2 Corinthians 4:16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer person is wasting away, our inner person is being renewed day by day.
The Greek dio marks a summarizing statement to Paul’s argument in this chapter and connects the previous ideas to the situation at hand. The danger he and his companions face is losing heart, which is another way of being discouraged. It is like sails that lose their wind. There is no encouragement to continue on. The reason for this is fear of what may lie ahead. This can come about because of the challenges of life, especially in regards to our faith in Christ. The Corinthians might also be in danger of discouragement because of the increasing social pressures on them. They are now set apart, sanctified (see 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1). This will create friction with the prevailing culture around them. They too like Paul may be facing persecution. Paul challenges them to stay focused on the path of God’s grace in Christ. Knowing their connection to the eternal and gracious God should help them stay strong in their convictions.
Paul brings this home with a simple illustration of the inner and outer person (anthropos). We all face physical challenges. Sometimes this may be disease or even physical persecution. Often, we just have to deal with fatigue and the wear and tare of every day life. No matter what is happening to us physically, we can have a deep inner peace and joy because of our faith in Christ. What really matters is our spiritual condition, the inner person, the deep place of our conscience and self-awareness. This is the part of our beings that really needs strengthening. This inner strength will work its way out to our physical existence but may or may not bring about physical peace, health, and wholeness. It is satisfying and a relief when this happens, but there is no guarantee. When our physical condition does not change with our inner spiritual peace, then we must still acknowledge God’s grace and be thankful for this transforming grace.
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