What is the weight of glory in 2 Corinthians 4:17?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

In 2 Corinthians 4:17, Paul comments on the relative insignificance of our present, earthly suffering in contrast with the magnificence of resurrection life and eternal salvation. The Old Testament also often contrasts life’s brevity with God’s eternal nature and promises. Several psalms proclaim the wisdom of staying aware of how temporary life is (Psalms 39:4–6; 90:12; 102:25–27). In Ecclesiastes, Solomon recognized the “vanity” of worldly pursuits—material wealth, power, etc. He realized that ultimately, our purpose is to serve and obey our everlasting Creator (Ecclesiastes 1:2; 12:13–14). The New Testament also presents life as fleeting and highlights the eternal future in store for believers. The New Testament teaches us that believers have the opportunity to experience the same resurrection power that raised Jesus Christ to life (Romans 8:11). The Scriptures indicate our current idea of heaven is veiled, and we don't fully know the weight of glory we will experience there (1 Corinthians 2:9; 13:12). But we do know it will be filled with the unparalleled riches of God's grace (Ephesians 2:6–7). We are citizens of heaven, briefly sojourning in this world, and awaiting the joy of the weight of glory in eternity.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• In Psalm 90:12 Moses associates wisdom with knowing the brevity of life: “So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.” Many people spend their lives pursuing things with no lasting value. Realizing life is short helps us to focus on what is eternal.
• God’s word is guaranteed, as Isaiah 40:8 acknowledges: “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.” While the book of Isaiah alternately condemns and encourages Judah, chapter 40 is a message of hope. That hope was in the assurance that Judah could count on God’s promises to be fulfilled. People fail us, but God never will. Knowing this helps believers to endure the temporary suffering Paul speaks of in 2 Corinthians 4:17.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Second Corinthians 4:17 presents an encouraging contrast: “For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.” This "weight of glory" refers to our resurrection life and eternal salvation, which makes earthly suffering relatively minor by contrast. Believers have an eternal outlook that doesn’t see this worldly existence as the ultimate end. This helps us endure the difficulties of this life.
• In Matthew 6:19–20, Jesus says, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.” Like 2 Corinthians 4:17, these verses stress the transience of worldly pursuits. Jesus advises us to invest in what lasts: everlasting life with the Lord.
• Ephesians 1:13–14 presents this guarantee to believers: “In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.” Believers have the Holy Spirit living inside us as a "guarantee of our inheritance,” giving us hope and spiritual blessings. Outwardly we belong to the physical realm, which is passing away, but inwardly we belong to the eternal age to come. Present pains are just temporary.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

“YOLO,” which stood for “You Only Live Once,” was a trendy acronym of the 2010s. It means life is brief, there’s nothing after it, so people should grab all the gusto while they can. This empty philosophy is still prevalent with many unbelievers today. But believers know that when this brief life ends, we have the promise of an eternal life the apostle Paul says will be glorious beyond anything we can conceive of (1 Corinthians 13:8–12; 15:50–58). Christians don’t chase a life of hedonism; we run the race leading to eternal life (1 Corinthians 9:24). As we pursue that which lasts into eternal life, we find abundant fulfillment. Our experiences, cars, entertainment, and pleasures will fade away or require more to be satisfied, but life for Christ, love for others, the fruit of the Spirit, and kingdom values will never fade away (Matthew 6:19-21). Even our difficulties, our “light momentary affliction” as Paul describes it has purpose and what it produces lasts into eternity. Paul continues in 2 Corinthians 4:17 saying that our “light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison. Every trial we endure now is not waste; it is shaping our souls for something far more glorious than we can imagine. Every good thing we have points us to a good God who will make all things right and satisfy us completely. Because Jesus is the risen Lord, life has a different purpose than to just live for the things of this earth. So, we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, what lasts into eternity, living each day with the assurance that the glory ahead outweighs any difficulty or pain we leave behind.

UNDERSTAND

• The "weight of glory" represents the magnificent eternal life believers will enjoy after resurrection.
• Assurance of future glory helps believers endure current hardships as temporary and minor.
• Believers are encouraged to prioritize heavenly treasures over earthly pursuits, reflecting their commitment to eternal life.

REFLECT

• How does the promise of eternal life shape your perspective on current struggles and hardships in your life?
• In what ways can you actively prioritize eternal treasures over temporary, earthly pursuits in your daily decisions?
• How does the “weight of glory” fuel us to live differently while we are on earth?

ENGAGE

• How can understanding the "weight of glory" influence our conversations and actions when discussing faith with non-believers?
• What specific biblical practices can help us cultivate an eternal perspective in a culture that promotes a "YOLO" mindset?
• How can we support each other as a community in enduring present afflictions while maintaining hope in the promise of resurrection life?