Tag: Renewed

June 30, 2025

Second Corinthians chapter 4 verse 16:
For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

Verse Context

The Apostle Paul wrote Second Corinthians around A.D. 55–57, most likely from Macedonia during his third missionary journey. This letter is his most emotionally transparent, written after a painful visit to Corinth and a sorrowful letter that had caused grief but ultimately led to the church’s repentance (see 2 Corinthians 7:8–10).

Here in chapter 4, Paul is defending his ministry while also encouraging believers to endure suffering for Christ’s sake. Verse 16 is part of a powerful passage (verses 7–18) where Paul contrasts the temporal suffering of the flesh with the eternal glory of the spirit. His message is clear: don’t lose heart. Even though the “outward man” (our physical body) weakens with age, affliction, or persecution, the “inward man” (our spiritual self, born again by the Holy Ghost) is daily renewed by God’s strength.

The Greek word used for “renewed” is anakainoutai (ἀνακαινοῦται), ah-nah-kai-NOO-tai: ah – like “father,” nah – like “nah, I’m good,” kai – rhymes with “eye,” NOO – stressed syllable, like “noon” without the ‘n’ at the end, tai – rhymes with “tie,” meaning to be made new again, to be refreshed. This points to the ongoing, present-tense activity of the Holy Spirit at work in the believer’s heart, not a one-time event. It also reminds us of Lamentations 3:22–23: “It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness.”

Broader Context

The entire fourth chapter of Second Corinthians contrasts human weakness with God’s power. Paul reminds the Corinthian believers that the treasure of the gospel is held in “earthen vessels”, fragile clay jars (verse 7), so that the exceeding power is of God, and not of us.

This chapter focuses on perseverance in ministry, faith in the unseen, and eternal perspective. Paul is repeatedly afflicted, perplexed, and cast down, but not forsaken. He makes it clear that his endurance is not fueled by human strength but by the life of Jesus made manifest in him (verse 10). The message of verse 16 culminates in verses 17–18: “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; 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.” Paul’s message is timeless: Don’t let decay, sickness, or suffering shake you, the eternal soul is being shaped for glory, day by day.

Application

Appreciating God’s Greatness

This verse reveals God as a faithful, daily restorer of our inner man. He does not simply save us once and leave us to survive on yesterday’s strength. His renewing work is constant, like manna from heaven, His mercy and strength come new every morning, giving spiritual life even while the body ages or weakens.

For the Believer

No matter what you’re facing today, exhaustion, depression, chronic pain, discouragement in ministry, this verse is a reminder that God has not left you. The spiritual life within you is not dependent on your circumstances, but on the continual presence of the Holy Ghost.

Call to Action:
Spend time in prayer today and ask the Lord to renew your inner man. Don’t let weakness or weariness define your day. Instead, lean on the Spirit of God and meditate on this truth: “yet the inward man is renewed day by day.” Let the Word, worship, and communion with God refresh your spirit. Encourage others with this verse as well, especially those who are suffering or weary.

For the Unbeliever

You may feel the decline of life, the stress, the anxiety, the weight of time, but there is no inward renewal apart from Christ. This verse does not apply to those outside the faith. While your outward body perishes, so too does your spirit, unless you receive new life through Jesus Christ. The “inward man” can only be born through repentance and faith in Christ (John 3:3). Without Him, you are perishing both inside and out. But if you surrender to Him, He will make you new, give you peace, and renew you every day from the inside out.

Final Encouragement

This verse is a lifeline. It tells you that even when you’re physically weak, God’s Spirit is strong inside of you. You may be tired, but you are not abandoned. You may be in pain, but you are being renewed. Keep your eyes on the eternal. Let God strengthen your spirit today, He has fresh strength for you, every single day.

Prayer

Father God, we thank You for being the strength of our lives. Though we are tired, aging, or weary in the flesh, Your Spirit never fails to revive us. Renew our hearts today, Lord. Fill our minds with Your peace and our souls with fresh courage. For those struggling with sickness, sorrow, or exhaustion, bring the comfort of knowing that You are at work inside them even now. Help us not to focus on what we see with our eyes, but on the eternal truth of Your Word. We trust You. We love You. We surrender to Your daily renewal. In Jesus’ holy name we pray, Amen.

Closing

If you’ve found these daily verses encouraging, enlightening, or fruitful, please consider helping us spread the truth and light of God’s Word by subscribing to the blog and YouTube channels and liking and following the Facebook page. Most of all, share Believers of Biblical Truth and our links with others who may need the sermons and daily teachings just as much as we do.

You are loved, so much in fact, that we want you to know and be Believers of Biblical Truth.

Shalom Shalom.