Looking Ahead

2 Corinthians 4:13-18

Introduction:

Last week we began looking a 2 Cor. 4 and saw that Paul was talking about sticking with it in the midst of the difficulties of ministry.

Last week we saw how Paul was able to stick with it

1) He remembered who it was that he was serving in ministry

2) He remembered the importance of the message that he was sharing

We said last week that if we do not do those two things, we too will become discouraged and give up on the ministry.

We mentioned last week but never really got to talk about the third thing that helped Paul to stick with it.

3) He was able to look ahead

The importance of looking ahead

1. If we want to understand the importance of looking ahead all we have to do is to look at athletics

*Runners look ahead in their minds to the finish line

*Olympians look ahead in their times of sacrifice to the glory of Olympics

At times in our Christian lives it is important that we look ahead as well

Paul did this often

Phil. 3:13-14

Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

2. The difference:

Athletes look ahead with certain/uncertainty

There are 1000’s who sacrifice a great deal to get to the Olympics that never make it that far.

While they sacrifice with their minds looking ahead they are never certain that it is going to pay off.

Not true with Christians in their service. We can look ahead with great certainty at what God has promised. No service for the Lord will go un-noticed or unrewarded by Him. That is certain!!

I. We can look ahead to see God’s renewal in our lives v. 16

1. This is inward renewal in contrast to outward perishing

1) This renewal takes place when it looks like it should not be

*When all around are signs of discouragement and despair

2) This was the renewal that Paul had when he was suffering beatings, imprisonments, without food, stoning, criticism, etc.

2. This inward renewal comes from the ministry of the Holy Spirit within us

*He empowers us to keep going

*He encourages us to keep going

*He is the one who enables us to look ahead

3. This renewal is a day by day renewal

Two hymns come to mind that speak of this:

529 Day by Day (all three verses)

362 No One ever cared for me Like Jesus (just verse 3)

4. How does this renewal come?

1) His Spirit bearing witness with our spirit

2) His Spirit giving confidence of God’s love and presence

Nothing can take us away from God’s love

3) His Spirit using His Word to encourage and empower

Notice that I did not say from other believers. God does so often use other believers to encourage and empower us, but this renewal comes when the outward man is perishing, even when there is no outside influence that would keep us going.

II. We can look forward to God’s working things of eternal glory vv. 17-18

Paul was able to look past his difficulties and see that God was using even those things to accomplish something that would be much more significant that his own comfort and benefit.

God would accomplish things of eternal significance.

One of the greatest reasons why people are tempted to give up in ministry is because they feel like nothing is being accomplished through their sacrifice and hard work.

1. Hardships accomplish things of eternal value in our personal lives

Romans 5:3-5

And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. (Verse 5 is probably the greatest encouragement – seeing the love of God in our hearts)

2. Hardships also cause eternally significant things in the lives of others as well

Because of Paul’s hardships many had the opportunity to hear of Christ

He preached to the Romans soldiers and Roman officials

Because of Paul’s hardships believers grew spiritually in their own lives and became closer in fellowship to one another

Paul was able to look ahead and know that God was going to work. This helped keep him going!!

Paul could look ahead to:

God’s daily renewal

God’s eternal accomplishments

III. We can look forward to see God’s plan for eternity vv. 14-18

V. 14 We will be raised up with Christ and presented before the Lord

V. 18 We look ahead to what we cannot see

Paul looked ahead to what waited for him in eternity

How did this help?

V. 17 it helped him to realize that the suffering would not last forever

1 Cor. 2:9

But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”

1 Peter 1:3-5

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

We have much to look forward to as Christians that nothing can take away. Anytime the going gets rough we can look ahead with great assurance.

Closing hymn 673 When we all get to Heaven helps us do just that!!