Unshaken Study - Week 4, Day 4: 2 Corinthians 4:1-18

No Dusty Bibles

As we near the end of our study, today’s scripture, 2 Corinthians 4:1-18, encourages us to shift our focus from the temporal to the eternal. In this passage, Paul speaks about the challenges and persecutions he faces, yet he emphasizes the importance of not losing heart. Despite the outer decay, he highlights the renewal happening within us day by day and the eternal glory that far outweighs any present troubles when we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. This perspective is crucial as we deal with health challenges, reminding us to look beyond our current struggles to the eternal hope and promise in Christ.

Week 4, Day 4: Embracing Eternal Perspective

Scripture Focus: 2 Corinthians 4:1-18

2 Corinthians 4:1-18 provides a powerful reminder to focus on the eternal rather than the temporal. Paul encourages believers to not lose heart despite their trials, emphasizing that the inner renewal and eternal glory far outweigh any current struggles. This perspective helps us navigate health challenges with hope and faith.

Key Verses:

• "Light will shine out of darkness" (v.6).
• "But we have this treasure in clay vessels, that the exceeding greatness of the power may be of God and not from ourselves" (v.7).
• "Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day" (v.16).
• "For our light affliction, which is for the moment, works for us more and more exceedingly an eternal weight of glory" (v.17).
• "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal" (v.18).

Questions to Ponder:

1. Revealing Jesus in Our Lives: Consider the statement that the life of Jesus may be revealed in our mortal body (v.11). How can your health challenges and how you handle them serve as a testimony to the life and power of Jesus? What steps can you take to ensure that your life reflects this even in times of difficulty?
2. Affliction for God’s Glory: Reflect on how your understanding of affliction as being for God’s glory might transform your approach to suffering (v.15). How does seeing your trials as opportunities to glorify God influence your attitude towards them?
3. Inward Renewal: "Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day" (v.16). How does this verse help you to cope with the physical or emotional wear of health challenges? In what ways can you focus more on your inner renewal?
4. Eternal Perspective: Paul contrasts the light and momentary troubles with the eternal glory that far outweighs them all (v.17). How can maintaining an eternal perspective change your daily experience and response to health challenges?
5. Focusing on the Unseen: "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal" (v.18). What are some practical ways you can shift your focus from your current health issues to the eternal promises of God?

Conclusion:

Join us as we explore 2 Corinthians 4:1-18, learning to embrace an eternal perspective that helps us navigate health challenges with hope and faith. Let’s fix our eyes on the unseen, allowing God’s promises to guide us through our current struggles and into His eternal glory.

Resources Mentioned:

• Order Unshaken: Faith-Filled Responses to Health Challenges

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