The Living Word

KING JAMES VERSION

"The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever."

— Isaiah 40:8
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2 Corinthians 4

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Chapter Study & Analysis

2 Corinthians 4 highlights the treasure of the Gospel held in "earthen vessels." Paul describes the hardships of ministry but concludes that "our light affliction" is preparing for us an "eternal weight of glory" that far outweighs our current trials.

CONTEMPORARY APPLICATIONS

1. Treasure in Jars of Clay: The power belongs to God, not to us; we are merely the fragile containers (v. 7). Our weaknesses are the very things that make God’s power more evident to others.
2. The Goal of Suffering: We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed (v. 8). Suffering is the process by which the "life of Jesus" is made manifest in our mortal flesh.
3. Focus on the Unseen: We look not at the things which are seen, which are temporal, but at the things which are not seen, which are eternal (v. 18). An eternal perspective is the key to enduring earthly pain.

FORMAL PRAYER

O Lord, who didst command the light to shine out of darkness: shine into our hearts today. Help us to endure our light afflictions with joy, keeping our eyes fixed on the eternal weight of glory that Thou art preparing for us. Amen.
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