My sermon notes for Sunday, March 17th as we continue our study through 2 Corinthians. Remember, these are my personal study notes and not a manuscript of the sermon. To see the sermon each week or subscribe to the weekly sermon podcast please visit http://www.fbcap.net
2 Corinthians 5:1–10 – [1] For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. [2] For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling, [3] if indeed by putting it on we may not be found naked. [4] For while we are still in this tent, we groan, being burdened—not that we would be unclothed, but that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. [5] He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.
[6] So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, [7] for we walk by faith, not by sight. [8] Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. [9] So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. [10] For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil. (ESV)
2 Cor. 5:1-10
Our Hope and Assurance of the Things to Come
INTRO – In the midst of the day to day setbacks that Paul faced… He still had purpose and lived a life on mission. He refused to let the things of the day keep him down. HOW? Because he knew this was not all there is. HE HAD A HOPE AND ASSURANCE OF THINGS TO COME.
Paul gives a theological lesson vv. 1-5
Followed by practical application – vv 6-10
- Good theology should always move from the head to the heart. Good theology is ALWAYS LIVED OUT.
THE THEOLOGICAL LESSON – vv. 1-5
This earthly life is temporary – v. 1
For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
Tent (our physical body)
- Meant to be temporary. Not as safe or secure.
Building (resurrected glorified body)
- Not made with hands – Eternal in the heavens
We live in the GOOD but not the BEST– vv. 2-4
For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling, [3] if indeed by putting it on we may not be found naked. [4] For while we are still in this tent, we groan, being burdened—not that we would be unclothed, but that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life..
This side of heaven is not where we find perfection. COMPLETE PEACE AND PROSPERITY.
- We are saved, but still growing and changing
- We are saved, but still struggle with stuff
- We are saved, but still get discouraged.
Groan
- Passionate longing. Not misery, just REALITY.
- A longing for what awaits. (I can get through this drive because I know what lays ahead)
Paul knew there are only 3 homes/aspects for believers
- Alive in the tent (GOOD)
- Naked outside the tent. After we die and in the presence of the Lord. (BETTER)
- Clothed with the resurrected body (BEST)
(OPPOSITE FOR UNBELIEVERS… this world is the best they will experience))
Paul was not groaning over the desire to get out of this body…. His groaning was to be with Jesus.
- Not get me out of here, but I CANNOT WAIT TO BE WITH HIM.
- His life as an apostle was preparing, demonstrating his life in glory. HE DID WHAT HE DID BECAUSE OF HIS LONGING TO BE WITH THE LORD.
This is God’s redemptive plan – v. 5
He who has prepared us for this very thing is God,
- I love Him, I love others.
- I serve Him, I serve others
- I believe the Gospel, I share the Gospel
- I am a disciple, I make disciples.
God has given us the means to carry it out – v. 6
who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee
The Holy Spirit is within us for this very reason (our guarantee… we will get through.)
- BECAUSE WE HAVE THE HOLY SPIRIT ALREADY ABIDING WITH US!
- Confirms it and Seals it
THEREFORE, PAUL’S APPLICATION vv.6-10
We can live everyday with confidence – vv. 6-8
[6] So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, [7] for we walk by faith, not by sight. [8] Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.
As we remember the limitations of this earthly life – v. 6
- This life will never be perfect
- Stop looking for all your goals, aspirations, and dreams to be fulfilled this side of heave (as believers we will be judged according on our DEEDS FOR THE KINGDOM)
As we remember that we walk be faith and not be sight – v. 7
- It is a spiritual life.
- Sight is what I can do. FAITH IS WHAT HE CAN DO.
As we remember what awaits – v.8
A second time. Be of good courage…WE ALL NEED THIS REMINDER.
If we are lacking this confidence. We need to start praying more like Jesus… IN THE GARDEN. NOT ME WILL BUT YOUR WILL FATHER.
We gain our confidence as we focus our life on Him – v.9
So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him.
Make it our aim to please Him
Because this is temporary, because we live in the already and not yet…..
- Our desire, motivation, passion and purpose. KNOWING and LIVING FOR!
- Faith and Trust. In the ALREADY AND NOT YET
- GREATEST COMMANDMENT. LOVE GOD AND LOVE OTHERS.
I focus on Him, because I will one day stand before Him– v. 10
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil
The should be one of our greatest motivations in life. WE ALL WE WILL STAND BEFORE THE LORD.
So that, RECEIVE WHAT IS DUE.
- Things done with eternal value
- Motive, desires for the Kingdom and not for me.