Note: A couple of months back the Bible study I currently assist in leading covered the book of 2 Corinthians. One of the lessons I led focused on parts of 2 Corinthians 4-5 and honed in on the theme of steadfastness. In order to share what was covered in my lesson I decided to rework my teaching notes into a blog post for you. :)
Steadfast In the Walk
“1 Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart. 2 But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God’s word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God. And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5 For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants 3 for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” (2 Cor. 4:1-6)
Paul starts chapter four by referring to his ministry. He was assigned a very unique but crucial role in reaching the Gentile church. Verse one states that this ministry is possible by God’s mercy—not their own doing. In fact, God’s mercy is the reason we can do anything.
“1 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience—3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the flesh and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,” (Eph. 2:1-6)
We were dead in our sin. Yet, because of God’s rich mercy, love, and grace, he made us alive. God’s mercy is what fueled Paul’s ministry and steadfastness.
The Gospel was Paul’s motivator. Because of the Gospel, everything we do is a reminder of what we do not deserve. We are in Christ and Christ’s work of salvation is what motivates us to continue. Verse one says, “we do not lose heart.” We have already established that the mercy of God and the Gospel motivates us to be steadfast. But why would Paul mention that they do not lose heart? While many want the Christian life to be easy, Jesus said otherwise. “33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (Jn. 16:33)
Paul was not trying to fool the Corinthians with an aesthetic social media page. In fact, the Corinthians may have thought that he had every reason to lose heart. Towards the beginning of 2 Corinthians Paul vulnerably shares the sufferings he and the others with him had endured.
“7 Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort. 8 For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. 9 Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. 10 He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again.” (2 Cor. 1:7-10)
Even when they “despaired of life itself”, God was the One who delivered them and Paul had hope God would deliver them again.
The definition of steadfast is: resolutely or dutifully firm and unwavering. Steadfastness does not die when situations get hard. If that was the case Paul’s ministry would have been pointless. Why persevere in prison, in flogging, in loneliness? Paul could be steadfast because Christ received worse suffering and rose back to life. Christ’s victory meant Paul could also be victorious.
“But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God’s word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God.” (2 Cor. 4:2)
Steadfast: Resolutely or dutifully firm and unwavering
“Paul is not motivated by money. He does not crave human approval. Thus Paul refused to tamper with God’s word by watering it down or changing it to suit what people want to hear. Rather, Paul’s open statement of the truth shows that he does not proclaim a ‘secret’ or hidden gospel.” [i]
Paul is not trying to please people but was steadfast in the truth and bold with his message. He would rather aim for God’s approval rather than others.
“4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5 For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.” (2 Cor. 4:4-5)
For Paul, and us as believers, another reason why we are steadfast is that we see the light. This is another example of God’s mercy. We can be steadfast because we are no longer blind but see. This conversion (justification) was not our own doing.
Imagine someone who was born blind. They never saw the sky or flowers or a human face. They didn’t have any hope of ever being able to visualize what existed around them. If a renowned doctor operated on this individual and gave him the gift of sight would this not radically change that person’s life? It would change everything! The many things he had no hope of ever being able to accomplish are now possible. This surgeon changed everything for this individual and you can only imagine how he would live the rest of his life in thankfulness. We were just like this person. We were born blind and dying in our sin. Christ paid the price for us to live and now we see with open eyes and transformed hearts.
Perhaps we lose steadfastness because we forget the incredible gift we have been given. We were blind but now we see. We were once following the god of this world but now we follow Christ. Rejoice and be steadfast. Be steadfast and obedient in being a light and proclaiming the Gospel to those in darkness.
“For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.” (2 Cor. 4:5)
“Perhaps we lose steadfastness because we forget the incredible gift we have been given.”
Why do we boast about ourselves when we could never save ourselves? Can your deeds ever bring someone out of darkness? Christ is the light and has transformed you as a new creation. We do not lose heart because God is merciful so we can renounce sin. Also, since he has saved us we can be the light that shines on the world.
We boast about Christ because he is the only One who saves and that is why we can be steadfast.
Steadfast in Suffering
Christ is our treasure–our prized possession and is who we strive toward.
“But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.” (2 Cor. 4:7)
Paul uses the analogy of treasure in jars of clay. My commentary says, “Jars of clay [was] a common metaphor in the ancient world for human weakness.” Like jars of clay, we are fragile. It is the strength and value of Christ that keeps us going. [ii], (emphasis added)
“8 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;” (2 Cor. 4:8-9)
How can this be so? Aren't we weak? Yes! Fragile, we would break. Looking at the list it is important to realize that Paul and those with him were being afflicted, perplexed, persecuted, and struck down for the sake of Christ. These hardships were currently being endured yet Paul and those with him were continuing to be steadfast.
Is it worth walking with Christ if suffering is guaranteed? This is a valid question to ask. Looking at Paul he endured more suffering than most people could ever imagine. Yet, through his suffering he writes, “7 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith—10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.” (Phil. 3:7-11)
Christ is worth the suffering. Compared to the treasure within us everything is rubbish. That is why we trudge on. Because of Christ we may be afflicted but not crushed, perplexed but not driven to despair, we will be persecuted but never forsaken, struck but not destroyed.
I think of Jim Elliot who was martyred trying to reach the lost in Ecuador. He was the one who said, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” [iii] Many would say Elliot lost everything. He was young, he had a wife and children, yet we know he is experiencing eternal joy with Christ.
