Sermon on 18 September 2022 by Ps Gaius
Introduction
This passage was written by the apostle Paul to the Corinthians, to encourage them.
Message
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. – 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
When we see things around us, our attention is drawn to them. This passage tells us not to be affected by the things we see.Instead, concentrate on what the bible says and not be distracted by worldly things which do not last forever. Things are areunseen are eternal. We learn from the bible that God often wants us to do things which are unseen. God looks at our hearts, the unseen. In Matthew 6, we are taught to do good things without telling others. We can surely enjoy fun things, such as holidays. But these things are not what we chase after.
In verse 16, we read that there is an ‘outer self’ which wastes away, while the ‘inner self’ renews daily. Some of us may feel overlooked at work, and feel that it is unfair that you are not appreciated although you work harder than others. But God wants you to focus on your inner self, which is joyful because you are able to work and your work blesses others and glorifies God. Your eyes no longer focus on your outer self (your own problems) but the unseen.
Verse 17 tells us about a momentary affliction – a problem, a difficulty which we will face for a short while. Remember that God doesn’t cause suffering, but He allows us to go through difficulty as it allows us to build resilience. And in Him we have hope. Jesus told us that in this world we will face tribulations, but He has overcome the world. Psalms 23:4 tells us that we only walk through the valley of the shadow of death; we do not stay in the valley. Verse 17 also tells us about God’s glory; this is the unseen. If we compare affliction and glory, the former is light while the latter is heavy.
Let us have faith.
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible. – Hebrews 11:1-3
Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?” – John 11:40
One of Jesus’ disciples said that he would believe in the resurrection of Jesus only if he sees Jesus. But Jesus tells him to look to the unseen.
Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” – John 20:29
Closing
Our outer self is seen and wasting away, but let us seek our inner self, which is renewed day by day. Let us fix our eyes on the unseen glory that is coming our way. For our affliction is momentary compared to the eternal glory of God. The affliction is light while the glory has weight. Do not lose heart (2 Corinthians 4:16).
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