Fixing Our Eyes On The Eternal 2 Corinthians 4:18 Series

Transformed by Truth: Fixing Our Eyes on the Eternal 2 Corinthians 4:18

Introduction

Today, we delve into the profound truth found in 2 Corinthians 4:18. This verse calls us to shift our focus from the temporal to the eternal, transforming our perspective and our lives.

2 Corinthians 4:18 (NLT): "So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever."

Point 1: The Temporary Nature of Earthly Troubles

2 Corinthians 4:18 (NLT): "So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen."

Paul writes to the Corinthians about the hardships and persecutions faced by Christians. Despite these visible troubles, he encourages believers to focus on the unseen and eternal.

The Greek word for "look" is skopeo, which means to fix one’s gaze attentively. Paul urges believers to shift their focus from visible, temporary troubles to the unseen, eternal promises of God.

In our lives, we encounter various difficulties—illness, financial problems, relationship issues. These are temporary and will pass. Our focus should be on God’s eternal promises which provide true hope and strength.

Think of a marathon runner who faces exhaustion, pain, and obstacles. Instead of focusing on these temporary difficulties, they fix their eyes on the finish line. Similarly, we must focus on the eternal reward that awaits us.

Romans 8:18 (NLT): "Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later."

Paul reiterates that present sufferings are insignificant compared to the eternal glory we will experience, reinforcing our need to look beyond temporary troubles.

Point 2: The Eternal Perspective of God’s Promises

2 Corinthians 4:18 (NLT): "For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever."

Paul contrasts the transient nature of earthly things with the permanence of God’s promises. Our earthly troubles and possessions are temporary, but God’s promises and our eternal future with Him are everlasting.

The Greek word for "forever" is aionios, which means eternal, without beginning or end. This highlights the everlasting nature of God’s promises compared to the fleeting nature of worldly troubles.

We often invest time and energy into things that are temporary—careers, possessions, social status. While these are not inherently bad, our primary focus should be on what lasts forever—our relationship with God and His eternal promises.

Consider an investor who puts all their resources into a short-term stock that eventually crashes. In contrast, investing in a long-term, guaranteed bond yields lasting benefits. Investing our lives in God’s eternal promises is the surest way to lasting fulfillment.

Matthew 6:19-20 (NLT): "Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal."

Jesus teaches that our true investment should be in heavenly treasures, which are eternal and secure.

Point 3: Living with an Eternal Focus

2 Corinthians 4:18 (NLT): "So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen."

Paul’s exhortation is not merely theoretical but practical. It calls us to live daily with an eternal focus, aligning our actions, decisions, and priorities with God’s eternal truths.

The term "fix our gaze" implies an intentional, continuous effort. It’s a deliberate choice to focus on the unseen realities of God’s kingdom rather than the visible, temporary aspects of our current world.

Living with an eternal focus means prioritising our spiritual growth, serving others, and sharing the gospel. It means making choices that reflect our belief in the eternal rather than the temporary.

Imagine a student who studies diligently, not for the immediate reward, but for the long-term goal of graduation and a successful career. Similarly, living with an eternal focus involves daily disciplines and decisions that align with God’s eternal purposes.

Colossians 3:2 (NLT): "Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth."

Paul encourages the Colossians to set their minds on heavenly things, reinforcing the call to live with an eternal perspective.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, 2 Corinthians 4:18 calls us to transform our focus from the temporary to the eternal. By understanding the temporary nature of earthly troubles, embracing the eternal perspective of God’s promises, and living with an eternal focus, we align our lives with God’s eternal truth.

Application:

This week, let us:

Reflect on areas where we have been overly focused on the temporary and shift our gaze to the eternal.

Invest time in activities that have eternal significance, such as prayer, Bible study, and serving others.