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WEEK 30 | PAUL'S FINAL DAYS

November 6, 2022 • 2 Corinthians 4:8–9, 2 Corinthians 11:24–29, 2 Corinthians 4:13–14, John 3:13, 2 Corinthians 4:15

Future expectations determine present behavior. 


We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.

II Corinthians 4:8-9


Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn?

II Corinthians 11:24-29


What was it that kept him going?


1. A promised future with Jesus.


It is written: “I believed; therefore I have spoken.” Since we have that same spirit of faith, we also believe and therefore speak, because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you to himself.

II Corinthians 4:13-14


No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven – the Son of Man.

John 3:13


Three Questions:

What do you believe about your future?Who or what is the source of that belief?Is that source trustworthy?


What was it that kept him going? (Promised future with Jesus.)


2. The promise of reaching more people for God’s glory.


All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.

II Corinthians 4:15


Therefore, we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 

II Corinthians 4:16-17


Living with eternity in view:


a. You are more able emotionally to deal with whatever happens to you in life.

b. You maximize your moments in life.


For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.

II Corinthians 4:17

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