“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.” (2Corinthians 4:18)
Paul wrote this to the Corinthians in talking about the afflictions we endure in this world. In our lives, no matter the situation, the circumstances and consequences or results of any situation or circumstance, and although it is nearly impossible to do so, our view should be on the eternal. The eternal is invisible to us. But it’s the promise and the hope in God’s Word that we hold. “Now our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,” (2Thessalonians 2:16) We believe that God’s Word is infallible. We believe that God does not lie. We have that assurance in our spirits. “(For we walk by faith, not by sight:)” (2Corinthians 5:7)
We see this conviction in the brethren living in persecuted situations. They continue in the hardships; loss of family, loss of home, loss of country and in the face of death. It would be far easier to deny Christ, yet they are emboldened to share the hope that they have. Many don’t understand and will not understand this determination and continuation in the face of the afflictions they endure. But 2 Corinthians 4:18 explains it. …We look not at the things that are seen, but at the thing which are not seen…” It is great conviction and great faith that they know that they know. And the eternal, which is not evident, is more real than what they are seeing, hearing and feeling. “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1)
This was the case in Jesus. “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2) Although Jesus was humiliated, beaten beyond recognition, and took the burden of our sin, was separated from the Father because of our sin and took the wrath of God for our sin, He went to the cross. He endured the cross. His eye was on the eternal. He knew what was on the other side of the cross.
2 Corinthians 4:18 states that “…the things which are seen are temporal…” According to Scripture, this world and everything in it will pass away. We know from experience the ever-changing circumstances here on this earth. If things are bad, just wait, things will change for the better or worse. Nothing is stable, not the good nor the bad. “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever.” (1John 2:16-17) Everything we see, all that we feel, all that we’re going through, all our earthly desires of riches, fame and happiness will pass away. Everything in this world will pass away. It’s temporal and not eternal because it is not divine and does not originate from God, but from man’s lust or yearning for what looks good, feels good and satisfies our ego.
To the unbeliever it may appear to be fantasy or wishful thinking that makes us feel better in dire circumstances. But as believers we have been given a down payment. It’s the evidence of God’s Word and God’s Promise. And that is the Holy Spirit. Living in the Spirit gives us evidence of God’s Word and God’s Promise in the here and now and for the future. “Now He which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.” (2Corinthians 1:21-22) God the Holy Spirit makes it possible to live for the eternal. He makes it possible for us to live by faith. He is God, walking and talking to us. He assures us that this is temporal and not worthy of our future. And, He gives to us of His supernatural power to live like the children of God, here on this earth.
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