Paul said, "Our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory" (2 Corinthians 4:17). It sounds like Paul is minimizing our trials by calling them light momentary afflictions. Could you imagine saying this to someone when they’re going through something painful: “Hey, this trial you think is terrible and excruciating is only light and momentary.”

If we were counseling people how to counsel others we would tell them NOT to say this. The obvious question is how could terrible suffering be described this way? Developing a spiritual, eternal perspective is the key to understanding how trials can be viewed as light momentary afflictions.

https://youtu.be/lzSQ7UpZ7fQ
"Our light affliction, which is but for a moment" (2 Corinthians 4:17). An eternal perspective is the key to viewing trials this way.

Table of Contents* Lessons for Our Light Affliction Which is But for a Moment* Family Worship Guide for Our Light Affliction Which is But for a Moment* Sermon Notes for Family Worship Guide for Our Light Affliction Which is But for a Moment* Lesson 1: (part one) every trial is a light momentary affliction…* Lesson 2: light momentary afflictions (part one) are discouraging.* Lesson 2: light momentary afflictions (part two) can give us eternal perspectives.* Lesson 2: light momentary afflictions (part three) strengthen our spirit.* Lesson 2: light momentary afflictions (part four) increase our heavenly blessings.* Lesson 1: (part one) every trial is a light momentary affliction (part two) when viewed in light of eternity.

Lessons for Our Light Affliction Which is But for a Moment

* Lesson 1: (part one) _ _ is a light momentary affliction (part two) __ in light of eternity (2 Corinthians 4:16-18, Hebrews 11:1, 10, Genesis 13:8-10, Philippians 3:14 CF 2 Corinthians 4:14).* Lesson 2: light momentary afflictions:* (part one) are ____________ (2 Corinthians 4:16a).* (part two) ______ ________ us eternal perspectives (2 Corinthians 4:16b, Philippians 3:20).* (part three) ________ our spirit (2 Corinthians 4:1c, Romans 8:18).* (part four) ____ our heavenly blessings (2 Corinthians 4:17, Matthew 19:29).

Family Worship Guide for Our Light Affliction Which is But for a Moment

* Day 1: Read 2 Corinthians 4:8-16 and discuss: do you feel like Paul is minimizing your suffering and trials by calling them light momentary afflictions? Why or why not? After reading 2 Corinthians 4:8-12 and seeing how much Paul suffered, how can he say that his, and by extension our, trials are light momentary afflictions? Why is physical suffering so discouraging? Why is it so easy to lose heart?* Day 2: Read 2 Corinthians 4:16, Philippians 3:20, Romans 8:18, Matthew 19:29 and discuss: how does the wasting away of our bodies encourage us to ...