BibleLAB
← F.B. Meyer

2 Coríntios 4

F.B. Meyer · Citado em PreceptAustin

2 Coríntios 4:3-4

Meyer: The Lord opens the eyes of the blind.--What a true portraiture is this of the ministry of Christ through the ages (Luke 4:18; see also john 9:1-33). Mark these present tenses! This is His unceasing work. Victor Immanuel--Emancipator! Charles Simeon: To the blind and willing slaves of sin—[The world at large are in bondage to their lusts, and to that wicked one (Satan) who leads them captive at his will; and they are shut up under a sentence of condemnation for their numberless violations of the law of God (Ga 3:23). Yet, so blind are they to their real state, that they cannot see, and will not believe it. Their cunning adversary has undertaken to be their guide, but has led them into the heart of the enemies’ country, and, if mercy does not interpose, into the very jaws of (everlasting) destruction (cp 2 Kings 6:18 19 20 21). But the Lord Jesus is not an unconcerned Spectator of their misery: He is ready to weep over them as over the murderous Jerusalem: and even while they reject Him, He “would gladly gather them, as a hen gathers her chickens under her wings.” *(Mt 23:37) He would give them an eye-salve, whereby they should be enabled to see clearly (see Rev 3:18-+): He would cause their chains to fall off (Lk 4:18), and would say to them, go forth, and show yourselves (Is 49:9 with Ac 5:18, 19, 20 cp Lk 17:14): yea, so desirous is He to exercise mercy towards them, that nothing but a determined rejection of His grace can involve them in final ruin. (Read his full sermon The Extent of Christ's Compassion on Ps 146:7,8) (In Col 1:9, 10, 11 Paul is praying for the saints at Colossae) giving thanks to the Father, Who has qualified (hikanoo - the moment we believed in Christ) us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light (~"the kingdom of light"). For (explaining what happened when we first believed and were set free from kingdom of darkness ruled by Satan) He delivered (rhuomai - rescued us from danger of perishing - cp 2Co 4:3) us from the domain (exousia ~ the right and the might) of darkness (and from the power of the ruler of this kingdom!), and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son (the "kingdom of light") (Col 1:12, 13) (Jesus' reading Isa 61:1 in the synagogue declared He was the fulfillment) 18 "THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS UPON ME, BECAUSE HE ANOINTED ME TO PREACH THE GOSPEL TO THE POOR. HE HAS SENT ME TO PROCLAIM RELEASE TO THE CAPTIVES, AND RECOVERY OF SIGHT TO THE BLIND, TO SET FREE THOSE WHO ARE DOWNTRODDEN (Lk 4:18) (Jesus post-resurrection appearance with His disciples) Then He opened their minds to understand (spiritually "see") the Scriptures (Lk 24:45, cp Lk 24:44) And Jesus said, "For judgment I came into this world, that those who do not see (spiritually blind) may see; and that those who see may become blind." (Jn 9:39) Comment: While Jesus first coming was not specifically for the purpose of judgment (Read Jn 3:17), it inevitably did result in judgment for all who rejected Him. See Mk 4:12 and Is 6:9) Glory (1391)(doxa from dokeo = to think) speaks of a manifestation of God's true nature, presence, or likeness. In simple terms doxa means to give a proper opinion or estimate of something and thus the glory of Christ expresses all that He is in His Being and in His nature, character, power and acts. He is glorified when He is allowed to be seen as He really is. To be where He is will be glory. The glory of Christ - How can one even comment on such an infinite, transcendent truth! For the majority of His earthly life he veiled His glory, except that His Transfiguration was a "preview of coming attractions." Joseph Beet - Of the invisible Father the Son is a visible manifestation and outshining, visible once on earth, though veiled in human flesh, and visible now to those who surround His throne. We know, in part, what God is because we have seen Christ reflected in the gospel mirror. That Christ is the image of God, reveals the greatness of His glory and of the light which proceeds from the Gospel in which His glory is reflected, and the infinite loss of those whose blinded thoughts cannot see this glorious light. (2 Corinthians 4 Commentary)

2 Coríntios 4:7-9

Meyer - It is power. It is His power. It is great power; nothing less would suffice. It is exceeding great power, beyond the furthest cast of thought. The Gospels even use dunamis as a proper name of God = "Power" (Mt 26:64 , Mk 14:62)! Alan Thompson summarizes this verse… Why this ironic divine action of placing so precious and glorious a treasure in so common and frail a container? So that there would never be any mistaking the container for the contents: “in order to show that the all-surpassing power is from God and not from us” (v. 7). Contrary to the opinion of some in the church who have inflated egos, or those who would elevate pastor or deacon to the level of demigod, none of us are the treasure. We are fragile and imperfect vessels, one and all. Years ago when Mohammed Ali was in his prime, he was about to take off on an airplane flight. Following standard procedure, the stewardess asked all passengers to