By David Ettinger
Fierce Battles
It’s difficult living holy lives in such a sinful world. It’s even more difficult while in a sinful body. Though our spirits have been reborn in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17), we are still entombed in a decaying body that wages war against the spirit (Galatians 5:17).
The battles are fierce, and I have often lost them. It’s enough to make a Christian lose heart.
However, the apostle Paul tells us to not lose heart, for the flesh is not the determining factor of spiritual destiny. He wrote: “Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer person is decaying, yet our inner person is being renewed day by day” (2 Corinthians 4:16).
Though Paul was speaking of the trials facing him and his fellow apostles, this truth impacts all believers in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Eternal Reward
Previous to verse 16, Paul had been speaking of the hardships facing those who share the Gospel fulltime. However, it was all worth it to Paul knowing that when his days on Earth were over, “He who raised the Lord Jesus will also raise us with Jesus, and will present us with you” (v. 15).
In other words, Paul’s earthly trials would result in not only eternal reward for him, but for those to whom he presented the Gospel. His work as an evangelist would lead to not only his resurrection, but that of, in this case, the Corinthian believers.
Knowing eternal glory awaited, Paul was able to “not lose heart.” Yes, he was beaten and imprisoned (2 Corinthians 11:22-33), but, he saw beyond the affliction, saying, “though our outer person is decaying, yet our inner person is being renewed day by day.”
This same truth holds true for you and me.
Renewed Spirit
The human body is a temporary abode for the spirit, and will decay and eventually die. However, the great news about this earthly existence of ours is that though we deteriorate physically, our “inner person” – that is, our spirits; that which interacts with God – is being reinvigorated daily.
In other words, though our bodies decay, if we are walking with the Lord, He allows us to experience the renewing work of the Holy Spirit daily. If we are faithful in prayer, Bible-reading, and Holy living, God sends daily supplies of power and enablement for Christian service. Though we may be confined to a hospital bed with 20 tubes poking us, our Spirits – if empowered by God – are strong, vigorous, and alive. We can commune with Him in prayer, while He in turn energizes our spirits!
So yes, whether physical ailments or enduring the ugliness of this world, our spirits are untouchable, imperishable, and incorruptible. God has saved us through the power of the resurrected Christ, and continues to rejuvenate our spirits!
Take Heart
It is no wonder, then, that Paul took heart despite his trials and tribulations. Yes, he suffered physically, but his spirit was being energized and galvanized every day. He communed with God daily, and it enabled him to be free of the shackles of despair, and forge on for his Lord and Savior.
The same holds true for you and me. Though our bodies decay and the trials of this dark world sometimes anger and trouble us, so long as we remain faithful to God, He will renew our spirits daily that we may serve, love, and revere Him until the day He calls us home!
jarilissima
February 17, 2021
Amen! What a wonderful message of hope 🙂
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bryan Johnston
February 17, 2021
Amen and amen Jarlissima. I’m SO happy to read that i’m not the only one who struggles daily with the way the world is AND my own fleshly desires, as they “wage war” against Holy Spirit within, impeding His work of sanctification. As i understand St. Paul, this flesh V Spirit battle is lifelong. BUT, as he says elsewhere “Thanks be to God for Jesus Christ who has won this battle through His death on the Cross” (i paraphrase.)
Great e-article David – thanks so much and GBU2!
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dettinger47
February 17, 2021
Than you, Bryan. Well said.
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Blue Collar Theologian
February 18, 2021
Praise God that He renews our minds and spirits. Romans 12:1-2 are very important verses to me. I am thankful for this message of hope! PS: Enjoy your outdoor walk today. More brutal winter weather here.
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dettinger47
February 18, 2021
Thanks, Mandy. Yes, normally I joke with cold-weather folks about the warm weather we have down here, but not this time. Stay warm and safe!
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brucesbiblepage
February 18, 2021
Reblogged this on Guam Christian Blog and commented:
Two part, both good, this is the first article
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ken riddles
February 19, 2021
Good word – treasure in earthen vessels.
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dettinger47
February 19, 2021
Amen. Thank you, Ken.
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Lisa Beth
February 19, 2021
These posts hone in on such beloved scripture, what comfort unbelievers are missing! “Though we may be confined to a hospital bed with 20 tubes poking us, our Spirits – if empowered by God – are strong, vigorous, and alive.” This really struck me as my 88 yr old father in in the hospital with 20 tubes poking him. He faced death, but has yet to repent and accept the truth of salvation so he has no such eternal view.
I pray that we as believers will be so rooted in these truths, ever ready for share in season and out.
Press on David…
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dettinger47
February 20, 2021
Hoping for a miracle for your father.
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bigskybuckeye
February 20, 2021
Paul’s discussion brings us hope as Christians. While we can never be perfect, the Spirit renews us daily in our ongoing tussle with the flesh.
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dettinger47
February 20, 2021
Praise God for His renewing!
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dawnfanshawe
February 27, 2021
Amen. “He will renew our spirits daily that we may serve, love, and revere Him until the day He calls us home!”
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