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2 Corinthians 4:8-11 - For All Who Seek The Crown, There Is The Cross.

2 Corinthians 4:8-11 (NLT) We are pressed on 
every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We 
are perplexed, but not driven to despair. 9 We 
are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We 
get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. 10 
Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in 
the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may 
also be seen in our bodies. 11 Yes, we live under 
constant danger of death because we serve Jesus, so 
that the life of Jesus will be evident in our 
dying bodies.  

INTRODUCTION

Paul reminds us that though we may think we 
are at the end of our rope, we are never at the 
end of our hope. Our perishable bodies are 
subject to sin and suffering, but God never abandons 
us. Because Christ has won the victory over 
death, we have eternal life. All our risks, 
humiliations, and trials are opportunities for Christ to 
demonstrate his power and presence in and through us. We 
must ask ourselves, "Could I handle the suffering 
and opposition that Paul did?" The success 
syndrome is a great enemy of effective ministry. From 
an earthly perspective, Paul was not very 
successful. Like Paul, we must carry out our ministry, 
looking to God for strength. When opposition, 
slander, or disappointment threaten to rob you of the 
victory, remember that no one can destroy what God 
has accomplished through you. [Life Application 
SB] 

COMMENTARY PEARL

   My friend Joyce came over on a lovely 
summer day to take a walk with me to a local creek. 
At the park across the street, a city employee 
drove a huge riding mower back and forth across 
the field. The sound roared, so we walked 
quickly to the corner, eager to get past it. But in 
the parking lot between us and the creek, a man 
was using a leaf blower. Once again, the sound 
escalated so much that we couldn't carry on a 
conversation. 
   After getting around him, we spotted a 
bench by the creek, but a different man was 
circling it on yet another riding mower. We turned 
back, but now someone with a weed wacker blocked 
our path, just as a helicopter thundered 
overhead, almost skimming the treetops. Any way we 
turned, we were assaulted by noise. 
   Life can feel that way sometimes. A 
problem confronts me, and I try to find a way around 
it, only to run into yet another obstacle. 
Following Jesus doesn't guarantee peace and quiet in 
my life. As I serve Him, I might still feel 
hard pressed, perplexed, or even persecuted. But 
because of His life in me, I'm not crushed. Because 
He never abandons me, I don't need to despair. 
As I follow the loving Shepherd, He will lead 
me to still waters. Sharon Hinck 
   Faith Step: Find a quiet place. Write 
down any problems that surround you. Thank Jesus 
for being bigger than those problems. [Mornings 
With Jesus 2022 Devotional by Guideposts and 
Zondervan] 

CLOSING PEARL

In the pathway of all who seek the crown, is 
the cross. If we would become partakers with 
Christ of his glory, we must be willing to share 
with him in his sufferings. If we would reflect 
his glorious image, we must be submissive to the 
divine molding; we must follow in the footsteps of 
the Man of Calvary. God has claims upon every 
one of us. He created us, he redeemed us with an 
infinite sacrifice. He has promised the overcomer the 
great rewards of eternity. Why do we cling to 
anything that is offensive to him? Why not separate 
from every sin, and perfect holiness before him? 
The only reward for sin is unutterable woe and 
death; but the righteous shall be at his right hand 
in fullness of joy, in his presence, where are 
pleasures forevermore.  {RH, September 16, 1890 par. 
2} 

LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY 

2 Corinthians 4:8-11 - God is in the 
Remodeling Business. 

http://www.abible.com/devotions/2021/20210928-0835.html 

Acts 14:22b - Tribulation for Entrance to 
the Kingdom:  

http://www.abible.com/devotions/2015/20150624-2038.html 

YOUR COMMENTS

If anyone has a paraphrase, commentary or 
testimony on this passage of Scripture, either 
personal or otherwise, I would be interested in 
hearing from you.  Thanks in advance and let's keep 
uplifting Jesus that all might be drawn to Him. Fred 
Gibbs  

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

Most Important Decision in Life: 
http://www.youtube.com/embed/WGnEuGwvXqU?rel=0 

A Man without Equal by Bill Bright: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiVa7UoruIo 

Steps to Peace by Billy Graham: 
https://stepstopeace.org/ 

Seeking God Made Real: 
http://vimeo.com/31489782 

Prayer Made Real: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tc8VdMV26VE 

LINKS FOR BIBLE STUDIES 

Lifting Up Jesus Bible Studies: 
http://www.liftingupjesus.net/ 

Amazing Facts Bible Studies: 
http://www.amazingfacts.org/bible-study/bible-study-guides.aspx  

Voice of Prophecy Discover Bible Study 
Guides: 
https://www.voiceofprophecy.com/study/discover 

Glow Tract Video Bible Studies: 
http://www.bibleresearch.info/ 

LINKS FOR BIBLE PROPHECY SEMINARS

Unlocking Bible Prophecies by Cami Oetman of 
Adventist World Radio: https://www.awr.org/bible 

Panorama of Prophecy with Pastor Doug 
Batchelor: https://www.panoramaofprophecy.com/  

Hope Awakens by John Bradshaw of IIW: 
https://itiswritten.tv/programs/hope-awakens 

Prophecies Decoded by Pastor Ron Clouzet: 
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1A435C5373550657