fasten their seat belts. Noticing that he hadn’t fastened his, the stewardess gently reminded him to buckle up. In his usual brash style, Ali retorted, “Superman don’t need no seat belt!” Quickly but gently the stewardess reminded him, “Superman don’t need no airplane either.” And Ali reportedly fastened his belt. It’s a humbling reality, but we need the reminder. We are weak, frail human beings. There are no “super-Christians,” and even though we have “super power” (hē huperbolē tēs dunameōs) within us, it is not our doing but the work of God. Anyone who studies the church’s 2000 year history would have to be blind to miss this truth at work. There are heresies, conflicts and schisms, violence, arrogance and ignorance, failures and follies. Yet, in spite of it all, the church has continued and prospered. How could it be? It is because the all-surpassing, extraordinary, abundant, and preeminent power that has been at work across the ages came not from imperfect Christians, but from our perfect indwelling treasure, (the Gospel of) Jesus Christ. (Review and Expositor Volume 94. 1997. Louisville, KY: Review and Expositor) Earthen vessels, marred, unsightly, Bearing Wealth no thought can know; Heav’nly Treasure, gleaming brightly— Christ revealed in saints below! Vessels, broken, frail, yet bearing Through the hungry ages on, Riches giv’n with hand unsparing, God’s great Gift, His precious Son! O to be but emptier, lowlier, Mean, unnoticed and unknown, And to God a vessel holier, Filled with Christ, and Christ alone! Naught of earth to cloud the Glory! Naught of self the light to dim! Telling forth Christ’s wondrous story, Broken, empty—filled with Him! —Tr. Frances Bevan Paul's Clay Pot metaphor reminds me of Max Lucado's charge to us as believers to be "moons" for Jesus, so to speak. In his book "It's Not About Me," points out something true about the moon that should be true of all believers--it reflects the light of something greater. He says: "What does the moon do? She generates no light. Contrary to the lyrics of the song, this harvest moon cannot shine on. Apart from the sun, the moon is nothing more than a pitch-black, pockmarked rock. But properly positioned, the moon beams. Let her do what she was made to do, and a clod of dirt becomes a source of inspiration, yea, verily, romance. The moon reflects the greater light." "Such a shift comes so stubbornly, however. We've been demanding our way and stamping our feet since infancy. Aren't we all born with a default drive set on selfishness? I want a spouse who makes me happy and coworkers who always ask my opinion. I want weather that suits me and traffic that helps me and a government that serves me. It is all about me." Just as John the Baptist lived to testify to Christ (the light), so to should we (John 1.8-9-+). Earthen Vessels - Ruthe Frens had spent most of her life as a missionary in Japan. When I was asked to speak at her funeral, the apostle Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 4 came to mind. Ruthe’s conversion as a child had not been like Paul’s. It was not accompanied by a blinding light from heaven and an audible message from Jesus (Acts 9). Yet, over the years it was obvious to all who knew her that she had seen the light—she had come to know God personally through faith in Jesus Christ (2Co 4:6-+). And her face revealed the joy of her relationship with the Lord. Ruthe could also identify with Paul’s description of the human body as “an earthen vessel” (v.7), which is fragile and only temporary. An illness that almost took her life in 1953 left her physically weakened. But through the years she grew spiritually strong. I was with her family when the doctor informed her that she didn’t have long to live. At that time, everyone could see the peace on her face. After her death, scores of letters and e-mail messages from friends in Japan had this common theme: Ruthe’s smile radiated the presence of Jesus in her life. Although my outward shell decays, I'm inwardly renewed each day Because the life and power of Christ Indwells this fragile jar of clay. —Sper A Christian's life is the window through which others can see Jesus. Joseph Philpot - January 15 - Daily Portions - January 15 - 2 Corinthians 4:7 Be not surprised if you feel that in yourself you are but an earthen vessel; if you are made deeply and daily sensible unto what a frail body God has communicated light and life. Be not surprised if your clay house is often tottering; if sickness sometimes assails your mortal tabernacle; if in your flesh there dwells no good thing; if your soul often cleaves to the dust; and if you are unable to retain a sweet sense of God's goodness and love. Be not surprised nor startled at the corruptions of your depraved nature; at the depth of sin in your carnal mind; at the vile abominations which lurk and work in your deceitful and desperately wicked heart. Bear in mind that it is the will of God that this heavenly treasure which makes you rich for eternity should be lodged in an earthen vessel. We are to carry about a daily sense of our base original to hide pride from our eyes. We are to be despised by others; and by none so much as by our own selves. We have ever to feel our native