2 Corinthians 4:8-9 “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” The principle that Paul outlined in this text is that the ministry we carry on in the name of the Lord Jesus is always carried on through the vehicle of human weakness and failings. The treasure of the life of Christ and His ministry does indeed flow through jars of clay. So how are we to think about this? We must recognize that the main threat to our perseverance in the Christian life and our effectiveness in ministry is often our own discouragement. We must always turn to Gods grace in the midst of life and ministry. Let us examine the four couplets that support this point in II Corinthians 4:8-9. First, we are often in trouble. The Christian life and ministry are not easy. There are many troubles. Still, we are not “distressed.” We know that God is in control. Next, we are often “perplexed.” Paul said that despite our perplexity we are not “in despair.” We know that God knows,even if we do not. This brings encouragement. Next, Paul spoke of being “persecuted” because of the name of Christ. Paul wrote that even in persecution, we are not “forsaken.” We know that God is watching us. Finally, we can be in situations in which we are “cast down.” We can be put down because we are following Christ. Yet this does not destroy us. Jeff VanGoethem
Posted on: Sun, 17 Aug 2014 23:32:52 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015