2 Corinthians 4:8-18
4:11 a Believers often share the humiliation of the Lord with confidence that they will also share in his triumphant risen life (4:14 b).4:12 c Through his life of danger and exposure to mortal peril (see 1 Cor 15:30 d), Paul was reinforcing the faith of the Christians in the churches that he founded (cp. Col 1:24 e; 2 Tim 2:10 f).
Summary for 2Cor 4:13-14: 4:13-14 g The secret of Paul’s resilience was in the same kind of faith the psalmist had, (see Ps 116:10 h), which is centered in the living Lord.
Summary for 2Cor 4:16-17: 4:16-17 i we never give up: This call to endurance is given with a reminder of what is in store in the future (5:1-10 j). The human body is in the process of dying in the normal course of growing old, and Paul was particularly worn away physically and emotionally (4:8-12 k). Yet he was being renewed every day—his spirit’s life was being rejuvenated and revitalized by the power of God.
4:18 l If we look at the troubles we can see now, we grow faint; but when we see our lives in the light of eternal reality, we know that our troubles will soon be gone.
2 Corinthians 5:1-10
Summary for 2Cor 5:1-10: 5:1-10 m The prospect of eternal hope is bright, with heavenly bodies replacing the dying bodies of this present life. The God of resurrection will also raise us and present us to himself with all believers (4:14 n). The immediate stimulus for this statement of resurrection hope was what Paul had to face in Ephesus (1:8-11 o). The frailty of his body reminded him of what lies beyond death, when this earthly tent we live in—that is, our body—will be taken down in death and dissolution (see 1 Cor 15:42-57 p; Phil 3:20-21 q).5:2 r we long to put on our heavenly bodies: This is no death wish; Paul was yearning for the Lord’s return when he would give new bodies to his people (1 Cor 15:51-58 s; Phil 3:20-21 t; 1 Thes 4:16-17 u).
5:7 v Our hope for future resurrection can only be known by faith (see Heb 11:1 w, 3 x, 27 y), yet we do have Jesus’ own resurrection and the presence of the Holy Spirit as evidence of what is to come (1 Cor 15:1-9 z; Eph 1:14 aa).
Summary for 2Cor 5:9-10: 5:9-10 ab The goal of the present life is to please him (see also Rom 12:1-2 ac; 14:18 ad; Col 1:10 ae; 1 Thes 4:1 af). This ambition will be tested when we stand before Christ to be judged. The judge is also our advocate, so we are confident of acquittal (Rom 8:1 ag, 33-34 ah). Yet actions done in this earthly body will be assessed and called to account (Acts 17:31 ai).
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