weakness, and that without Christ we can do nothing; that we may be clothed with humility, and feel ourselves the chief of sinners, and less than the least of all saints. We thus learn to prize the heights, breadths, lengths, and depths of the love of Christ, who stooped so low to raise us up so high. OYSTER SHELLS FOR GOD BEARING THE PEARL OF THE GOSPEL Spurgeon's Exposition of 2Co 4:7 - The original might very fairly be rendered, “We have this treasure in oyster shells,” for, just as pearls are found in the shells of oysters (Ed: see note below), so God gives to those who preach the Word the treasure of the gospel, yet they are themselves nothing but the oyster shells, nothing but the earthen vessel in which God pleases to place His priceless treasures. If you have done anything in the service of God, my brother, remember that you are nothing but the oyster shell, it is God’s truth that is the pearl in you; so while you are thankful for the honor that He puts upon you, mind that you give Him all the glory (Ps 115:1 1Co 1:31KJV). It is well to take the right view of our own imperfections and infirmities, as Paul did when he wrote, “Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2Co 12:9-+) The infirmity of the creature leaves the more room for the display of the greatness of the Creator; for, if God can work such wondrous results by using such poor tools as we are, how great must be his power and skill! +: Oyster is derived from Ostrakon which is related to the word for "clay" (ostrakinos) so Spurgeon's word picture is not far fetched. The most earnest and faithful minister of the gospel must ever remember that humbling truth. He has this precious treasure of the gospel entrusted to his charge; he knows he has it, and he means to keep it safely, but, still, he is nothing but an earthen vessel, easily broken, soon marred,-a poor depository for such priceless truth. Yet God has a good reason for putting this treasure into earthen vessels,- That the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. If angels had been commissioned to preach the gospel, we might have attributed some of its power to their superior intelligence, and if only those had been called to preach the gospel who were men of great intellect and of profound learning, we might have considered that the talent of man was the essential qualification for a preacher. But when God selects-as He often does, nay, as He always does;-earthen vessels, and some that seem more manifestly earthen than others, then the excellency of the power is unquestionably seen to be of God, and not of us. F B Meyer references 2Co 4:7 in his devotional commentary on Judges 7 in which God reduced the size of Gideon's… This is one of the most searching chapters in the Old Testament. It is full of teaching to those among us who are full of their own plans and strength, and who can count on many great alliances to assist them. God will not give His glory to another, and He cannot give the Midianites into our hand so long as there is a likelihood of our laying claim to the results. Success in spiritual work must be denied us if it would tend to our vaunting ourselves. Hence it is that so many of God's most successful workers have had to pass through periods of humiliation at the river's brink. Judges 7:3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 7:8 The test. -- Two methods were employed for thinning the army. First, the usual proclamation was made (Deut. 20:8). Then the way in which the soldiers drank was carefully observed. Those that threw themselves at full length were evidently apt to prefer their own comfort and refreshment to their soldierly self-denial, which prefers duty to pleasure; these were, therefore, dismissed. And the little body which remained was specially equipped; taking no more victuals than they could easily carry, because the campaign would be short in spite of the numbers of the foe. A good equipment for the Christian, -- a light to shine, a trumpet to proclaim the victory of Jehovah; though at the best we are but earthen vessels (2 Cor. 4:6-7). "God counts hearts, not heads" (Rev. J. M'Neill). The Treasure And The Pots - It has been said that the Roman Empire ran on olive oil. It was used in cooking, bathing, medicine, ceremonies, lamps, and cosmetics. For decades, olive oil from southern Spain was shipped to Rome in large clay jugs called amphorae. Those jugs, not worth sending back, were discarded in a growing heap of broken shards known as Monte Testaccio. The fragments of an estimated 25 million amphorae created that man-made hill, which stands today on the bank of the Tiber River in Rome. In the ancient world, the value of those pots was not their beauty but their contents. Because of this, the first-century followers of Christ would have clearly understood Paul’s illustration of the life of Jesus in every believer. “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us” (2 Cor. 4:7). We are just the clay pots. Jesus is the true treasure within us. Although my outward shell decays, I’m inwardly renewed each day, Because the life and power of Christ Indwells this fragile jar of clay. —Sper Christ is seen most clearly when we remain in the background. QUOTES ON SUFFERING