Paul’s concern for Corinth is that they do not lose heart in authentic gospel ministry. Authentic ministry looks weak and is a struggle. So what will keep us enduring in authentic ministry? The answer lies in looking to things unseen and eternal. As we consider the house built by God, eternal in the heavens, so we are renewed internally day by day. This says Paul is what it looks and feels like to have the Spirit.
The future of this ministry
2 Corinthians 4:16-5:5
16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
Our Heavenly Dwelling
For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling, 3 if indeed by putting it on we may not be found naked. 4 For while we are still in this tent, we groan, being burdened—not that we would be unclothed, but that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. 5 He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.
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Working together with Christ
The Heart of a Gospel Minister Talk + Add to Library View this resource -