2 Corinthians 4:18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal… I. LET US EXPLAIN THIS STATE OR HABIT OF MIND. 1. The apostle draws a marked distinction between things seen and not seen. The first includes all terrestrial pursuits, customs, callings, and objects — all those things after which "the children of this world" seek. Many of these things are lawful and necessary, and a vast multitude unlawful. The Master says, concerning them, "Touch not, taste not, handle not." On the other hand, the text mentions "the things which are not seen." These are eternal. 2. At these things not seen, whether spiritual in this life, or celestial, the text requires us to "look."(1) There is the looking of the natural eye. This, of course, is not referred to, for how can we look at that which is not seen with the bodily eye? (2) The looking of the mind. We constantly speak of perceiving things with which the organs of bodily vision have nothing whatever to do — e.g., the truth. Now, it is in this sense, in part, that we are to "look at the things not seen." We should endeavour to acquire a clear understanding, a just comprehension of them so far as they are revealed to us. (3) The looking of the heart. This may be directed either to forbidden objects or to lawful and holy ones. Lot's wife looked back. In what did the guilt of that look consist? Was it merely the circumstance that her visual organs caught sight of the city? The fact was, her heart was in Sodom still. But the text presents to us our duty. The affections of the renewed mind are centred on new objects, on things that are pure and immortal. When we have been reconciled to God through the death of His Son, and His love is shed abroad in our hearts, our desires will be toward Him and the remembrance of His name. II. LET US ATTEND TO A FEW ARGUMENTS AND ENCOURAGEMENTS WHICH MAY INCITE US TO ASPIRE TO IT. 1. The uncertainty of all things that are seen, and the certainty of things that are not seen. (1) In all things below there is the uncertainty — (a) Of attainment. Many who labour, of course, reap a full reward of their toil. But others, whose plans were equally well laid, whose perseverance was equal to that of their more fortunate brethren, from untoward circumstances have never prospered. Again, how often does it come to pass that a man appears to be prospering, and just at the crisis of expectation some unexpected blow demolishes his fairest hopes. (b) Of possession. No man holds his life on a secure tenure. "Thou knowest not what a day may bring forth." What we cherish most is often first taken from us. (2) But no such uncertainty prevails in regard to the things that are not seen. They are firm and sure as the everlasting hills. The children of this world may mourn over toil unrequited, but no man, except by his own fault, ever yet worked for God and lost his labour. 2. The immensely superior value of things not seen. On the same principle on which we would readily sacrifice one pound to gain a thousand, or endure five minutes' pain if it would secure to us a life's comfort, we must admit that things below ought to be subordinated to things beyond. 3. In looking at the things which are not seen there is required at times self-denial and taking up the cross. Pursuits which we formerly cherished must be abandoned. We are aiming at a heavenly treasure, and we may calculate on difficulties in endeavouring to secure it, for there is no crown without a cross. But the Lord Jesus left heavenly glories for us; shall we not be willing to leave earthly vanities for Him? 4. The things that are seen will soon lose all the value which they now appear to possess. Gold cannot procure a plaster that will heal a wounded conscience, nor a pillow that will ease a dying head. The voice of fame and popular applause is sweet siren-music for a while, but it is not heard in the chamber of death. Sensual delights have their day; the enfeebled body cannot endure them. Pitiable beyond explanation is the case of the dying worldling; all his joys are past, and his sorrows are to come. How glorious, on the other hand, are the prospects of the faithful in Christ Jesus! The trial is ending, but the triumph is commencing. (L. H. Wiseman, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. |
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