter one), and by extension the entire church, can maintain their confidence in Paul's ministry, attributing his effectiveness to the mercy of God. He has renounced the false teachers that once held sway, comparing the openness of his message with their deceitful ways. And he praised Jesus for shining a light into the darkness of man's heart. In this, Christ makes of us a new creation. Sadly, some are blinded by Lucifer and cannot see the Light of the Gospel and are doomed to perish.
It's been said that we all suffer from an incurable terminal disease: life. We all die. Some sooner than others, some more quietly than others, but we will all pass from this life. Our physical body, the "outward man", will break down and someday stop functioning all together. Yet both Jesus and Paul have assured us that the same God who raised Jesus from the dead will raise us as well. Paul takes it a little further. Although our bodies are dying, perishing a little every day, our souls, the "inward man", are constantly being renewed, day by day, leading up to our own resurrection. That constant renewal comes directly from the Holy Spirit, sent by Christ after His ascension. We who believe will not perish, but will have everlasting life. Amen.
Dearest Jesus, thank You for sending God's Holy Spirit to each of us, to be our Helper, our Companion, our Counselor. He renews our soul every minute of every day, keeping our confidence and faith in You secure. Thank You, Father, for Your promise to raise us when we die and bring us to live with Christ Jesus for all of time. In Your name, precious Jesus, we pray. Amen.
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