God is not blind. He knows about you and your problems. He knows of those who are suffering . . .and His love for His children will never leave in times of trouble. Nowhere does the Bible teach that Christians are to be exempt from the tribulations and natural disasters that come upon the world. It does teach that the Christian can face tribulation, crisis, calamity, and personal suffering with a supernatural power that is not available to the person outside of Christ. Some of the happiest Christians I have met have been life-long sufferers. They have had every reason to sigh and complain, being denied so many privileges and pleasures that they see others enjoy, yet they have found greater cause for gratitude and joy than many who are prosperous, vigorous, and strong. When suffering comes, learn to trust each day into God’s hands . . .let your lips be filled with prayer and praise. The most remarkable thing about suffering is that God can use it for our good. Our sufferings may be hard to bear, but they teach us lessons which,in turn, equip and enable us to help others. Tens of thousands of God’s saints and sufferers through the ages have found their dark nights lightened and tortured souls strengthened because they found help from the Spirit in the Word of God.A suffering person does not need a lecture—he needs a listener. In my years of global travels, I have seen a world in pain . . .Without God’s guidance, our response to suffering is a futile attempt to find solutions to conditions that cannot be solved. We can react with bitterness and hate God, as some do, or we can accept suffering as a natural part of life and a condition that comes with living in this world. We cannot avoid suffering, but we can determine our response to it. In His thirty-three years on earth, Jesus suffered with man; on the cross He suffered for man. We enjoy the sense of God’s presence in the midst of suffering here and now. I have talked to people who are experiencing deep pain or severe difficulties, and they have said, “I feel God is so close to me.” Jesus suffered more than any other person in human history. The book of Job does not set out to answer the problem of suffering, but to proclaim a God so great that no answer is needed. I believe one reason that God allows poverty and suffering is so that His followers may demonstrate Christ’s love, mercy, and comfort to [others]. Being a Christian does not exempt us from tough training, which may mean suffering. If the training were easy, we would not be prepared for the tough days ahead. To suffer for the faith is not a penalty; it is a privilege. The beginning of all pain and suffering in the world started with one act of disobedience. Christian and non-Christian alike have inherited the consequences from our common ancestors, Adam and Eve—our polluted environment and flawed human nature. May we store up the truths of God’s Word in our hearts as much as possible, so that we are prepared for whatever suffering we are called upon to endure. [The Lord] does go with us through our sufferings, and He awaits us as we emerge on the other side of the tunnel of testing—into the light of His glorious presence to live with Him forever! True faith and suffering frequently go hand-in-hand . . .Living for Christ, walking in His way, will not be an easy path. The Bible and the history of the church both demonstrate that God’s way for the suffering of His people has not always been the way of escape, but the way of endurance. We don’t deliberately look for trouble in life. It comes. Suffering is a universal fact; no one can escape its claws. God has prescribed the remedy for the spiritual sickness of the human race. The solution is personal faith and commitment to Jesus Christ . . .if we deliberately refuse it, we must suffer the horrible consequences. No one is exempt from the touch of tragedy: neither the Christian nor the non-Christian; neither the rich nor the poor; neither the leader or the commoner. Crossing all racial, social, political, and economic barriers, suffering reaches out to unite mankind. Suffering in life can uncover untold depths of character and unknown strength for service. People who go through life unscathed by sorrow and untouched by pain tend to be shallow in their perspectives on life. Suffering, on the other hand, tends to plow up the surface of our lives to uncover the depths that provide greater strength of purpose and accomplishment. Only deeply plowed earth can yield bountiful harvests. Ours may be the heritage of the withheld promises. We have been blessed through the endurance and faithfulness of those who have suffered in the past; the people around us, or those who will succeed us, may be blessed through our trials and suffering and how we react to them. Suffering can give us opportunities to witness. The world is a gigantic hospital; nowhere is there a greater chance to see the peace and joy of the Lord than when the journey through the valley is the darkest. The Bible teaches that we are to be patient in suffering. Tears become telescopes to heaven, bringing eternity a little closer. (from "Billy Graham in Quotes") God sometimes has to put us on our backs in order to make us look up. Anon. The face of