2 Corinthians: 4:13 - 5:5
"Momentary, Light Affliction", or "and that made all the difference."

 
We are going to have problems, life will be hard.
Is life difficult? Maybe or maybe not right now, but almost certainly at some point.
You may not think that life is hard or wearing; that's ok. When/if it is, this passage will encourage you.
For some, this passage is relevant now.

 
Recall that we have been talking about suffering for the Gospel (2 Cor 4:7-12)
Chapter 3 defined our part in the ministry of the Gospel (esp. as opposed to the Law)
Chapter 4:1-6 talked about our part in communicating the "light of the knowledge of the glory of God" (the Gospel)
Chapter 4:7-12 talked about our potential suffering for the Gospel.
 

 
This section continues the talk of difficulty in life 2 Cor 4:16-5:5
4:16 Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. 17 For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, 18 while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal. 5:1 For we know that if the earthly tent which is our house is torn down, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 For indeed in this house we groan, longing to be clothed with our dwelling from heaven, 3 inasmuch as we, having put it on, will not be found naked. 4 For indeed while we are in this tent, we groan, being burdened, because we do not want to be unclothed but to be clothed, so that what is mortal will be swallowed up by life. 5 Now He who prepared us for this very purpose is God, who gave to us the Spirit as a pledge.

 

 
Our belief in Heaven makes these problems comparatively insignificant
Viewing life correctly starts with confidently believing the correct ideas.
2 Cor 4:13-15
But having the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, "I BELIEVED, THEREFORE I SPOKE," we also believe, therefore we also speak, 14 knowing that He who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and will present us with you. 15 For all things are for your sakes, so that the grace which is spreading to more and more people may cause the giving of thanks to abound to the glory of God.

 
huh? the same spirit of faith?
- same as the pslamist who he quotes?
- same as the corinthians, who are saved as well?

huh? i beleived, therefore i spoke?
This whole passage assumes that we believe and know the truths of the Gospel.
The "Therefore" of v16 depends on the "we believe" of v13 and the "knowing" of v14.
 
- you have the spirit v13)
- you have resurrection ahead of you (v14)
- god has given us grace (v15)
all things? 1 cor 3:21-23 (the riches of God in Christ)

 
This passage offers no hope to the unbeliever.
The discussion is not just good news. It's logical conclusions to the truths of the Gospel.
 
These ideas matter! Study your Bible!
Ideas determine what you do and don't value.
Examples : Manhatten and glass beads, gold and economy, fish cheeks in NY

 

 

 
Live in expecatation of heaven.
2 Cor 4:16-5:5
4:16 Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. 17 For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, 18 while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal. 5:1 For we know that if the earthly tent which is our house is torn down, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 For indeed in this house we groan, longing to be clothed with our dwelling from heaven, 3 inasmuch as we, having put it on, will not be found naked. 4 For indeed while we are in this tent, we groan, being burdened, because we do not want to be unclothed but to be clothed, so that what is mortal will be swallowed up by life. 5 Now He who prepared us for this very purpose is God, who gave to us the Spirit as a pledge.

1. Temporary affliction has eternal value.
"Momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison"
 
Rom 5:1-5
Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; 4 and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; 5 and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Our problems and suffering (for the gospel or not) have value.

 
2. This is not as "good as it gets"
Paul speaks of this life negatively, in ways that aren't dependent on problems.

 
3. Heaven is worth it.
A. What you see is temporal.
v18 "For the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal"
 
I forget this every day.

B. Recall that all of this is "momentary, light affliction" in comparison

 
We have decided to live for the long term - be encouraged to remember the goal.
 
Read the passage twice