Why should we look at things not seen instead of the things that are seen in 2 Corinthians 4:18?
Because the visible things are temporal, earthly, and not heavenly, they cannot be the final focus. The unseen things connect to the eternal weight of glory, while the inward man is renewed day by day even as the outward man perishes.
Les explains that verse 18 follows the contrast in verses 16–17. The outward man may perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day, and the light affliction is only for a moment and works a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. Verse 18 then says we look not at things seen but at things not seen, because the things seen are temporal, earthly, and not heavenly. So the visible, temporary order is not to be the final focus; the unseen order is contrasted with it and is tied to eternal glory and inward renewal.
While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
More Questions
Why should believers focus on unseen things rather than visible things?
Believers should not be concerned about the things that are seen, but should look at the things that are not seen, since those unseen things are the ones that endure.