How can we endure the difficulties of staying home as a result of this pandemic? How can we survive staying home knowing that we lost our jobs, investments or business? When can we get back to normalcy or just even have a sense of it? The anxiety of when will this end is constantly at the back of our minds. How a man named Paul in the Bible endured his imprisonment, beatings and affliction will be the subject of this message. Paul shared several learning experiences to us through his letters.
1. Paul completely entrusted his life to God.
“10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:10-13.
· Paul was imprisoned in private house in Rome. See Phil. 1:13.
· Paul was very content though he was deprived of basic necessities.
· Received few visitors.
· Prison enabled him to write 4 prison letters all of which contains valuable lessons on encouragement in times of difficulties.
2. Paul treasured the Word of God in his heart.
“6 For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ… 16 That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” 2 Corinthians 4:6,16-17.
· Verse 6 refers to the creation period back in Genesis 1. By His Word, God created light to reveal His glory.
· Likewise, the Word of God revealed the glory of Jesus in Paul’s heart.
· God’s word became the strength of Paul in facing great difficulties.
· His spirit was being renewed daily because of God’s word.
· He enumerated his litany of sufferings in 2 Corinthians 11:23-27.
· Paul never stopped doing the work of God even in difficult times.
· Thus, as the church of God, we also need to continue the work that God has called us to do.
3. Paul fixed his eyes on his eternal home.
“18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:18.
· Paul saw this life as temporary, and life with God as eternal.
· We endure this life so we can have better enjoy our eternal home.
“Endurance is based on one’s ability to look beyond the present to the future, and beyond this visible to the invisible. Believer’s must look past what is temporary – what is perishing.” John MacArthur, The MacArthur Bible Commentary, pg., 1627.
2 Corinthians 4:8-10, “8 We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. 9 We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. 10 Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies.”
For some of you, maybe it’s time for you to completely entrust your life to the Lord. I’m inviting you to pray with me. “Dear Jesus, I need direction for my life. I need your encouragement, strength to do what I need to accomplish, even at home. Please forgive me for neglecting you and for nor seeking you sooner. I’m fully entrusting my life and eternity to you. Please come into my heart and be my Lord and Savior.”
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