“Christ is worth the suffering. Compared to the treasure within us everything is rubbish. That is why we trudge on.”
“10 always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our bodies. 11 For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. 12 So death is at work in us, but life in you.” (2 Cor. 4:10-12)
Paul’s suffering and steadfastness were not for his own benefit. This was also an example to the Corinthians as they saw Paul suffer yet remain steadfast.
“13 Since we have the same spirit of faith according to what has been written, “I believed, and so I spoke,” we also believe, and so we also speak, 14 knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence. 15 For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.” (2 Cor. 4:13-15)
Verse fourteen again expresses a reason for steadfastness. Paul is certain and has hope. If God raised Christ from the dead then we, who are in Christ, will also rise. Whether we are awake or asleep when Christ returns, we as believers will all be with him in the end. This is why we are steadfast.
Notice that Paul in his suffering is not asking “why me?”. The Christian life comes with a cost. For Paul, his hardships resulted in souls being saved through the Gospel, thanksgiving being produced, and giving glory to God. Like Paul, we have a similar calling and are on mission. It is easier to remain steadfast when your focus is set on the goal.
Suffering and steadfastness set an example for those around us, in the process suffering refines us, and in the end we will live forever with the Lord. Steadfastness, in the long run, is a no-lose situation for the believer.
“It is easier to remain steadfast when your focus is set on the goal.”
“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 Cor. 4:16-18)
Don’t obsess over the clay jar but the treasure within.
This reminds me of the rich, young ruler. He put his faith in his works. Jesus knew the ruler’s heart when the young man asked how to have eternal life. He would rather keep his wealth than do as Christ asked to sell his possessions and follow him. Matthew 19:22 says, “When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.” As far as we know the ruler lived the rest of his life enjoying his wealth. I heard a pastor say that the ruler is no longer young, no longer rich, and is no longer ruling anything on this earth. Most people would have been envious of that man two thousand years ago. Now, unless he turned to Christ, he has nothing. That young man put his hope in a fragile, clay jar that passes away rather than the treasure of Christ.
Notice that Paul calls his affliction in verse seventeen light and momentary. When I face trials, light and momentary are not words that come to my mind. Instead, it is more like heavy and never-ending. I don’t think Paul is saying suffering is easy. It is hard to imagine the kind of intense suffering Paul endured. Paul is communicating that compared to Christ and the joy of eternity, suffering is no match compared to the forever treasure of Christ. This is why we endure. What is hard now and what perfects us now is a preparation for the glory of God.
I no longer want my eyes to rest on the temporary. This world has so many gifts that can be enjoyed but must not be idolized. May our steadfastness be done with open hands.
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.” (Rom. 8:18, 24-25)
Steadfast In the Wait
“For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling, 3 if indeed by putting it on we may not be found naked. 4 For while we are still in this tent, we groan, being burdened—not that we would be unclothed, but that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life.” (2 Cor. 5:1-4)
The analogy of a tent shows that we are only passing through in this world and journeying to our eternal, indestructible home.
“Paul longs for the resurrection (that is, being further clothed;) in order to not be found naked or unclothed. This likely refers to the intermediate state in which believers’ spirits are with God but they do not yet have their resurrected bodies.” [iv] .
“He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.” (2 Cor. 5:5)
The Holy Spirit is our sign that we are sealed. He is our helper, comforter, and advocate and is a crucial asset to have when it comes to steadfastness.
“So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, 7 for we walk by faith, not by sight. 8 Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 9 So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him.” (2 Cor. 5:6-9)
“The Holy Spirit is our sign that we are sealed. He is our helper, comforter, and advocate and is a crucial asset to have when it comes to steadfastness.”
Paul says they are always of good courage in the midst of their suffering and in their steadfastness for eternity. We are at home in the body and away from the Lord. Currently, the Holy Spirit dwells within us but Paul is referring to when we are with Christ after death.
Similar to kids anticipating Christmas morning, we can be steadfast for the wait. So what are we called to today as we remain steadfast? We walk by faith. As verse nine says, “So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him.” Christ is where our affection is placed. Believers are not first justified then spend the rest of their lives sitting on their hands and serving themselves. We aim to please the One we were created to adore.
“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.” (2 Cor. 5:10)
All of mankind, whether they steadfastly followed Christ or not, will have the same end. All, without exception, will stand before Christ on Judgment Day. Many would have been steadfast in many things. Some will have put their full hope in the jar and missed out on the treasure. They lived in the fleeting world and will miss out on the eternal weight of God’s glory. They lived their definition of fulfillment on earth but missed that the afterlife is for forever.
But, there will be those whose lives were hidden in Christ. They did nothing to earn their salvation but accepted it as a gift. Some believers suffered greatly for Christ on earth but it was light compared to the treasure they possessed. They were steadfast in not living for themselves but aiming to please Christ with their lives. This world was never their home but instead they were just passing through, traveling to their homeland. They did not lose heart but had good courage as they were steadfast on this earth anticipating eternity longing for the words Jesus said in the parable of the talents, “...Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.” (Matt 25:21)
[i] ESV Student Study Bible, Crossway, 2011, p. 1544
[ii] ESV Student Study Bible, Crossway, 2011, p. 1545
[iii] Jim Elliot Quotes. BrainyQuote.com, BrainyMedia Inc, 2026. https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/jim_elliot_189244, accessed June 27, 2026
[iv] ESV Student Study Bible, Crossway, 2011, p. 1545
