2 Corinthians 4:16

Wherefore we faint not; but though our outward man is decaying, yet our inward man is renewed day by day.

Wherefore we faint not ... has the meaning of "For the four reasons just cited, he was able to endure."

Our outward man is decaying ... This is not a reference to the "old man" (Romans 6:6; Ephesians 4:22; Colossians 3:9), having the simple meaning that his physical body, with all of its powers, was moving inexorably to its dissolution. All of the powers and glory of mortal life are like a flower that blooms and then crumbles into dust; and how sad it would be for man if there was nothing to anticipate except the grave.

Inward man is renewed day by day ... The true believer in Christ is not overly disturbed by the erosion and decay of all physical life, because his soul is feasting upon that Bread which came down from heaven, even our Lord Jesus Christ. The inner spiritual life, which is the glory of the "new creature" in Christ, does not diminish or fade. "Brighter the way groweth each day," in the words of an old hymn. Happy indeed are they who rejoice in the growing strength of the inner man as the swift seasons roll. For those who are without this treasure, the decay of the outward is the decay of everything.