Fourth in a series on keeping our eye on the goal (2 Corinthians 4:15-18)
“While we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not see are eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:18).
Establishing a mindset and focus for the Corinthians, Paul brings to a close his encouragement for endurance in the faith for every child of God in every generation and in every place, not just for those in Corinth.
It is with a sharp and obvious contrast that Paul brings those things that are important into focus: the things that are seen are the materialistic, temporary things of the earth and the things that are not seen are those beyond this life—those things that last for eternity.
His emphasis is on the things that are eternal because that is the part of our future that will have the most meaning—it will never end. Successfully focusing now will result in our receiving “the crown of life.” That will make it all worthwhile as Paul points out in this series of verses.