Why we do not lose Heart

 Read 2 Corinthians 5.

Jars of clay.  That is what Paul called human bodies in 4:7.  Genesis 2 recounts the Creation of man.  "...then the LORD God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature."  In this chapter, contrasts are drawn between what we experience now versus what we look forward to after this life.

The immediate context begins in 4:16 and continues into chapter 5.  Here is the definitive Christian perspective of life. Because of faith in Jesus our view of all things changes.  This new look on life gives us hope and causes us to "not lose heart" (4:16).  "So we are always of good courage." (5:6)

1. Our perspective of life.
Our outer self is "wasting away" each year with age. 
Our inner self is "being renewed day by day"

Our afflictions are light and momentary; what is seen.
Our future is eternal glory; what is unseen.

Now we live in a tent, an earthly home.
Then, we will have a building, a heavenly dwelling.

Now we are mortal.
Then we will be immortal; "swallowed up by life."

2. Our purpose in life.
"We make it our aim to please him." (v.9)  He created us.  We belong to him.  Our goal is to live in such a way as to please the Owner, as the Lord of life.  We have been entrusted with this earthly life only for a few years.  As in any trust, there is accountability for what we did with what we were given.  Believers will one day stand "before the judgment seat of Christ" for accountability.  What we do this day has bearing on that day.

3. Our position in life.
No matter where we live or our occupation, God has given every believer a commission to be His ambassador to this world.  We understand "the fear of the Lord" (v.11).  We know "the love of Christ" (v.14).  We have been changed by our faith in Jesus into a new person (v.17).  Therefore, we look for every opportunity to share this good news with as many as possible so they too may experience forgiveness of sin and have eternal life.

Our future is secured in Christ.  "He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee." (v.5).