Dying - Living
Paul speaks about his ministry and the obstacles he faces as he begins chapter 4. He likens himself, and other bearers of the Good News, the Gospel, to "fragile clay jars containing the great treasure" (v. 7). Thus, as failing humans we must totally depend on the grace of Almighty God. In verses 8 and 9, Paul details the precarious position into which his ministry has placed him. He is:
pressed but not crushed,
perplexed but not in despair,
hunted down but not abandoned,
knocked down but not destroyed.
So as he reached the precipice of disaster, the Lord was always there to bring him back.
Verses 10 - 12 discuss a beautiful law that the Christian life employs. Through "death" to ourselves, we live in Christ. Through the suffering Paul describes in 8 and 9, we identify with the death of Christ, so that His resurrected life can be manifested in us. We live under the menace of death so that the life of Jesus Christ can be fully manifested. Because we accept death in this life, we received eternal life in this life through the Holy Spirit. Verse 16 summarizes this, "That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won't last very long."
May God bless you and bless the reading of His Word.
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