The imperatives and inadequacies we face
July 3rd, 2009
In 2 Corinthians chapters 4 and 5 we the Apostle Paul talks about some of the imperative things we should do as Christians and some of the personal inadequacies we face as Christians as we preach the Gospel of reconciliation. The NIV breaks these two chapters into three sections.
Treasures in Jars of Clay (2 Corinthians 4:1-18)
In this section Paul tells us that as Christians we have been given the task of preaching the Gospel (v1) and the struggles and inadequacies we have in fulfilling this task. He likens Christians to fragile jars of clay (v7). Paul goes on to say that while we are under pressure, perplexed and in despair at times, we are not crushed (vv8-9) and he encourages us that while our outer bodies are wasting away, inwardly we are being renewed day by day (v16). He concludes by reminding us that our troubles are short in comparison to eternity (v17) and that we need to keep our eyes on that which is unseen (v18), so we do not lose heart (v16).
Our Heavenly Dwelling (2 Corinthians 5:1-10)
In chapter five Paul starts by saying our bodies are like earthly tents that cover us for a time (v1). He goes on to say that while we are here on earth “we groan and are burdened” and that we long for our “heavenly dwelling” (v4). This section tells us that while we face troubles and pressure in this life, Paul’s ultimate hope is to be with the Lord. In the meantime Paul realises that we are here for a task that he introduces in the next section.
The Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:11-21)
In the final section of chapter five Paul charges Christians with playing their part in reconciling people to God. Paul understood that the call to preach the gospel was about being one of “Christ’s ambassadors” and that when they spoke it was actually God “making his appeal through” them (v20). It involved imploring others to “be reconciled with God” (v20), it arose out of a fear of the Lord (v11) and a knowledge of “Christ’s love” (v14). In this section we see God calls the reconciled to become reconciler’s and that our task is to reach out to those around us with God’s love and saving message in Christ Jesus.
Conclusion
What are the imperatives and inadequacies of these chapters? The imperative is our task of preaching the Gospel and helping people to become reconciled to God through Christ Jesus. The inadequacies we face are the strains and pressures of life that often crowd in on us and the fact that our outer earthly bodies are wasting away daily.
However, in the midst of all of this, God is right there with us. He is empowering us and renewing us inwardly day by day. And as we go about our work, we must never forget that we have the great hope of spending eternity with Him.
