In chapter 4, Paul further addresses the false teaching that has occurred, and contrasts it with the right teaching of the gospel, saying “we refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God’s word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God.” He also speaks of persecution and suffering, which he has himself experienced recently, and of the type that they themselves were now under. The encouragement given at the end of the chapter is just as much hope for us today:

So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

In chapter 5, Paul compares this earthly body and life to a tent, while calling our heavenly life a building from God. For this reason, he says, it is not what makes up the outer body that is important, but what is in the heart.

/Bob’s boy

Bible Reading Schedule for this month
Click links below to read or listen to audio of one of this week’s chapters in Colossians and Luke

2 Cor 2, 2 Cor 3, 2 Cor 4, 2 Cor 5, 2 Cor 6

___________________

some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Please visit this site’s menu item “The Author’s Books” for info on the author’s books, website, and Facebook page.

All of my comments in this blog are solely my responsibility. When reading any commentary, you should always refer first to the scripture, which is God’s unchanging and unfailing word.