Jesus must be very near our own when the thorns from his crown of suffering are pressing our brow and hurting us. Anon. We can sometimes see more through a tear than through a telescope. Anon. There is as much difference between the sufferings of the saints and those of the ungodly as there is between the cords with which an executioner pinions a condemned malefactor and the bandages wherewith a tender surgeon binds his patient. John Arrowsmith God had one Son on earth without sin, but never one without suffering. AUGUSTINE Suffering so unbolts the door of the heart that the Word hath easier entrance. Richard Baxter Weakness and pain helped me to study how to die; that set me on studying how to live. Richard Baxter Tears are often the telescope by which men see far into heaven. Henry Ward Beecher God would sooner we had holy pain than unholy pleasure. John Blanchard Pain and suffering are not necessarily signs of God's anger; they may be exactly the opposite. John Blanchard Strictly speaking, the atheist has no questions to ask about suffering; neither does he have any answers. John Blanchard Those who sing loudest in the kingdom will be those who on earth had the greatest bodily suffering. We pity them now, but then we shall almost envy them. Andrew Bonar Suffering… is the badge of the true Christian. Dietrich Bonhoeffer In suffering one learns to pray best of all. Harold A. Bosley Suffering times are teaching times. William Bridge God understands our suffering because he has experienced it. Francis Bridger To ask God to step in constantly to prevent human or natural causes of suffering would be to ask for a puppet-master, nothing less. Francis Bridger Suffering times are a Christian's harvest times. Thomas Brooks We must suffer patiently, because impatience is rebellion against the justice of God. John Calvin The sovereign and utterly good God created a good universe. We human beings rebelled; rebellion is now so much a part of our make-up that we are all enmeshed in it. Every scrap of suffering we face turns on this fact. D. A. Carson The staying power of our faith is neither demonstrated nor developed until it is tested by suffering. D. A. Carson There is a certain kind of maturity that can be attained only through the discipline of suffering. D. A. Carson Because Jesus drank so deeply of bitter suffering, he is able to steady our hand as we drink what for us is a bitter draught but is, by comparison with his, a diluted cup. Herbert Carson Suffering is God's furnace in which he tests the quality of our faith. Herbert Carson To be human is to face the issue of suffering. Herbert Carson We must not assume that because someone is suffering deeply it is a sign of God's judgement on him individually. Herbert Carson Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars. E. H. Chapin The soul would have no rainbow had the eye no tears. John Vance Cheney Sufferings are but as little chips of the cross. Joseph Church God sometimes washes the eyes of his children with tears in order that they may read aright his providence and his commandments. T. L. Cuyler Tears are part of existence on this earth. They have flowed from Eden right down through history to the present day. Wayne Detzler I am convinced that the Christian answer to the question of suffering is positive and hopeful. Brian Edwards There is no authentic Christian service that does not have suffering written into it. Donald English Without a doubt, what helps us most in accepting and dealing with suffering is an adequate view of God—learning who he is and knowing he is in control. Joni Eareckson Tada Scripture teaches that not all suffering builds character. Unbelievers suffer and often learn no lessons from it. John M. Frame To a lesser or greater degree, we all contribute to the suffering in the world. Stephen Gaukroger A Christian never moves so swiftly to heaven as when he is under a sanctified cross. Andrew Gray Suffering often awakens a consciousness of sin in the sufferer. D. Edmond Hiebert Many parts of religion relate entirely to suffering, and every part receives a lustre from it. William Jay There is a sanctity in suffering when meekly borne. D. Jerrold Accept suffering graciously. When you have reached such a point, all misery will seem sweet and you will relish it for Christ’s sake and think that you have discovered paradise on earth. As long as you object to suffering you will be ill at ease. Accept it, and you will find peace. THOMAS À KEMPIS I have never thought that Christians would be free of suffering. For our Lord suffered. And I have come to believe that He suffered, not to save us from suffering, but to teach us how to bear suffering. For He knew that there is no life without suffering. —Alan Paton The kingdom of suffering is a democracy, and we all stand in it or alongside it with nothing but our naked humanity. —Philip Yancey Suffering can never ultimately be meaningless, because God himself has shared it. —Philip Yancey We must be made perfect by sufferings. If we do not meet them in our younger days, we shall certainly have them in the decline of life.