Yesterday we noted the outward renewal of our life which is to bear the image of our Creator. That was the intent and purpose of God from the beginning; to share His likeness. (Genesis 1:26-27) However, the restoring of that image marred by sin is by His renewal that begins within and continues on through our life.
It has been said that once a person is born they begin to die. What that implies is that with each day that passes, the aging process progresses. Physically, cells continue to die while being replenished by others, but in life we reach a point when we sense the aging process catches up with us. What we must acknowledge is our physical body was created by God to be suitable for this earthly life but was not intended to last forever. The day will come when this perishable will be replaced with the imperishable (note 1 Corinthians 15:43-44, 50-53); whatever that will be like. And as Paul carried out his ministry, he looked ahead to the day he would shed the earthly and be clothed with the heavenly as Peter also knew that day would come. (note 2 Corinthians 5:1-8 and 2 Peter 1:13) However, though there is the outward aging, there can remain the inner spiritual renewal God brings as the focus continues to rest with Him and His Will.
In his letter to the church at Corinth Paul encouraged. . .
“(16) So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. (17) For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, (18) as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:16-18 ESV)
The Greek word translated “renewed” in this passage (and the key passage noted yesterday) is from “anakainoō” (“ana”, back or again, and “kainos”, new, not recent but different). [source: W.E. Vine’s Expository Dict. Of N.T. Words] Paul used the word in this passage to note the renewal of our inner self in contrast to our physical frame that weakens in time. While the outward self diminishes with age, the inner continues to be renewed with each day that passes as — in surrender to the Lord — we are becoming more and more the spiritual persons God has destined us to be. Though we begin to experience the weakness of the flesh, we continue in the strengthening of the spirit.
Despite frustrations which may develop over limitations of the flesh, let us rejoice in the unlimited spiritual renewal God provides as we focus beyond the temporary presently seen, to the eternal yet to be seen. Rather than losing heart due to the challenges of the flesh, may we continue to be strengthened in heart as we press on toward the heavenly calling (Philippians 3:14) we have received in Christ!
Have a great day CONTINUING TO EXPERIENCE THE LORD’S STRENGTHENING WITHIN!
Carl
