Instruction
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:1-17
Shortly before this passage Paul encouraged the believers in
Corinth to recognize that the things of this world are temporary while the
things God had promised were eternal. He went on to encourage them to find
their confidence in God’s promise of eternal life so that they would live lives
dedicated to Jesus. Paul’s purpose in this passage is to help the reader have
courage that is rooted in God’s salvation and is focused on God’s judgement so
that she will live her life in the service of the Lord.
Teaching
Paul painted a picture of life in this world. He compared it
to living in a tent; we are covered but not very securely. We long for
something better to live in. This body we have is temporary. But in Jesus’
resurrection, we have been promised our own resurrection. We will be clothed in
a body that Paul likens to a house made by God himself for us.
This reality can only be known by faith, and Paul urges us
to, “walk by faith, not by sight.” This is not easy as we are so connected to
these bodies, and this world is the only “reality” we have ever known. But
knowing there is more than meets the eye about life urges us to persuade others
– to witness to them about Jesus, his death, the forgiveness of sins, and the
promise of eternal life. It is this reality that allows us to live for others
instead of ourselves, and this is especially the case as we seek to live our
lives for the sake of Jesus.
Life
We live in a world that seems to think that it is not
accountable to God, and that we are free agents to do whatever we please. This
is not the case, but, “we must all appear before the judgement seat of
Christ….” In the meantime, we often face pressure (internal and external) to
remain silent about God’s will, sin, the world’s accountability to God, and the
like; which are things that also give us opportunities to speak about God’s
love and forgiveness.
The message of this passage is one that encourages us to
spend our lives for Christ’s sake. We can live holding loosely to this life,
because we know we have something better waiting for us. We are privileged to
face the world with faith, recognizing that the things we see are only
temporary. We also have the joy of knowing the one who died and was raised for us,
and his love and life enable us to live selflessly.
Prayer
The theme of this
prayer is Instruction.
Lord Jesus, help us learn to walk by faith and not by sight.
Grant us your Spirit so we take to heart that these bodies are temporary even
as this life is temporary. You have immortal bodies for us. We may suffer and
groan in this body and long to be unclothed from it so we may receive that
immortal body, but there is much for us to do in this life. Our lives are
intended to please you, to be lived for your sake. You know us profoundly
better than we know ourselves. Keep us mindful of your judgment and the good
conscience we have in your death and resurrection so that we do not lose heart.
Amen.
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