—George Whitefield It is good to learn early enough that suffering and God are not a contradiction but rather a unity, for the idea that God himself is suffering is one that has always been one of the most convincing teachings of Christianity. I think God is nearer to suffering than to happiness, and to find God in this way gives peace and rest and a strong and courageous heart. —Dietrich Bonhoeffer Suffering prepares us for glory. David Kingdon God whispers to us in health and prosperity, but, being hard of hearing, we fail to hear God's voice in both. Whereupon God turns up the amplifier by means of suffering. Then his voice booms. C. S. Lewis The real problem is not why some pious, humble, believing people suffer, but why some do not. C. S. Lewis Suffering is a choice instrument for shaping character, and without its touch the most delicate chasing on the vessel would be impossible. Ian Maclaren There is a great want about all Christians who have not suffered. Some flowers must be broken or bruised before they emit any fragrance. Robert Murray M’Cheyne There is nothing the body suffers that the soul may not profit by. George Meredith It is and should be the care of a Christian not to suffer for sin, nor sin in suffering. Vavasor Powell Saints should fear every sin, but no sufferings. Vavasor Powell Probably one of the hardest aspects of suffering to endure is the fact that our suffering is not explained. It would be much easier if we knew why. Frank Retief We must do away once and for all with the great myth that suffering is never part of God's will. Frank Retief If God had told me some time ago that he was about to make me happy as I could be in this world, and then had told me that he should begin by crippling me in arm or limb, and removing me from all my usual sources of enjoyment, I should have thought it a very strange mode of accomplishing his purpose. And yet, how is his wisdom manifest even in this! For if you should see a man shut up in a closed room, idolizing a set of lamps and rejoicing in their light, and you wished to make him truly happy, you would begin by blowing out all his lamps, and then throwing open the shutter to let in the light of heaven Samuel Rutherford There are no gains without pains. J. C. Ryle Outward weaknesses are oft a means to restrain men from inward evils. God usually sanctifies the pains and griefs of his servants to make them better. Richard Sibbes We must shed tears if we would hereafter have them wiped away. Richard Sibbes It was only when I lay there on rotting prison straw that I sensed within myself the first stirrings of good. Gradually, it was disclosed to me that the line separating good and evil passes, not through states, nor between classes, nor between political parties either, but right through human hearts. So, bless you, prison, for having been in my life. ALEKSANDR SOLZHENITSYN All the suffering I could possibly endure could not earn me a place in heaven. R. C. Sproul I owe more to the fire and the hammer and the file than to anything else in my Lord’s workshop. I sometimes question whether I have ever learned anything except through the rod. When my schoolroom is darkened, I see most. CHARLES HADDON SPURGEON God does not witness to the world by taking his people out of suffering, but rather by demonstrating his grace through them in the midst of pain. C. Samuel Storms I would… suggest that some form of suffering is virtually indispensable to holiness. John R. W. Stott A man is not known by his effervescence but by the amount of real suffering he can stand. C. T. Studd If God made a world without suffering, it would be a world in which humans had little responsibility for each other and for other creatures. Richard Swinburne God is a specialist when the anguish is deep. His ability to heal the soul is profound … but only those who rely on his wounded Son will experience relief… God’s wisest saints are often people who endure pain rather than escape it. CHARLES R. SWINDOLL The best of saints have borne the worst of sufferings. George Swinnock THERE IS NO PIT SO DEEP but He is not deeper still. Corrie Ten Boom, The Bible has a great deal to say about suffering and most of it is encouraging. A. W. Tozer Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side; Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain; Leave to thy God to order and provide; In every change he faithful will remain. KATHARINA VON SCHLEGEL Perhaps you might need to pause a moment to play and ponder a sung by Selah. As you listen may the Spirit sweep your soul into the presence of the Almighty that you might sense His presence in your pain. (Another version) Here is another song by Don Moen entitled "Still Be Still My Soul". J.C. Penney, the great merchant, was once asked, "What were the two greatest motivators in his life?" Without hesitation he said, "I can tell you in four words: Jesus Christ and adversity." He went on to explain that adversity taught him never to give up, always start over again, keep his faith strong, and realize that adversity makes a person strong. Calvary is God's great proof that suffering in the will of God always leads to glory. Warren Wiersbe Suffering Produces Endurance —Bryant Kirkland, the senior minister of this church for 25 years, from 1962 to 1987, glorious years for Fifth Avenue. But now Dr. Kirkland's