That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our inner strength in the Lord is growing every day. These troubles and sufferings of ours are, after all, quite small and won’t last very long. Yet this short time of distress will result in God’s richest blessing upon us forever and ever! So we do not look at what we can see right now, the troubles all around us, but we look forward to the joys in heaven which we have not yet seen. The troubles will soon be over, but the joys to come will last forever. ~ 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
For Paul, God’s power and glory aren’t just abstract ideas – they are realities to be experienced. The resurrection is already being inaugurated in the conversion of believers into the body of Christ. Therefore, the power of Christ in establishing his reign as the Son of God is already taking hold in the lives of believers who wage war against the flesh. The kingdom of God has already broken into the world, but it is not yet here in all its fullness. The fullness of God’s presence and the blessings this entails are still in the future.
In the meantime, suffering is a reality. It is Paul’s ability to endure and rejoice in the midst of adversity that reveals “the life of Jesus” to others. Paul reminds us that this future focus of our faith is the key to resisting the false gospel of focusing on a better life here and now. This self-denial type of faith isn’t just wishful thinking. Nor is it simply pretending our circumstances don’t affect us. For those who see the glory to come, though, this life isn’t really a sacrifice. As believers, we never give up more than we receive in Christ.
In order to follow in Jesus’ footsteps, an intimate relationship with God, a desire for the glory of his character to be shown, and a longing for the coming of his kingdom in all its fullness MUST replace our cravings for what the world has to offer. It wasn’t Paul’s gratitude for what Christ had done in the past that sustained him (though he was very grateful!). It was Paul’s hope for the future that sustained him! God is to be PRIZED above all. The ultimate purpose is the PRAISE of the glory of God’s grace.
You can’t praise what you don’t prize.
Put in different words, God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him. Sin is what you do when your heart is not satisfied with God. Paul was thankful for Christ’s sacrifice – but Paul was more focused on a future with God – a future that will be so glorious that nothing in this world can compare. The more you allow that future to determine your present, the stronger your faith will become.
Prayer Prompt: Think about something you desire more than God’s glorious future.
Then spend some time in prayer asking God to help you let that thing go.
~ Clay
Fowlers in Japan 