2 Corinthians ~ Part 6

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 As I emphasized in my previous posts, we are delving into the profound significance of Sha’ul’s Letters to the Corinthians, a crucial cornerstone of our faith. This significance is not to be taken lightly but to be deeply understood and appreciated, invoking a sense of the weight of this text’s importance in our faith. It is crucial that we grasp the depth of its meaning and its impact on our spiritual journey.

We continue to examine the topic Regarding Sha’ul’s Ministry, which covers 2 Corinthians 2:14 to 9:15.

In the following verses, we witness the transformative power of faith in Sha’ul and his companions. Their power, derived from God (v. 7), is likened to that of vulnerable clay jars that remain unbroken even under adverse conditions (vv. 8–9). They are described as dead yet filled with Yeshua’s life (vv. 10–12a), a testament to their trust (vv. 13–14a). Their purpose is both to bring life to you (vv. 12b, 14b–15a) and to bring glory to God (v. 15b). But a third consequence, accomplished through daily renewal which enables us not to lose courage (v. 16), is for us an everlasting glory whose weight is beyond description (vv. 16–18).

Persecution Is Proof

⁷ But we have this treasure in clay jars so that it will be evident that such overwhelming power comes from God and not from us. ⁸ We have all kinds of troubles, but we are not crushed; we are perplexed, yet not in despair; ⁹ persecuted, yet not abandoned; knocked down, yet not destroyed. ¹⁰ We always carry in our bodies the dying of Yeshua, so that the life of Yeshua may be manifested in our bodies too. ¹¹ For we who are alive are always being handed over to death for Yeshua’s sake so that Yeshua’s life also might be manifested in our mortal bodies. ¹² Thus, death is at work in us but life in you.

Consider this: if Sha’ul were merely seeking personal gain, as some claimed, why would he endure such suffering? A person who compromises the Word of God does not face such hardships; they are welcomed and honored by men. Yet, Sha’ul was abused, rejected, and his life made difficult. He was treated as men treated Yeshua. Sha’ul’s willingness to suffer for Yeshua, a transformative power that is one of the greatest proofs of his sincerity as a servant of God, is a testament to the depth of his commitment, a commitment that endures despite all hardships.

Preaching From Faith

 ¹³ The Tanakh says, “I trusted; therefore, I spoke.” Since we have that same Spirit who enables us to trust, we also trust and therefore speak; ¹⁴ because we know that he who raised the Lord Yeshua will also raise us with Yeshua and bring us along with you into his presence. ¹⁵ All this is for your sakes, so that as grace flows out to more and more people, it may cause thanksgiving to overflow and bring glory to God.

As noted in verse 11, Sha’ul was willing to face suffering and death for Yeshua’s sake and the Kehilah’s sake. The experiences that brought death to him meant life for the Believers as he suffered to bring the Word to them. The false teachers knew nothing of suffering or sacrifice. Throughout this letter, Sha’ul points to his scars as the credentials of his ministry. In Galatians 6:17, he said From now on, I don’t want anyone to give me any more tsuris (troubles) because I have scars on my body to prove that I belong to Yeshua!  What an unselfish spirit! Sha’ul was willing to go anywhere and endure anything if it brought glory to God and pleased the Kehilah. He had the Ruach of Faith; he knew suffering would mean blessings.

Inner Strength

¹⁶ This is why we do not lose courage. Though our outer self is heading for decay, our inner self is being renewed daily. ¹⁷ For our light and transient troubles are achieving for us an everlasting glory whose weight is beyond description. ¹⁸ We concentrate not on what is seen but on what is not seen since things seen are temporary, but things not seen are eternal. ^[1]

These verses bring excellent assurance to the believer in times of suffering. Though the outward man is perishing day by day, the inward man, the spiritual man, is being renewed daily (see 2 Corinthians 3:18). Sha’ul is here weighing his sufferings on God’s scales. He discovers that his sufferings are light compared to the weight of glory God has stored up for him. His days and years of trial are nothing compared to the eternity of bliss that awaits him. We need to live “with eternity’s values in view.” Life takes on new meaning when we see things through God’s eyes.

Verse 18 is a paradox to the un-believer but a precious truth to the Believer. We live by faith, not by sight. It is faith that enables the Believer to see things that cannot be seen (Heb. 11:1–3); this faith comes from the Word of God (Rom. 10:17). The things that the world lives and dies for are temporal, passing; the things of the Lord last forever. The world thinks we are crazy because we dare to believe God’s Word and live according to His will. We pass up the “things” men covet because our hearts are set on higher values. We must have a sincere Messianic life and ministry. Our motives must be pure. Our methods must be scriptural. We must be faithful to the Word of God. Sha’ul had this kind of a ministry, and so should we.

 

 

In our next post, we will continue to examine Sha’ul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians. Stay tuned for more insights and revelations.

Click here for the PDF version.

^[1] 2 Corinthians 4:7–18.