The verse that contains this powerful phrase comes from a letter that the apostle Paul wrote to the church in Corinth. In 2 Corinthians 4:7-9, Paul writes:
But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.
To understand what Paul means when he says “struck down, but not destroyed,” we need to look at the context surrounding this verse.
1. Afflicted but not crushed
Earlier in verse 8, Paul says that followers of Christ are “afflicted in every way, but not crushed.” As believers, we face trials and hardships of all kinds. We get knocked down and experience suffering. But through God’s power, we have supernatural strength to withstand these afflictions. We may bend under pressure, but we won’t fully break.
2. Perplexed but not driven to despair
Paul goes on to say believers are “perplexed, but not driven to despair.” As Christians, we don’t always understand why we go through difficulties or how God is working through them. We struggle to make sense of it all. But even in our confusion, we can cling to the hope we have in Christ. Though perplexed, we need not fall into complete despair.
3. Persecuted but not forsaken
Next, Paul mentions being “persecuted, but not forsaken.” Followers of Jesus face opposition because of their faith. But even when persecuted, they are not abandoned by God. He remains present and continues to offer His comfort, strength and help.
4. Struck down but not destroyed
This brings us to the final phrase – “struck down, but not destroyed.” To strike down means to forcibly bring someone or something down. The attacks of the enemy aim to take us out and demolish our faith. However, they cannot fully overcome or annihilate believers. Why is this?
We have the indestructible life of Christ in us
As Christians, we have the very life of Jesus Christ living inside us by the Holy Spirit (Colossians 1:27). This is eternal, indestructible life. It cannot be destroyed. While our outer selves face troubles and decay, our inner being is renewed day by day (2 Corinthians 4:16). Our mortal bodies may die one day, but our souls live on forever with Christ.
God’s power sustains us through every trial
Not only do we have indestructible life through Christ, but we also have the mighty power of God Himself sustaining us. As Paul says, this “surpassing power” comes from God, not ourselves (2 Corinthians 4:7). The trials we endure provide opportunity for God’s strength to be demonstrated in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). God’s power makes us more than conquerors over all adversity (Romans 8:37).
Our full redemption is yet to come
When Paul talks about being struck down but not destroyed, he is giving us a heavenly perspective. Even when we suffer and face death itself, this does not spell the end. We have not yet received the fullness of our redemption in Christ. Though our outer person perishes, we know one day we will be raised with new indestructible bodies (1 Corinthians 15:42-44, 53-55). No enemy can rob us of that eternal glory.
We share in Christ’s death and resurrection
As believers, we are united with Christ in His death and resurrection (Romans 6:5). Just as death could not defeat Jesus or hold Him down, neither can it permanently defeat or destroy His followers. We die and rise again with Him. Through Jesus’ power at work in us, we experience resurrection life even now in the midst of affliction.
Examples of those struck down but not destroyed
The stories of numerous saints that have gone before us provide powerful examples of those who were struck down but not destroyed:
- Stephen – He was stoned to death but his spirit went to be with the Lord (Acts 7:54-60).
- Polycarp – He was burned alive at the stake but refused to recant his faith in Christ.
- William Tyndale – He was strangled and burned for translating the Bible into English, but his work continued.
- Jim Elliot – He was speared to death while trying to reach a remote tribe for Christ. His wife continued the work.
In all these examples, the life, witness and ministry of these saints could not be destroyed even by death. Their courageous faith inspires us centuries later.
How this truth can help us through our trials
Knowing that as believers we cannot be fully overcome or destroyed by any trial or enemy attack allows us to persevere with strength and hope through all of life’s hardships. Here are a few ways this truth can specifically encourage us:
- We need not fear – No weapon formed against us can permanently take us out. We are ultimately safe in God’s hands.
- We can embrace weakness – When we are weak, God’s strength is made perfect. His power works through our frailty.
- We can thank God in the trial – Our faith and perseverance grow as we see God sustain us through every affliction.
- We view trials from heaven’s perspective – No hardship compares to the eternal glory that awaits us.
- We can be courageous and unashamed – Trials cannot rob us of our indestructible life in Christ.
