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Christy asked:

Would you please explain 2 Corinthians 4:15-16?

Hi Christy,

At the heart of Paul's second letter to the Corinthians is a message of hope and perseverance. This is particularly highlighted in 2 Corinthians 4:15-16 where he states, "For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God. So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day." To fully appreciate this passage, let's unpack it in its wider context.

Throughout 2 Corinthians, Paul deals with criticism and defends his apostolic ministry. The church in Corinth faced false apostles who attempted to undermine Paul’s authority and message. In the face of this, Paul talks about his sufferings—not as a complaint—but as a testament to God's grace working through his weaknesses.

In verse 15, Paul affirms that his struggles and hardships serve a greater purpose. He was facing them for the sake of the Corinthians. His trials were part of God's plan to extend grace to more and more people. This echoes his statement in 2 Corinthians 1:6, where he states that if he is afflicted, it is for their comfort and salvation.

Paul’s intention is that as more people experience God's grace, thanksgiving will overflow to the glory of God. Here, he underscores that the ultimate purpose of God's grace is not merely individual benefit but the magnification of God’s glory.

Moving to verse 16, we see Paul addressing how he handles suffering. Despite the challenges, he says, "So we do not lose heart." In essence, Paul does not despair or give up because he perceives his trials in light of eternity.

Paul acknowledges that our physical bodies are subject to decay and death – "our outer self is wasting away." However, the key to not losing heart is understanding that while our bodies may be weakening, our "inner self," our spiritual life, is being continually renewed.

It’s noteworthy that Paul uses the term "day by day" when referring to this spiritual renewal. This suggests an ongoing process that happens as we remain connected to Christ through prayer, studying the Word, and fellowship with other believers.

So, 2 Corinthians 4:15-16 is a powerful reminder of how God’s grace operates amid our sufferings. It communicates the truth that our earthly trials can serve a divine purpose - extending God’s grace, increasing thanksgiving among believers, and glorifying God. Furthermore, it highlights the stark contrast between our temporal, physical existence and eternal, spiritual life. In spite of external decay, we, as believers, undergo a daily process of inner spiritual renewal.

This hope sustains us through our present hardships and encourages us not to lose heart. Like Paul, our focus is not on the momentary afflictions but on the eternal weight of glory they produce (2 Corinthians 4:17). Understanding these truths helps us navigate our life's challenges with an eternal perspective, continually renewed and strengthened in our inner selves.