How Paul Endured Suffering: Eternal Perspective and Divine Power

2 Corinthians 4:7-18

7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;

9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;

10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.

11 For we which live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.

12 So then death works in us, but life in you.

13 We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;

14 Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.

15 For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.

16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, works for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;

18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Paul endured his immense sufferings by maintaining an unwavering focus on the unseen realities of the eternal world and the matchless charms of Jesus Christ3MR 69.4+2. He recognized that the power enabling him to withstand these trials was not of himself, but was the "excellency of the power" of God working through his human weakness 2 Corinthians 4:71SAT 71.4.

The Perspective of Faith

• Temporal vs. Eternal: Paul viewed his intense trials as "light afflictions" because he compared them to the "far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory" awaiting the faithful 2 Corinthians 4:173MR 69.4+1. He understood that the things which are seen are merely temporal, while the things which are not seen are eternal 2 Corinthians 4:18GCB May 19, 1913, par. 8+1.

• Daily Renewal: Although his "outward man" was perishing through physical hardship and persecution, he found strength because his "inward man" was renewed day by day through the Holy Spirit 2 Corinthians 4:16GCB May 19, 1913, par. 8.

• A Cloud of Witnesses: He ran the race of faith with patience, looking unto Jesus as the author and finisher of his faith, while being mindful of the heavenly witnesses observing his course Hebrews 12:1-24T 35.2.

Participation in Christ's Sufferings

• Fellowship in Suffering: Paul did not despair; instead, he rejoiced in his tribulations, desiring to be conformed to the image of Christ through participation in His sufferings Philippians 3:10RH May 20, 1884, par. 8.

• Dying to Self: He practiced a daily dying to self, bringing his own will and desires into subjection to the will of God, even when it was unpleasant or crucifying to his nature 1 Corinthians 9:27ST September 12, 1878, par. 8+1.

• Life through Death: He carried in his body the "dying of the Lord Jesus," so that the life of Jesus might also be made manifest in his mortal flesh 2 Corinthians 4:10-11+1SpTA10 33.1.

Refining and Strengthening

• Character Development: Paul realized that the trials of life are God’s workmen, intended to remove impurities and roughness from the character to fit the believer for the society of angelsT14 95.2+1.

• Vantage Ground: By observing the Saviour’s own conflict and victory over Satan, Paul found the "vantage ground" necessary to resist the powers of darkness through the merit of the blood of ChristTe 275.1+1.

• Firm Moral Integrity: He maintained a firm sense of right and duty, possessing a strong purpose that was not easily moved by hardship or the profligacy of leaders like NeroTT 255.1+1.

An Unwavering Hope

• The Crown of Life: Paul looked forward with joy to the second advent of his Lord, fighting the good fight and keeping the faith to secure the crown of righteousness 2 Timothy 4:7-83MR 69.4+1.

• Redemption of the Body: His hope was anchored in the future resurrection, waiting with patience for the redemption of the body at the appearing of Christ Romans 8:23-25MPC 116.2.

• Total Consecration: He was willing to sacrifice every worldly advantage, even life itself, for the sake of telling others of the Saviour and winning the eternal richesPK 172.2+2.