beloved wife has Alzheimer's and is unable to respond. I mean, you talk about suffering. Some of you know what that's like when love is one way, don't you, when you love and the person cannot love you back. But Dr. Kirkland doesn't complain about it. He loves his beloved wife one way. He loves her and loves her and loves her. And you know what's happened as he's hung in there? His suffering has produced endurance, and his endurance has produced character. He is a man of integrity. He is one of the great religious leaders of this time in history at the age of 80 because he has character. His sermons ring true with authenticity and fire because we know he's been there, and he's been steadfast. But that doesn't come in a week. —Thomas Tewell, "The Tenacity of a Bulldog," Preaching Today, Prosperity has often been fatal to Christianity, but persecution never. —An Amish bishop In America, Christians pray for the burden of suffering to be lifted from their backs. In the rest of the world Christians pray for stronger backs so they can bear their suffering. It's why we look away from the bag lady on the street and to the displays in store windows. Why we prefer going to the movies instead of to hospitals and nursing homes.—Dave Dravecky in When You Can't Come Back. E.W. Wilcox included "Gethsemane" in his Poems of Power: All those who journey, soon or late, Must pass within the garden's gate; Must kneel alone in darkness there. And battle with some fierce despair. God pity those who cannot say, 'not mine but thing' who only pray, 'Let this cup pass,' and cannot see, The purpose in Gethsemane. Bristlecone Pine - Some time ago a fascinating article appeared in the Reader's Digest telling about a most unusual tree called the "Bristlecone Pine." Growing in the western mountain regions, sometimes as high as two or more miles above sea level, these evergreens may live for thousands of years. The older specimens often have only one thin layer of bark on their trunks. Considering the habitat of these trees, such as rocky areas where the soil is poor and precipitation is slight, it seems almost incredible that they should live so long or even survive at all. The environmental "adversities," however, actually contribute to their longevity. Cells that are produced as a result of these perverse conditions are densely arranged, and many resin canals are formed within the plant. Wood that is so structured continues to live for an extremely long period of time. The author Darwin Lambert says in his article, "Bristlecone Pines in richer conditions grow faster, but die earlier and soon decay." The harshness of their surroundings, then, is a vital factor in making them strong and sturdy. How similar this is to the experience of the Christian who graciously accepts the hardships God allows to come into his life. In Hebrews 12:11 we read that such chastening produces "the peaceable fruit of righteousness." Are you in a difficult place today because the winds of trial are sweeping over your life? Instead of complaining, thank God for the assurance that "after ye have suffered awhile," He will "establish, strengthen, and settle you." Rejoice in the added power and grace that comes through adversity! Adoniram Judson, the renowned missionary to Burma, endured untold hardships trying to reach the lost for Christ. For 7 heartbreaking years he suffered hunger and privation. During this time he was thrown into Ava Prison, and for 17 months was subjected to almost incredible mistreatment. As a result, for the rest of his life he carried the ugly marks made by the chains and iron shackles which had cruelly bound him. Undaunted, upon his release he asked for permission to enter another province where he might resume preaching the Gospel. The godless ruler indignantly denied his request, saying "My people are not fools enough to listen to anything a missionary might SAY, but I fear they might be impressed by your SCARS and turn to your religion!" Suffering for Christ • Suffering for righteousness’ sake 1 Peter 3:14 • Suffering for Godly living 2 Tim. 2:12 • Suffering for the kingdom of God 2 Thess. 1:5 • Suffering as a Christian 1 Peter 4:16 • Suffering for Christ’s sake Phil. 1:29 • Suffering and glory 1 Peter 5:1 From the Book of 750 Bible and Gospel Studies, 1909, George W. Noble, Chicago (Sources: Draper's Quotations, Complete Gathered Gold - John Blanchard, Today's Best Illustrations - Elisha Holdge, 6000 Plus Illustrations - Jeff Carroll) 2 Corinthians 4:8 we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing (NASB: Lockman) Greek: en panti thlibomenoi (PPPMPN) all' ou stenochoroumenoi, (PPPMPN) aporoumenoi (PMPMPN) all' ouk exaporoumenoi, PMPMPN Amplified: We are hedged in (pressed) on every side [troubled and oppressed in every way], but not cramped or crushed; we suffer embarrassments and are perplexed and unable to find a way out, but not driven to despair; (Lockman)

2 Coríntios 4:18

