Preparing For Perseverance

Preparing for Perseverance

2 Corinthians 4: 16-18

As we close out another year and stand on the verge of the New Year, no doubt this has been a memorable year for each of us. We have all faced difficulties and adversity, heartache and pain; and yet these struggles were tempered with grace and joy, peace and happiness.

It is evident that our culture is rapidly changing. The struggles we currently face are much different than the difficulties of our past. Committed believers are no longer a majority; our world is consumed with depravity that seeks to feed the flesh; we face more distractions and hindrances than before. Even here at Fellowship, we notice the decline in passion for the Lord and attendance in the services. So, in the midst of a rapidly changing culture, that presents new challenges, how are we to overcome and remain vibrant? Paul reveals the answer to this pressing question in our text. If we are to overcome and experience spiritual victory and vitality, we must make necessary preparation. Regardless of what we face, we must view our lives and service in light of Christ and His leading. As He leads, He always provides.

As we consider these verses, I want to examine the elements revealed in: Preparing for Perseverance.

I. Our Spiritual Strength (16) – For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. In order to properly prepare, we must understand the strength we have in Christ. This involves:

A. Our Resolve (16a) – For which cause we faint not. This is spoken in light of what Paul had taught in preceding verses. Although we face trouble, perplexity, and persecution, we are enabled in Christ. He should be the center of our lives and work. We have great confidence in Him. There has never been a time or situation where He has failed. Life is difficult, and I am sure we’ve all been tempted to abandon the work, but our strength is renewed in Christ.

In the midst of great adversity, when many had abandoned the faith, Paul and those who were committed remained strong in Christ. They did not faint in the face of difficulty. We do not stand in our own strength, but we must possess the resolve to press on even when it’s hard.

B. Our Restraint (16b) – but though our outward man perish. Paul was well aware of the limitations of the human body. They are prone to sickness, ailments, exhaustion, fatigue, decay, and even death. He lived in a physical body that would not last forever. His earthly tabernacle grew older each day; and with the aging process, he faced new challenges. He was forced to deal with the physical persecution that many brought against him. His body was often racked with pain and Paul well understood the mortality of human flesh.

Many do well serving the Lord when the sun is shining and the seas are calm. It is during the storms and trials of life that many question the Lord’s faithfulness and abandon the work. Paul refused to use this as an excuse. He was not seeking early retirement. Even though ministry was more difficulty physically, he remained committed. We too must resist the urge to abandon the work of ministry when trials and adversity come against us. As long as there is breath in our bodies, we must serve the Lord.

C. Our Renewal (16c) – yet the inward man is renewed day by day. Life was hard for Paul, and yet he found renewed strength and passion each day. His physical body may have suffered, but the inward man, his spirit, was renewed each day in the Lord. Each day he woke and discovered his passion for the Lord remained. In fact, it not only remained, it grew! Paul may have been limited physically, but spiritually he was stronger than ever. Regardless of what he faced, his passion for the Lord provided the necessary strength to press on in the ministry.

The inner man is the real source of our strength. We can be young and strong physically, but if we lack inner strength, we will accomplish little for Christ. The Lord is not seeking those who possess their own abilities; He seeks those who realize their inability and depend on Him for inner strength. Regardless of what we face in life, we can grow spiritually, strengthened in Christ. Lam.3:21-24 – This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. [22] It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. [23] They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. [24] The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.