Endless Possibilities – 2 Corinthians 4:11-15

2 Corinthians 4:11-15 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)

¹¹ For we who live are always given over to death because of Jesus, so that Jesus’ life may also be revealed in our mortal flesh. ¹² So death works in us, but life in you. ¹³ And since we have the same spirit of faith in accordance with what is written, I believed, therefore I spoke, we also believe, and therefore speak, ¹⁴ knowing that the One who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus, and present us with you. ¹⁵ For all this is because of you, so that grace, extended through more and more people, may cause thanksgiving to overflow to God’s glory.

Paul’s response to affliction was unique.  He had learned that it wasn’t about him at all, but about what God did in him and through him.  Verse 11 & 12 are his way of saying that as he suffers, setting his own life aside, the life given him by Jesus is revealed and so serves as an encouragement to others, namely the Corinthians.  He was willing to suffer because he knew that ultimately God would bring good to others through it.

He ends with, “all this is because of you.”  That others may become thankful, resulting in glory to God.  This is an ultimate statement of selflessness.  How many of us are willing to say, “My life is about you and helping you bring glory to God.”  At times even our good works are more about us than others or God.  Do we do our devotional so that we can be better Christians, gain knowledge for ourselves, reach up another step on the ladder of spirituality?  Do we worship in singing because we like to sing and we like the music and they are playing one of our favorite songs?  Are we more energetic when the work is helping us or when it is helping others?

I don’t know about you, but I am feeling conviction in my own heart.