Suffering vs. Renewal
2 Cor 4:16–17 — “Though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day… our
momentary light affliction works out for us an eternal weight of glory.”
1 Thes 3:3 — “We are destined for afflictions.”
|
Aspect |
Suffering |
Renewal |
|
Meaning |
Suffering is
the portion God has appointed for His chosen ones, a process of breaking,
dealing, and transferring us from the realm of the old creation into the new. |
Renewal is the
inward supply of resurrection life by the Spirit, the cross, our mingled
spirit, and the Word, making us fresh and new daily in the reality
of the new creation. |
|
Representation |
“The
outer man is decaying” (2 Cor 4:16) — symbolizing the breaking of the natural life, the flesh, and the self. |
“The
inner man is being renewed day by day” — representing the strengthening and enlivening of our spirit by the
resurrection life of Christ. |
|
Result |
Suffering
humbles and breaks us, removing pride, self, and natural strength; it turns us to our spirit. |
Renewal brings
us into the realm of the new creation, enabling us to live and serve in the newness of life, and prepares us for the building of the New Jerusalem. |
|
Distinction |
Suffering is
outward, destructive, and stripping in nature. |
Renewal is
inward, constructive, and transforming in nature. |
|
Explanation |
Tribulations
are appointed by God (1 Thes 3:3) so that we might be transferred
into the sphere of the new creation. Without renewal,
suffering has no meaning. |
Renewal comes
from turning to the spirit to receive divine supply—living
in the newness of life (Rom 6:4) and serving
in the newness of spirit (Rom 7:6)—so that the
old element may be removed. |
|
Example |
Paul rejoiced
in his sufferings (Col 1:24), knowing they produced eternal
glory. Marital and personal trials serve as instruments for transformation. |
Daily morning
revival, prayer in spirit, reading the Word, forgiving others and seeking forgiveness, and partaking
of the Lord’s table in “newness” (Matt 26:29). |
|
Application |
Do not lose heart
amid suffering; turn to the spirit as your refuge (Psa 91:1); recognize God’s sovereign purpose and willingly submit. |
Practice daily
renewal through the cross, the Spirit, the mingled spirit, and the Word; maintain a forgiving, washed, and fresh heart before God and man. |
|
Mutual Relationship |
Suffering is
the pathway to renewal; without suffering, there can be no genuine renewal. |
Renewal is the
result and goal of suffering; through suffering, renewal reaches its
full completion in the new creation. |
|
Related Scriptures |
Psa 91:1 — “He who dwells in the secret place of the
Most High will abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” |
|
🔑 Key Points Summary:
1.
Suffering is divinely appointed—a
necessary process to remove the old creation and bring us into the new.
2. Renewal is
God’s purpose—a continual inward transformation by the divine
life.
3. Without renewal, suffering is meaningless;
without suffering, renewal lacks depth.
4.
Our refuge is in the spirit—turning
to the Lord and allowing His Word to wash us is
the beginning of renewal.
5. Four
foundations of renewal: the
Cross, the Spirit, the mingled spirit, and the
Word.
6.
The outcome: walking
in newness of life, serving in newness of spirit, and being built into the New
Jerusalem.
🕊️ Conclusion:
God’s goal in appointing suffering is not destruction but transformation. Every affliction becomes meaningful
when it brings forth renewal. Through daily turning to the spirit, experiencing
the cross, and allowing the Spirit and the Word to operate, we are renewed into the reality of the
New Jerusalem—completely new, without any
element of the old creation.
*Please refer to the May
2025 International Elders and Responsible Brothers Training General Topic: Matthew 5-7 Vital Aspects
Chapter 1 The Blessing of the Poor in Spirit and the Pure in Heart, Who Are
Under the Heavenly Rule of Christ the New King, and Who See God and Express
Himself in His Life, and Have His Authority to Represent Him
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