Not Giving Up: The Disciple Who Is Renewed from the Inside Out - 2 Corinthians 4:16
“That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day.”
(2 Corinthians 4:16, NLT)
Introduction: Following Jesus When Life Wears You Down
Church, discipleship is not a sprint; it is a long obedience in the same direction. Following Jesus is glorious—but it is also costly, stretching, and often exhausting. In a 21st-century culture addicted to comfort, speed, and instant results, the call of Jesus to daily discipleship can feel overwhelming.
Many believers don’t walk away from Jesus because of rebellion—they quietly fade because of weariness.
Paul writes 2 Corinthians not from a place of ease, but from the furnace of suffering. Beatings, imprisonment, betrayal, physical weakness, constant pressure—yet he dares to say, “We never give up.”
Why?
Because true disciples of Jesus learn where real strength comes from.
The church in Corinth was gifted, vibrant—and deeply troubled. They were impressed by charisma, external strength, and eloquent leaders. Paul, by contrast, appeared weak, unimpressive, and burdened by suffering.
In 2 Corinthians, Paul defends not himself, but the Gospel-shaped life of discipleship—a life that looks weak outwardly yet is powerful inwardly because of Christ.
This letter teaches us a profound truth:
God’s power is revealed most clearly through surrendered, suffering, dependent disciples.
“That is why we never give up…”
The Greek phrase ouk enkakoumen means to lose heart, to cave in, to quit under pressure. Paul is saying:
“We do not collapse internally, even when everything externally is pressing against us.”
Discipleship does not mean we do not feel pain—it means pain does not have the final word.
“Though our bodies are dying…”
Paul is brutally honest. Following Jesus does not protect us from ageing, illness, exhaustion, or suffering.
The word diaphtheiretai means to decay, to waste away. Discipleship is not denial of reality—it is faith within reality.
“…our spirits are being renewed every day.”
Here is the miracle of discipleship.
Renewed (anakainoutai) means made new again and again. It is a daily, ongoing work of the Holy Spirit.
The outer life may weaken—but the inner life grows stronger in Christ.
1: Disciples Do Not Quit—They Are Renewed
Isaiah 40:31 (NLT): “But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles.”
Isaiah speaks to exiles who feel forgotten and worn down. The Hebrew word qavah (“trust”) means to wait with expectation.
Renewal does not come from striving—it comes from trusting.
Like a mobile phone plugged in overnight, renewal happens when we stop pretending we are self-powered. Discipleship means learning when to plug into God’s presence daily.
Max Lucado: “God loves you just the way you are, but He refuses to leave you that way.”
Lucado reminds us that renewal is not optional—it is intentional. God does not save us and abandon us; He renews us daily as we follow Jesus.
2: The Inner Life Matters More Than the Outer Life
Romans 8:10–11 (NLT): “The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you.”
The same resurrection power that raised Christ is at work in the disciple. Christianity is not self-improvement—it is Spirit-empowered transformation.
Zoopoieo – “to make alive.” This is resurrection language applied to daily Christian living.
We obsess over appearance, performance, and productivity—but neglect prayer, Scripture, and obedience. Jesus cares more about who you are becoming than how impressive you appear.
Tim Keller: “The Gospel says you are more sinful than you ever dared believe, yet more loved than you ever dared hope.”
Keller exposes the false strength of outward religion and points us to inward renewal through grace.
3: Present Suffering Is Producing Eternal Glory
2 Corinthians 4:17–18 (NLT): “For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!”
Paul is not minimising pain—he is maximising eternity. Disciples live with resurrection vision.
Like a woman in labour, the pain is real—but so is the promise. Suffering is not meaningless when held in God’s hands.
John Piper: “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.”
Piper presses us to see that eternal joy in Christ sustains us when earthly comforts fail.
4: Jesus Is the Source of Daily Renewal
John 15:4–5 (NLT): “Remain in me, and I will remain in you… Apart from me you can do nothing.”
Renewal is relational, not mechanical. It flows from abiding in Christ.
Meno – “to remain, stay connected.” Discipleship is sustained closeness to Jesus.
Charles Stanley: “Obey God and leave all the consequences to Him.”
Stanley reminds us that obedience, not outcomes, is the disciple’s responsibility.
The Gospel: Why Renewal Is Possible
Church, renewal is possible because of Jesus Christ.
He lived the sinless life we could not live
He died the death we deserved for our sins
He was buried
He rose again on the third day
He now offers forgiveness, new life, and eternal hope
“Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!”
(2 Corinthians 5:17, NLT)
To follow Jesus is to repent—turn from sin—and trust fully in Him as Saviour and Lord.
Call to Action: How Will You Respond?
For Believers
Commit to daily spiritual renewal through prayer and Scripture
Refuse to measure your life by outward strength alone
Persevere in obedience even when weary
For Those Far from Christ
Today is your moment.
Turn from sin. Trust in Jesus. Receive forgiveness. Begin a new life.
“If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9, NLT)
Conclusion and Benediction:
Church, disciples do not give up—not because they are strong, but because Jesus is faithful.
May you walk into this week renewed on the inside, anchored in Christ, and confident that what God is doing in you is eternal.
“May the Lord bless you and protect you… and give you peace.” (Numbers 6:24–26, NLT)
