TEMPORARY VS. ETERNAL

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 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.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18

CONTEXT

• Paul (and Timothy) to the church at Corinth
• Around A.D. 55 after leaving Ephesus
• The church, composed mostly of Gentiles, suffered from internal tension
• The members, wealthy nobles, were too focused on material riches
• Congregation divided over social classes

MORE CONTEXT!

• Despite Paul's devotion to God, he was very familiar with suffering
• "Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn?" (11:25-29)

WHAT IS SEEN

• Reputation
• Money and success in the world
• Physical health and appearance
• Earthly troubles

WHAT IS UNSEEN

• Our inward selves which are being "renewed day by day'
• What does that mean? As we lose physical, mental, and emotional strength, God continues to strengthen our souls.
• This strengthening of our souls prepares us for eternal glory when all earthly things are destroyed.

HOW CAN I BE RENEWED DAILY?

• Devote yourself to what matters to God, not the world.
• What matters to God? Galatians 5:22-23 (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control)

We're a lot like the Corinthians. We worry too much about things that don't matter to God. We only need to care about what God cares about!

This is not an excuse to sit around! It's an excuse to act!

HOW TO FOCUS ON WHAT IS UNSEEN

• Show kindness and love to everyone
• Pray constantly
• Stop worrying
• Use your gifts and talents
• Help others in need
• Enjoy your blessings
• Set an example
• Obey God

No matter what your circumstance may be, God has great things in store for you that will last for eternity as long as you devote yourself to Him. All you can do right now is live to please God, and He will carry out His plan for you in time.