Practical ways to live this out
How do we live out this truth of being “struck down but not destroyed” as believers? Here are some practical ways we can respond when we face various attacks and trials:
- Cry out to God – Pour out your heart to the Lord. Ask for His help and deliverance.
- Stand on Scripture’s promises – Remind yourself of God’s word and cling tightly to His truths.
- Look beyond the trial – Set your eyes on eternal things that this world cannot touch.
- Recall past victories – Remember times God brought you through before. Thank Him for sustaining you thus far.
- Worship God in the trial – Praise and glorify Him as an act of faith in His goodness and power.
- Ask others to pray – Don’t try to handle it all alone. Allow others to support you.
- Focus on Christ’s presence – Meditate on the reality that He is with you and will uphold you.
What if the “destruction” involves death?
For some believers who face life-threatening persecution or illness, the “destruction” Paul speaks of involves physical death. Even if our bodies succumb and die, this is still not the end. Our spirits go on to paradise with Christ (Philippians 1:21-23). We can take comfort knowing:
- Death instantly ushers us into Jesus’ presence (Luke 23:43).
- Nothing can separate us from God’s love, even death (Romans 8:38-39).
- Death has lost its sting because of Christ’s victory (1 Corinthians 15:54-57).
- Our labor on earth is never in vain or cut short in God’s economy (1 Corinthians 15:58).
- We will one day rise to new life with an imperishable body (1 Corinthians 15:42-44, 52-53).
While loved ones may deeply grieve our physical loss, death does not rob a believer’s influence or nullify the eternal impact of their service to Christ. The “light of the gospel” continues shining brightly, even amidst darkness (2 Corinthians 4:3-6).
Paul’s life demonstrated this truth
Paul knew firsthand what it meant to be “struck down but not destroyed.” Here are some examples from his life:
- Stoned to death – He was stoned and left for dead in Lystra, but arose and went back into the city (Acts 14:19-20).
- Imprisoned – He was repeatedly imprisoned for preaching the gospel, yet he still wrote letters from his cell.
- Shipwrecked – He survived several shipwrecks while traveling for mission work (2 Corinthians 11:25-27).
- Beaten and bloodied – He was beaten with rods three times, stoned once, shipwrecked three times, and faced countless other perils (2 Corinthians 11:23-28).
Through all of these sufferings, Paul remained steadfast. God continued to use him powerfully to spread the gospel across the ancient world. His ministry could not be stopped. He fulfilled his mission in spite of incredible hardship and opposition.
Paul embraced his weaknesses
Paul’s perspective on trials is vital. He did not pretend to be untouched by affliction. Quite the opposite – he boasted in his weaknesses! By embracing his vulnerabilities rather than hiding them, Paul allowed God’s strength to be displayed through him (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). The trials served a purpose to keep Paul relying fully on divine grace.
We can have this same perspective
Like Paul, the hardships we endure have purpose. God uses them to show His life-giving power through fragile clay vessels like us. When we acknowledge our human frailty and look to Christ’s strength alone, His power infuses us. Our trials then become opportunities to display God’s glorious might.
We should not be discouraged when afflicted and struck down. Rather than retreat in fear, we can boldly rise up in God’s indestructible resurrection life and power. We can say with Paul, “We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9).
Key principles on being “struck down but not destroyed”
In summary, here are some key principles from 2 Corinthians 4:7-9 on what it means to be struck down but not destroyed:
- Through Christ we have indestructible, eternal life residing within us.
- God’s supernatural power sustains us and brings us through every affliction.
- No weapon formed against us can permanently overcome us.
- Our trials display God’s strength shining in our weakness.
- Momentary affliction is achieving eternal glory for us.
- Physical death cannot separate us from Christ nor prevent our eternal life.
- We identify with Christ in His death and resurrection.
- We can embrace weakness so God’s power can work through us.
- Our trials serve a divine purpose according to God’s wisdom.
Conclusion
What an inspiring promise God gives us as believers through Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 4:9! No matter what hardships come our way, we need not lose heart or be filled with fear. We have the very life of Jesus living within us. His indestructible life cannot be overcome. Though struck down, we rise again and again through His power at work in us. With this confidence, we can faithfully endure all things, knowing our gracious God sustains us.