Lesson 493

(Lesson 493)(12-21-12) 2 Corinthians 4:8-18, "We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. So then death worketh in us, but life in you. We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak; Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you. For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God. For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal."

In this lesson Paul stressed the struggles for survival of the early Church. He encourages those Christians to persevere, to hold fast to the truth of the gospel during those very trying times. He urged them to have faith in the knowledge that all who believe will be greatly rewarded and ultimately redeemed to the glory of everlasting life in the presence of the Father.

We today, have a much less perilous journey through our spiritual lives. Although there are still those who ridicule and malign our efforts, we still, in comparison, have it made in the shade. Sadly, our efforts compared to the zeal and devotion of those early Christians who withstood such horrible persecution, leaves a lot to be desired.

Paul ends this lesson with a very powerful statement, one that explains the very essence of our faith, "for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal." Nothing material matters at all within the concept of eternity.

Ephesians 2:8, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that NOT of yourselves: it is the gift of God:".~