What does it mean to waste away? (2 Corinthians 4:16)
2 Corinthians 4:16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.
2 Corinthians 4:7 - 18
NASB - 7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves. 8 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing.
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Tim Maas
Supporter
Regardless of how much care we may take regarding our bodies and physical health, each of us (unless we are alive at the time of the Rapture or Christ's return) will eventually die, which involves a process (whatever its rate may be) of aging and deterioration. However, for Christians, this does not apply to our spiritual lives (that is, our souls or "inner selves" as the cited passage puts it). Though we may physically age and eventually die, we will live eternally because of our faith and the abiding presence and consequent spiritual renewal performed within us by the Holy Spirit, as well as being bodily resurrected at the close of the age.
Jack Gutknecht
Supporter
"Wasting away" means Physical decline: The "outer self" mentioned in the verse refers to the physical body which is subject to weakness, illness, and the effects of time. But here's the great news: Compare other verses relating to "wasting away": Psalm 73:26 "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever" - This verse echoes the idea that even when our physical body weakens, God remains our source of strength and hope. Job 19:26,27 "For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he shall stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I shall see God" - Job expresses confidence in God's faithfulness even after his body has deteriorated.
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