2 Corinthians 4:17-18: An Eternal Weight of Glory

"For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:17-18

I woke up this morning with a question on my mind: If God commands my obedience, why does he make it so difficult? If God wants me to walk with him, why does he so often allow stumbling blocks to be put in my way? If He wants me to follow him, why does he allow so many distractions to be present in my life?

Perhaps many of you have asked the same question before. Nevertheless, I think we have our answer in 2 Corinthians 4:17-18, and I'd love to show it to you.

In these verses, Paul is talking about how God places his treasure ("the knowledge of the glory of God," v. 6) in "jars of clay" (that is, us! v. 7). We as men are weak and frail, yet God uses that as a canvas to show the world his glory. Thus, Paul shows us that though our outer self is wasting away (we get old!), our inner self is being renewed daily (v. 16). Our bodies will soon die, but our souls will live forever with Christ.

But how do we know this is true? Paul shows us in the verses quoted above. Ultimately, he says to us that the "light momentary affliction" of this world is preparing us for an "eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison." A couple of things can be pointed out here. First, don't miss the comparison between "light" and "heavy" here. In the Bible, for things to be "heavy" and "fat" and "abundant" is a good thing. Thus, Paul states that all of the afflictions in this life (which he refers to as one big "affliction" [singular]) weighs nothing but a feather in light of the "eternal weight of glory" that is coming for us in heaven. In other words, though this life often feels overwhelmingly heavy and burdensome, Paul states that in comparison to eternity, this is nothing but a "momentary" affliction. Paul here isn't downplaying our struggles, but rather comparing them to eternity. He knows life can be rough (see verses 8-12), but in comparison to eternity, these trials are but for a moment.

Second, notice here that the "affliction" that Paul is talking about isn't necessarily external. In fact, in light of the context of 2 Corinthians, I think a good argument can be made that Paul here is using the term "affliction" here to describe our own sin. In other words, the "affliction" that Paul describes here could be very well speaking about temptation. The great word here simply means "trial," and it can be used in reference to a physical trial or a spiritual trial. Thus, notice here that this "light momentary affliction" includes the temptations we face every day in this sin-cursed world.

Lastly, notice that admonition here: "as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen." The solution to every trial is "finding the light at the end of the tunnel." Paul tells us plainly what that light at the end of the tunnel is: eternity with Christ. These trials will not last forever (though they often seem like it). Your sinful temptations, your persecutions at work, your rough family situations, your difficulty to carry out what God has commanded of you--these things will not last forever. In fact, they are "momentary" in comparison to eternity! Thus, we must gaze at the things above, living by faith, rather than living by sight.

So, why does God allow such great temptation in our lives? In the words of Paul, so that he might "prepare" us for this eternal weight of glory. Apart from trials, temptations, and afflictions, our hearts would not be ready to receive what God has for us in heaven. Yet as we are painfully afflicted and see the transiency, worthlessness, and utter corruptness of this world, we long for heaven, turn our gaze towards Christ, and rely upon Him who can sustain. Amen!