After stressing the superior ministry of the Holy Spirit (versus the ministry of the Old Testament Law), Paul points to it as the reason he does not lose heart, even though he constantly faced both physical and emotional pain and danger. (v.1)
Because the strength of Paul’s ministry does not rely on himself or his reputation, he lives his life transparently, without secret habits hidden to protect his public approval. He also doesn’t use his leadership position to manipulate people through his teaching. It can be an easy thing to look at scripture and “make it say” something that it doesn’t. But Paul was committed to presenting only the truth to others. He let everyone see who he really was and allowed them to evaluate him in the presence of God.(v.2)
Paul models confidence so well for us. We’re often told today that we need more self-confidence and more self-esteem, but as we examine ourselves, we find ourselves repeatedly disappointed by a lack of reasons for self-confidence. But Paul’s sense of self worth and purpose was completely wrapped up in the Holy Spirit, not in his own strengths and accomplishments.
The active power of the Holy Spirit does not mean that the truth cannot be obscured. Paul says that for those who are perishing (in other words, those who are on the road to rejecting God forever) a “veil” created by Satan (the “god of this age”) has been placed over the good news(“gospel”) of who Christ is(his “glory”) and what he reveals about God (being God’s “image”) and his loving gift of redemption. This veil blinds and enables those who do not want God to interfere with their lives. (v.3-4)
Paul again deflects the importance of his reputation, stating that he preaches CHRIST is Lord, not himself. And that he is serving the Corinthians for the sake of Jesus. Paul does what he does because of the powerful compelling of God inside him. The same God who spoke light and creation into existence, put a “light” within Paul that revealed the knowledge of who God is (his “glory) and who Christ is. (v.5-6)
Clay jars in Paul’s time were cheaply available and often broke. So when Paul says that the treasure he has (the knowledge, worth and purpose given to him by God) is stored in a jar of clay, he’s referring to his own body and weakness, which contrast the power and effectiveness God has given him, and makes it easy to see that Paul is not the source of his own strength. (v.7)
Paul is no stranger to pain, but take a more careful look at verses 8 and 9. Although he experiences difficulty, Paul knows that he is never ultimately defeated by his difficulties. As we’ll see later in verse 17, Paul has an eternal perspective and knows that whatever pain or difficulty he experiences now is temporary. Even ongoing, life-long pain is only a dot on the line of eternity.
But how can we gain the same perspective? When life is assaulting us with difficulty and pain, how can we have realistic hope? How do we develop the kind of faith that sees the world and our lives so differently than we naturally do?
Romans 10:17 says that “faith comes from hearing the message”. In that context, “the message” refers to who Christ is and what he has done for us. The entire Bible has been given to us so that we can better understand that message. The more time we spend in the Bible, the more our worldview will be affected.
The Psalms are a wonderful place to read from regularly, in or out of pain. The Psalmists openly expressed fear, doubt and anger to God, but they also recognized him for who he was and what he had done. At the end of the day, even in their difficulties, they knew to trust him. We can learn to trust him too!
A few Psalms you might find helpful include chapters 13, 27, 33,103 and 111.
Next Week
More Perspective On Purpose Amidst Pain
Coffee House Question
What passage or verse in the Bible have you found to be helpful when you’ve encountered pain or difficulty in your life?
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