We find in 2 Corinthians 4 that, not only is Paul ‘very bold’ because of the sure hope of the new covenant in Christ, no matter what is thrown his way, he does not lose heart. He refuses to compromise the gospel or his integrity, and instead, persists in speaking the truth openly, commending it to everyone’s conscience.
When one believes and knows that ‘he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us into his presence’, everything else is put in its true perspective. The trials and sufferings of this life, experienced in our mortal bodies are but a ‘slight momentary affliction’ as they prepare us for ‘an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison’.
Most of us know well the ‘clayness’ of these jars we call our bodies and our mortal lives, yet God has chosen to fill us with the great treasure of his Son and Spirit in the gospel. Such is the very nature and glory of God – his power is made perfect in weakness – in our weakness. So, we too have good reason not to lose heart, and much to be thankful for, as God extends his grace to us and to many more.