Renewing your faith

2 cor

2 Corinthians 4:16–18 NKJV

Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

We are living in perplexing challenging times, we struggle in ways that people don't even know we struggle. We have raised up a generation of people, one who can not to deal with delayed gratification. Everything must be now, everything must be fast, and everything must be quick.

Instead of a setting the pattern for the world, the world has set the pattern for us. In one and get a to make the gospel more relevant, to the social systems of our society, we have changed the gospel to make it more acceptable and appealing to the masses. thus, peddling the gospel that was not the gospel.

We made our people think that God was Santa Clause, and that his function was to give you what ever you wanted to whenever you wanted and however you wanted it.

In our attempt to balance the extremity of the this type of theology, we taught that through your suffering it glorified God, as if somehow God got pleasure out of seeing his children suffer. This type of faith said that somehow God got glory out of seeing you broke the sick hurting and disgusted.

So the worst offer you were the most spiritual they thought you were.

This generation rose up to rebel against that type of theology. But went all the way to the other extreme, and begin to weigh the value of your position to God by the things that you had, what kind of car you drove, how much money you had in the bank, how big a house you lived in , and what kind of portfolio you possessed. I which I believe is also destructive thinking and completely wrong theology.

That type of thinking will not prepare you for the realities of a real walk with God. And because we have caused you to realize that faith does not exempt you from tragedy and adversity, many if you have been struck with amazement to find out that after you have, claimed and believed, that there are all still troubles that will persist in your life.

That type of thinking will not prepare you for the realities of a real walk with God. And because we have caused you to realize that faith does not exempt you from tragedy and adversity, many if you have been struck with amazement to find out that after you have, claimed and believed, that there are all still troubles that will persist in your life.

I came to present the facts, that you will never known how valuable your Faith is until you have been in a real fight. Real Faith is proven in the furnace of affliction. And we will know that you believed God not because you didn't go through some things, but because you did go through some things. God is looking for the type of faith, that Job had, that says “though you slay me yet when I trust you.”

The truth of the matter is, that your Faith must stand trial! Sooner or later in some time in your life, your Faith will stand trial. It does not matter whether you're married or single, there will be a trial for your Faith. No one will escape the court room of God. Single people think that if they was married that they would escape. In married people think that if I could just get rid of so and so, then I could escape.

tells us that faith is “being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Perhaps no other component of the Christian life is more important than faith. We cannot purchase it, sell it or give it to our friends. So what is faith and what role does faith play in the Christian life?

The dictionary defines faith as “belief in, devotion to, or trust in somebody or something, especially without logical proof.” It also defines faith as “belief in and devotion to God.” The Bible has much more to say about faith and how important it is. In fact, it is so important that, without faith, we have no place with God, and it is impossible to please Him (). According to the Bible, faith is belief in the one, true God without actually seeing Him.

Where does faith come from? Faith is not something we conjure up on our own, nor is it something we are born with, nor is faith a result of diligence in study or pursuit of the spiritual. makes it clear that faith is a gift from God, not because we deserve it, have earned it, or are worthy to have it. It is not from ourselves; it is from God. It is not obtained by our power or our free will. Faith is simply given to us by God, along with His grace and mercy, according to His holy plan and purpose, and because of that, He gets all the glory.

Why have faith? God designed a way to distinguish between those who belong to Him and those who don’t, and it is called faith. Very simply, we need faith to please God. God tells us that it pleases Him that we believe in Him even though we cannot see Him. A key part of :6tells us that “he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” This is not to say that we have faith in God just to get something from Him. However, God loves to bless those who are obedient and faithful. We see a perfect example of this in . Jesus is engaged in dialog with a sinful woman when He gives us a glimpse of why faith is so rewarding. “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” The woman believed in Jesus Christ by faith, and He rewarded her for it. Finally, faith is what sustains us to the end, knowing that by faith we will be in heaven with God for all eternity. “Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls” ().

Examples of faith. Hebrews chapter 11 is known as the “faith chapter” because in it great deeds of faith are described. By faith Abel offered a pleasing sacrifice to the Lord (v. 4); by faith Noah prepared the ark in a time when rain was unknown (v. 7); by faith Abraham left his home and obeyed God’s command to go he knew not where, then willingly offered up his only son (vv. 8-10, 17); by faith Moses led the children of Israel out of Egypt (vv. 23-29); by faith Rahab received the spies of Israel and saved her life (v. 31). Many more heroes of the faith are mentioned “who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies” (vv. 33-34). Clearly, the existence of faith is demonstrated by action.

According to the Bible, faith is essential to Christianity. Without demonstrating faith and trust in God, we have no place with Him. We believe in God’s existence by faith. Most people have a vague, disjointed notion of who God is but lack the reverence necessary for His exalted position in their lives. These people lack the true faith needed to have an eternal relationship with the God who loves them. Our faith can falter at times, but because it is the gift of God, given to His children, He provides times of trial and testing in order to prove that our faith is real and to sharpen and strengthen it. This is why James tells us to consider it “pure joy” when we fall into trials, because the testing of our faith produces perseverance and matures us, providing the evidence that our faith is real ().

The Outline Bible Section Outline Four (2 Corinthians 4)

The reality of suffering (4:8–9): Paul says he is:

1. Pressed on every side by troubles (4:8a)

2. Perplexed but not giving up (4:8b)

3. Hunted down but not abandoned (4:9a)

4. Knocked down but able to keep going (4:9b)

B. The (desired) reaction to suffering (4:10–13)

1. Paul shares in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may be seen (4:10).

2. He lives under constant danger so that Jesus will be obvious to them (4:11–12).

3. He continues to preach (4:13).

C. The rewards of suffering (4:14–18)

1. Concerning the future (4:14): A resurrected body.

2. Concerning the present (4:16–18): A renewed body.

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