Pastor’s Pen Pulpit “Day-by-Day” Series

August 22, 2004

DEALING WITH THE CHANGES IN LIFE

Part III

II Corinthians 4:16-18

Therefore we do not lose heart. But though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, 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.

In our last two pen pulpits we have been looking at how to deal with the changes in life. We’ve seen that man is a three-in-one being: External, Internal and now we want to examine the last of these three facets - the Eternal. We saw that, first of all, we must understand the external - then we must cultivate the internal. Now in our last study in this brief series we must “Concentrate on the Eternal” vs. 17, 18. This paradox of aging and renewal helps the believer to have an intelligent view of life and eternity. Affliction that comes with the decay of the physical is light and but for a moment, although it might seem extremely heavy and almost unending (Matthew 11:28-30). The affliction that energizes and works is in the process of accomplishing something. It is preparing us for the eternal glory that is far out of proportion to the afflictions (Romans 8:18).

The believer is conditioned by difficulty and by the renewing process of the Holy Spirit. Our minds and hearts should be moving more and more away from “things and stuff.” Problems and perplexities that are a part of this transitory world are what are visible to us. This is what we see and what we feel – what we are caught up in. We must force ourselves not to concentrate on the elements of this passing parade lest we lose heart (II Corinthians 4:16). Rather, we focus our concentration upon things eternal (Romans 8:18-25; Philippians 3:20,21; Colossians 3:1-3).

Beloved, this year force yourself to take time to cultivate the inner man of the heart. If the internal man isn’t being cultivated, the external will take control and you will become a victim of your own making. Urban renewal will keep you from growing bitter with life. This will not only prevent you from losing heart, it will enable you to gain confidence. We are moving towards the eternal (Philippians 3:12-14). Set aside a time each day to do your Bible reading.

This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success. Joshua 1:8

From this great verse we learn that we are to be in the Word of God every day of our lives. We are to meditate on it on a regular basis. This should result in obeying its precepts. This is the only way to really enjoy a successful life in Christ. God bless.

Love in Him,