II Corinthians Chapter 5

I think we need this encouraging message from Paul more than ever. This world is getting more and more chaotic and evil. And we look forward to the day when God brings us home. I also look forward to having a new eternal body, one that is not decaying and dying. Paul refers to our earthly bodies as a tent that will be destroyed. A tent is a temporary dwelling place. That word destroyed is the same word used for striking down a tent. One day God will strike down these earthly bodies and give us a new, beautiful eternal body.

Let's Reflect

1. What word in the very first verse tells us that we can have confidence that when we leave this earth we will be with Jesus?

2. Another factor that gives us confidence in our eternal home is that God has given each of us a “down payment” or a guarantee. Who is the guarantee? See verse 5.

3. While we are here on this earth we groan and we long for our heavenly bodies that we can put on. Paul helps us to understand that our eternal bodies will not just be bodiless spirits but actual bodies. As we groan for our eternal bodies, we are not yearning to be spirits (naked spirits) but we will in our new bodies be ____________.

4. Being in this life and these bodies keeps us away from our Lord. We know that we can encourage one another with the truth that when a believer dies and leaves his body behind, he or she is then in their new home. According to verse 8, where is that home?

5. When we stop and meditate on this truth it will make us want to live our lives pleasing to Him. Also, Paul mentions a judgement that will take place where we are judged for what we have done for in our bodies whether good or evil. What is this judgement called?

6. The gospel message that we have been given to share with others is a message we can boast upon. We can boast because of our confidence in Christ. We know that when we die, we will be with Him for eternity. What makes our message so sure? See verse 15.

7. The beautiful thing about being a believer in Jesus Christ is that He provided reconciliation between us and God. We have new life, a life that can be lived for Him. Paul makes an appeal to the church to live their life as one who is reconciled to God. May I ask you - is that how you are living your life?