Galatians 4

10-11 Paul writes: We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus. Paul and his colleagues are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake (verse 11). What does Paul mean by these statements?

Paul means that he and his colleagues are facing the risk of death every day (1 Corinthians 15:30-31). Like a sheep about to be sacrificed, Paul is, in a sense, facing death all day long for Christ’s sake (Romans 8:36). In a way, Paul is being crucified to the world (Galatians 6:14). Just as Jesus had said to do, Paul is taking up his cross daily (Luke 9:23). Since Paul is Jesus’ servant, he is receiving the same persecution that his Master received (John 15:20). Paul seeks the fellowship of sharing in [Jesus’] sufferings (Philippians 3:10-11).

To the extent that we die to ourselves, to that extent we shall live to Christ (see John 12:24-25). He who has died with Christ will also live with Christ (see Romans 6:4-5; Philippians 3:20-21; 2 Timothy 2:11-12 and comments).

Therefore, as we Christians suffer the various trials mentioned here, we are able not only to endure such trials but also to rejoice in them, because great is [our] reward in heaven (Matthew 5:11-12).

But let us remember one thing: When we suffer, it must be for Christ’s sake that we suffer. If our suffering is not for Christ’s sake, then there will be nothing to rejoice in.¹⁴ In everything and at all times, we must live for Christ’s sake and obey Him. If we do this, then no matter what kind of suffering comes upon us, we shall be able to rejoice in it and receive great spiritual blessing from it.

12 Paul tells the Corinthians: So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you. It is through Paul’s suffering, through his daily death to self, that the Gospel of life has been brought to the Corinthians. Just as Jesus had done, Paul is offering his own physical life in order that the Corinthians might receive eternal life.

13 Here Paul quotes from Psalm 116:10. Psalm 116 is a hymn of thanks giving to God for deliverance from death. Even when death is near, Paul’s faith in God remains strong. Because of this spirit of faith, Paul always speaks with boldness no matter what his circumstances.

14 Why is Paul able to speak with such boldness? Because he knows that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus (see Romans 6:5; 8:11; Ephesians 2:6; Colossians3:3-4).

15 All this—that is, all Paul’s trials and suffering—are for the benefit of the Corinthians. Paul is a minister of the grace of God,¹⁵ and that grace (salvation in Christ) has been reaching more and more people. This means that there will be more and more people giving thanks to God. Thus God’s grace will cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.

16 Although Paul’s body outwardly is wasting away—growing old and tired and weak—his spirit inwardly is being renewed daily by the Holy Spirit within him.

17 Compared with the inheritance stored up for us in heaven, our suffering and troubles in this world are light and momentary (see Romans 8:18; 1 Corinthians 2:9). Paul is not saying here that we receive eternal glory (salvation) through our sufferings, or because of our sufferings. Salvation can only be received by grace through faith, not by any suffering we might endure. Some followers of other religions believe that man can achieve salvation through various kinds of suffering. That is not Paul’s teaching. Yes, it’s true that we will receive a “reward” when we suffer for Jesus’ sake (see Matthew 5:12; 16:27; 1 Corinthians 3:13-14); but salvation itself can be received only by grace through faith (see Ephesians 2:8-9 and comment).

Let us not be surprised when suffering and troubles come upon us. Trouble and persecution will come upon all who follow Christ (2 Timothy 3:12; 1 Peter 4:12-13). We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God (Acts 14:22).

18 If we look only at what can be seen, we will quickly become discouraged. Look at Paul’s outward life. In the world’s eyes, it was completely unsuccessful. In the beginning Paul was a well-known and influential Jew, but he gave up his position and reputation. After that, he spent his life enduring all sorts of suffering and hardship. All his friends abandoned him (2 Timothy 4:16). He had no home or property. He spent the end of his life in prison, and was finally put to death because of his faith in Christ. Such is the description of Paul’s outward visible life.

But let us not look at these outward visible things. Let us look, instead, at Jesus (Hebrews 12:2-3). Let us remember that if we share in his suffering, we shall also share in his glory (Romans 8:17). Therefore, let us press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called [us] heavenward in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:14).