The apostle Paul continues his exhortation of the Corinthian church by reassuring every believer their fate is sealed in the book of life. Because Christ paid the price for all our sin, we who are in Him are blessed with the divine confidence brought on by the Holy Spirit that dwells within us.
The same Spirit, though unseen, will one day lead us to become the perfect entirety of who we were created to be. Servants before our master, we will one day stand with God where we will rejoice for all eternity, leaving this body behind as we are given a new heavenly body.
“1 For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” (2 Corinthians 5:1)
The tent is our earthly body, a fragile, temporary shelter for what is truly the essence of who we are, our soul. Through faith in Jesus Christ, our soul is built up by a perfect builder whose hands become shelter in this earthly life, in this tent.
“2 For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed with our habitation which is from heaven, 3 if indeed, having been clothed, we shall not be found naked.” (2 Corinthians 5:2-3)
Longing for his heavenly body, Paul describes his desire for his promised heavenly dwelling as a craving expressed through sighs and groaning. The apostle’s longing was also for the rewards that awaited him in heaven, divine clothing built up on earth through works.
“4 For we who are in this tent groan, being burdened, not because we want to be unclothed, but further clothed, that mortality may be swallowed up by life.” (2 Corinthians 5:4)
Because the burden from their earthly bodies had become so heavy, Paul expresses his desire for his heavenly body, his perfect building made by a perfect God. The apostle considered himself blessed on earth, yet his suffering for Christ had taken its toll on an aging man which left him longing for a better cloak.
“5 Now He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who also has given us the Spirit as a guarantee. 6 So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 5:5-6)
Paul relies on the truth for courage. He knows he can put his trust in God’s promise, delivered through scripture which guarantees a place in heaven to all those who believe in Jesus Christ and accept Him as Lord and savior.
The apostle expresses his confidence in this divine guarantee however he is also aware his burden on earth will continue to keep him from the glorious presence of God in heaven, where Paul’s new, unburdened body awaits him.
“7 For we walk by faith, not by sight. 8 We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 5:7-8)
Driven by faith in the son Jesus Christ, the father God almighty and the power of the Holy Spirit rather than the things of the world, Paul shares his confidence in God’s promise of eternal life to all those who believe.
Burdened, possibly injured, the apostle Paul find himself longing for his new heavenly body by which he would rejoice with God for all eternity.
As we find ourselves burdened along our walk for Christ, let’s remember suffering is part of the deal… Let us pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives and for your servant Paul,
We praise you Lord for his wisdom and for his works through this scripture,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we grow in you through the teachings of your faithful apostle.
Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your word, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.
We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: DanielStPierre@ThriveThroughChrist.com
