Lesson 478: 2 Corinthians 4:16
The Blueprint — The Verse
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, yet our inner self is being renewed day by day.
Memorization Practice
Click words to hide them and test your memory.
Without looking, enter the book, chapter, and verse for this passage.
Rate your recall:
The Context — The History
PaulAlso known as the Apostle Paul or Saul of Tarsus, he is the most influential missionary and writer of the New Testament. Originally a Pharisee who persecuted Christians, Paul experienced a dramatic encounter with the risen Jesus and became a devoted messenger of the gospel. He traveled widely, planted churches across the Roman world, and wrote letters that form a... More defended the gospel ministry while suffering physically — likely including beatings, hardships, and the 'thorn' he later mentions. Corinthian culture admired strength and eloquence.
The Narrative — The Lead-Up
PaulAlso known as the Apostle Paul or Saul of Tarsus, he is the most influential missionary and writer of the New Testament. Originally a Pharisee who persecuted Christians, Paul experienced a dramatic encounter with the risen Jesus and became a devoted messenger of the gospel. He traveled widely, planted churches across the Roman world, and wrote letters that form a... More described carrying the death of JesusJesus of Nazareth, also called the Christ or the Messiah, is the central figure of the New Testament and the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan. Born in the line of David, He taught with divine authority, performed miracles, and revealed the kingdom of God. Through His crucifixion and resurrection, Jesus provides atonement, salvation, and restored relationship with God. He is... More in his body so Christ's life might be revealed. Though outwardly wasting away, inwardly he was being renewed day by day by an eternal weight of glory.
The Echo — Follow-on Verses
-
For all things are for your sakes, that the grace, being multiplied through the many, may cause the thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God.
Shown in World English Bible (WEB).
Read the verse immediately before this lesson () to hear the lead-in to the passage.
-
For our light affliction, which is for the moment, works for us more and more exceedingly an eternal weight of glory;
Shown in World English Bible (WEB).
Read the verse immediately after this lesson () to continue the passage.
Discussion
-
How can inner renewal coexist with outer difficulty?
-
What does not losing heart mean when the body ages or suffers?
-
How does eternal perspective change daily discouragement?