Death in Us, Life in You 2 Corinthians 4:12

Paul the apostle shared with the church members in Corinth how he and his companions, “for we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus' sake”, and he gave the reason, “that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh”. In chapter four and verse twelve of Second Corinthians, Paul told the church members, “death works in us, but life in you”, where we read:

So then death works in us, but life in you

The verse begins, “So then death works in us, ...” Paul began with the words, “so then” which means “insomuch and therefore truly, certainly and surely” “death” or “that separation whether natural or violent of the soul and the body by which the life on earth is ended” “works” which means “is operative, effective and able to show one's self effective” “in us” or within Paul and his companions. Paul and his companions considered “the death of the Lord Jesus” to be “operating” within themselves.

The verse goes on to say, “... but life in you.” Paul continued with the word, “but” which is a disassociation conjunction that means what is about to be written takes precedence over what was just stated “life” or “the absolute fullness of life, both essential and ethical, which belongs to God” “in you” which refers to the church members. Though Paul and His companions had “death” working in them, they rejoiced in the “absolute fullness of life” in the church members.

When we meditate upon these words of Paul, we recognize the amazing love he had for the church members in Corinth. Though “death” threatened Paul and his companions constantly, he saw the result of “life” that was in the church. All who know Jesus as their Savior and Lord should emulate Paul and his companions, and as opportunity arises for others to know the “life” that is available in a relationship with Jesus, let us live in a manner that demonstrates who He really is.

Next time Paul tells the church members, “I believed, and therefore have I spoken”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then,

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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