II Corinthians 5:1-21As we understand the theme of reconciliation, we are now guided by the Apostle to humbly consider ourselves and our ministry (continued).
The Verses
1-5 The phrase, “earthly tent” refers to our bodies. God would naturally use this phrase with Paul, because Paul was a Tent Maker.
“While we are in this tent, we groan…” All of us have times in our lives that cause us to groan.
We need to learn to look forward to our “heavenly dwelling” (body)? When God DOES call for you, you have a great thing to look forward to.
Notice his use of the name of the Spirit of God…he refers to Him as a deposit (a continuation of the
reconciliation bookkeeping theme). The Holy Spirit gives us confidence that our future is secure in
Christ.
6-10 We all know verse 7: “We live by faith, not bysight. What does that really mean to you?
It should be our goal to be present with the Lord. It is astonishing how many Christians do not want to be present with the Lord or are afraid of being present with Him.
We will receive rewards when we stand before Christ for what we did while we were still here on Earth.
11-15 This passage indicates that at least part of our reward will be based on how we try to introduce people to Christ. The “Since then…” is a continuation of the previous thought.
In verses 12-13 reiterates that everything we do should be done for Christ.
Verse 14 tells us that “one died for all…(that’s Christ)” and therefore we have died…as we follow and become more like Him every day.
Notice that in verse15 Paul uses the same thought that he emphasized in Romans and in I Corinthians: that we must die to self. We should therefore live for Christ.
16-21 As reconcilers, we are not to look at people from a worldly point of view, but as Christ would see them: the lost in love (agape) and the saved as His.
“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” Have you any idea of the power exuded by God in the first creation? Think of the power involved in your salvation as a new creation.
If we are in Christ, are we reconciled to God? _X_ Yes; ___No.
What ministry have we been given? The ministry of reconciliation
Does that mean reconciliation to God, reconciliation to man or reconciliation man-to-man? Answer: all three.
If we are Christ’s ambassadors, what kind of ambassador are you?
2 comments:
Joe, I can hardly wait to live eternally in the all-consuming presence of the Lord. Oh the day when all men are made perfect and we all see things with God's eyes and not our own, in our own way. It will be so very wonderful. selahV
selahV: You said it! I can say with John Starnes, "I've never been this homesick before."
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