We saw at the end of chapter 3 that we are constantly being transformed into the likeness of Christ by the work of the Holy Spirit. In chapter 4 we see that this work of transformation is largely accomplished by the fact that life is hard. Paul writes, "We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed." (v. 8-9).
God gives us much to do, but does not want to give us the option of thinking we are accomplishing anything on our own. We are described as "jars of clay", designed to show that the power working within us is from God and not from ourselves.
Maybe that sounds discouraging, but Paul speaks to that as well. "We do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."
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