Walking Faith

2 Corinthians 4:16–18 ESV

So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

This is written to Christians

THREE IMPORTANT COMPARISONS

Wasting away of the outer self

Daily renewal of the inner self

Light momentary affliction

Glory beyond all comparison

Things we see are transient

Things that are unseen are eternal

Paul reemphasizes this concept in the next chapter

2 Corinthians 5:1–11 ESV

For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling, if indeed by putting it on we may not be found naked. For while we are still in this tent, we groan, being burdened—not that we would be unclothed, but that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee. So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil. Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade others. But what we are is known to God, and I hope it is known also to your conscience.

THE PROSPECT (EXPECTATION)

Paul continues his comparison (again this is written to Christians)

DESTRUCTIBLE TENT

ETERNAL BUILDING

Paul declares that his body is decaying, but he is nevertheless anxious for death to come because it will be at this point that his eternal life with God will be fully realized (verse 2).

2 Corinthians 5:5 ESV

He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.

3 IMPORTANT THINGS TO REMEMBER

Justified

Instructions on Spiritual Living

Gift of the Holy Spirit

2 Corinthians 5:7 ESV

for we walk by faith, not by sight.

This scripture should have a greater and deeper meaning to us when look at the comparisons and see what God has given us to continue to function in this present world.

Here’s another scripture that should have a greater meaning

Romans 8:18 ESV

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

THE PURPOSE

2 Corinthians 5:9–11 ESV

So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil. Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade others. But what we are is known to God, and I hope it is known also to your conscience.

He also uses this idea to remind his readers that along with death comes judgment, and everyone will be judged according to what they have done.