2 Corinthians, 4
8. We are afflicted in every way, but not constrained; perplexed, but not driven to despair;
8. We are afflicted in every way, but not constrained; perplexed, but not driven to despair;
In 2 Corinthians 4, Paul talks about the ministry that he and his companions exercise and how they face difficulties, but do not give up because of their hope in Christ. He also discusses how God's glory is revealed in the work of Christ and how our own weakness makes this glory more evident. Here are five verses related to these themes:
Romans 5:3-5: "And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, because we know that tribulation produces perseverance; perseverance, an approved character; and the approved character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because because God poured his love in our hearts through the Holy Spirit that He gave us. " This verse shows how tribulation can produce perseverance and eventually hope, how Paul speaks in 2 Corinthians 4.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of Mercies and God of all consolation, who comforts us in all our tribulations, that with the consolation we receive from God. , we can comfort those who are going through similar tribulations. " Here Paul highlights how God is the Comforter in the midst of tribulations, which is important to deal with the difficulties he and his companions face.
John 1:14: "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We have seen his glory, glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and of truth." This verse highlights the incarnation of Jesus, which is the basis of the work that Paul and his companions do and is the source of the glory of God that is revealed.
2 Corinthians 4:7: "But we have this treasure in clay vessels, so that the excellence of power is of God and not of us." Here Paul talks about how our weakness is evidenced in our limited humanity, but how this allows God's glory to be even more evident.
Romans 8:18: "I consider that our current sufferings cannot be compared to the glory that will be revealed in us." Here Paul highlights how the glory of God will be revealed through the suffering that He and His companions face, an idea similar to what He expresses in 2 Corinthians 4.
“Como Jesus, preparemo-nos a duas ascensões: uma ao Calvário e outra ao Céu. A ascensão ao Calvário, se não for alegre, deve ao menos ser resignada!” São Padre Pio de Pietrelcina
