2 Corinthians 4.8-12 describes Paul’s life as an apostle. I don’t know if we can even imagine what it was like. Despite all of this, he writes, therefore, we do not give up, 4.16a. This type of mindset is so essential. Sometimes, life becomes so hard that it would be easier to give up than keep going. But we resist and remain focused. We are always confident. Does this describe your life?

I. What Fueled Paul’s Endurance?

A. 4.16b - Even though our outer person is being destroyed, our

is being renewed day by day.

1. 4.18b - he focused on what is unseen and eternal.

2. 5.7 - for we walk by

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   , not by sight.

B. Ephesians 1.18-23 fits in here. Paul’s prayer is for spiritual insight into:

1. Knowledge of our glorious inheritance.

2. The immeasurable greatness of His

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   toward those who believe, according to the mighty working of His
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   .

3. You have been filled with Jesus … in every way.

C. Ephesians 2.6 - will we remember our location? We have been seated …with Him __in the heavens __in Christ Jesus.

D. Ephesians 3.17-20: We operate from the perspective of power: not weakness.
II. How This Fits into Everyday Life

A. 2 Corinthians 4.17 - momentary light affliction is producing for us an absolutely incomparable eternal

of glory.

B. 4.18 - His focus was on the unseen. i.e., the inward renewal of v.16.

C. Paul kept reminding himself of the heavy weight of glory to come.

III. What Glory?

A. 2 Corinthians 5.1-5 - the weight of glory is the new body.

1. 5.1 - tent vs.

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   . (A resurrected body is durable and permanent)

2. 5.2 - we groan while in the flesh - earnestly desiring our heavenly dwelling.

3. 5.3-4 - Paul’s first preference was to be alive when Christ returns. He wanted his fleshly body to be

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   up by life.

B. 5.8 - If Jesus’ return was delayed, he wanted to be away from the body and at home

. The weight of glory is that we are with the Lord upon our death.

1. Connect Philippians 1.21…

2. 5.6-7 - Paul was willing to remain on earth and walk by faith and not by sight.

3. Philippians 1.25 - no matter what happened - Paul would use his time on earth to advance the kingdom and find joy in others.

** IV. Is Your Life in Step With These Priorities?**

A. Let’s make application from these three passages:

1. Colossians 3.2 - have you set your mind on what is above?

2. Philippians 3.20- do you live like a citizen of the kingdom?

3. Philippians 1.21 - do you view death more as a

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   than a loss?

B. Does 2 Corinthians 4.8-9 describe you? Does 2 Corinthians 4.16a align with your attitude? Are you living by the principle of 2 Corinthians 5.7?