The Heart Of Paul’s Theology: Paul And His TheologyMuestra

Christian Hope: 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Paul knew much suffering in his own ministry as an apostle, and he knew that all Christians suffer in one way or another. But Paul’s eschatology offered hope to Christians in at least two ways. 

On the one hand, Paul’s eschatology gives us hope for the future by pointing out that we have already begun to enjoy many benefits of the age to come. When we look at our lives and see those blessings of the age to come that we already possess, it gives us hope that we will possess even greater and fuller blessings in the future. As Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 4:16-18: 

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day... So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).

On the other hand, the blessings that still lie ahead of us are so astounding that they utterly overshadow any trials we experience in this life. It was this belief that led Paul to write in Romans 8:18 that 

Our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us (Romans 8:18). 

Our present distresses are only temporary. Jesus will eventually end this present evil age and re-create the world as a glorious gift for his children.

Click here to watch The Heart of Paul's Theology: Paul and his Theology, lesson one in the series The Heart of Paul's Theology. Biblical Education, For the World, For Free. thirdmill.org