Meyer - Our Daily Homily We are here bidden to look through the things which are seen; to consider them as the glass window through which we pass to that which is behind and beyond. You do not waste your time by admiring the frame or casket of some rare jewel, but penetrate to the jewel itself; so, day by day, look through the material and transient to the eternal purpose, the Divine idea, the deep that lieth under. "All visible things," said Carlyle, "are emblems. What thou seest is not there on its own account; strictly speaking, is not there at all. Matter exists only spiritually, and to represent some idea and body it forth." This is an exaggerated way of stating the old saying, "Everything that is, is double." Both, however, illustrate the affirmation of the text. Look for God's thought in all the incidents, circumstances, and objects of your daily life. Do not stop at the outward; penetrate to the inward and eternal. Beneath that bitter physical suffering there are stores of Divine fortitude and grace. Beneath that trying dispensation there are celestial compensations. Beneath those sweet family ties there are suggestions of love and friendship, which can never grow old or pass away. Beneath the letter of Scripture is the spirit; beneath the ordinance, oneness with the loving Saviour; beneath the world of nature, the processes of the eternal husbandry. When such is the attitude of the soul, afflictions, that might otherwise have weighed as heavy, become light; and those that drag through long and tedious years, seem but for a moment. And without exception, they all go to produce that receptivity of character that can contain the far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. F B Meyer - Our Daily Walk- NOTICE THE marvellous antithesis of this chapter: light and darkness; life and death; pressure, perplexity, pursuit, and persecution; but side by side, victory, elastic hope, and the brightness of Christian faith. The decay of the outward man and the renewal of the inward; the light affliction and the weight of glory; the brief moment of earth's pilgrimage contrasted with the eternity of reality and bliss. It is very important that we should not miss the mighty blessing which is within the reach of every troubled soul. Of course it is quite possible to sit down before troubles and afflictions, hopeless and despairing, confessing that we are over-powered and defeated; it is also possible to be hard and stoical, bearing adversity because we cannot help or avoid it, bur the highest Christian way is to be thankful that the earthen vessel is breaking if only the torch will shine out; to be content that the dying of Jesus should be borne about in our mortal body, if only His life will thereby become manifest. When through the deep waters I call thee to go, The rivers of grief shall not thee overflow; For I will be with thee in trouble to bless; And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress. PRAYER - Fix my heart, O Lord, on Thyself, that amid the changes and chances of this mortal life I may be kept steadfast and unmoveable and ever abounding in Thy work. AMEN. Keathley writes "The possibility of the return of the Lord at any moment is to have a great influence on our daily lives. The old saying, “he’s so heavenly minded he’s of no earthly good” is a misnomer. To be heavenly minded in the biblical sense is to labor here on earth for the Lord, not in our own ability, but in His, knowing that because of the glorious future our labor is never in vain in the Lord. (Comfort for God’s People Isaiah 40) WHY ARE THEY CHEERING? - On a balmy October afternoon in 1982, Badger Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin, was packed. More than sixty thousand die-hard University of Wisconsin supporters were watching their football team take on the Michigan State Spartans. MSU had the better team. What seemed odd, however, as the score became more lopsided, were the bursts of applause and shouts of joy from the Wisconsin fans. How could they cheer when their team was losing? It turned out that seventy miles away the Milwaukee Brewers were beating the St. Louis Cardinals in game three of the 1982 World Series. Many of the fans in the stands were listening to portable radios and responding to something other than their immediate circumstances. Paul encourages us to fix our eyes not on what is seen but what is unseen (2 Cor. 4:18). When we do, we can rejoice even in hardships because we see Christ's larger victory. Greg Asimakoupoulos (1001 Quotes, Illustrations, and Humorous Stories) FOCUS- As it relates to renewing out mind Missionary pilot Bernie May writes, One of the most difficult lessons to teach new pilots about landing on short, hazardous airstrips is to keep their eyes on the good part of the strip rather than on the hazard. The natural tendency is to concentrate on the obstacle, the danger, the thing he is trying to avoid. But experience teaches us that a pilot who keeps his eye on the hazard will sooner or later hit it dead center. Bernie May sums it up by saying that experienced pilots focus their attention solidly on the track they want the plane to follow, keeping the hazards in their peripheral vision only. When Christ and His interests are the focus of our lives, the lure of the old life remains in the corner of our eye, while we aim to land squarely in the center of God's will. What "hazards" sometimes divert your attention from Jesus? What positive, God-honoring actions can you concentrate on doing instead.