Why Do We Exist?

The apostle Paul certainly had his work cut out for him as he carried the Gospel to the western world. The letters he wrote to the early church in Corinth give insight into some of the difficult issues they faced. By recounting his own experience, he reminded them that though hardship threatens to undo us, our faith helps us stand firm (2 Corinthians 1:8-11, 24). Paul also challenged them for allowing the sinful degradation of the surrounding culture to infiltrate their church. This made some angry, even hostile towards Paul, provoking doubt in the church regarding Paul’s authority as an apostle. But Paul stayed the course. Similarly, when sin, lies, and opposition attempt to derail us today, we must remember our reason for existing.