Eternal Perspective: Living as Ambassadors for Christ
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the profound truths found in 2 Corinthians 5, focusing on the eternal perspective that Paul encourages us to adopt. Paul begins by reminding us that our earthly bodies are temporary, likening them to tents that will eventually be destroyed. However, he assures us that God is preparing an eternal, heavenly body for us. This understanding should shift our focus from the temporary sufferings and decay of our current bodies to the eternal glory that awaits us.
Paul emphasizes that our confidence in Christ's resurrection and His love should compel us to share the gospel at all costs. He recounts his own sufferings and hardships, not as a means to gain sympathy, but to illustrate the depth of his commitment to Christ and the gospel. Despite his physical afflictions, Paul remains steadfast, driven by the love of Christ to reconcile others to God.
The sermon also touched on the concept of the Bema Seat of Christ, where believers will be judged not for salvation but for the works they have done in their earthly bodies. This judgment will reveal the quality of our works—whether they were done for God's glory or for selfish reasons. Paul urges us to live lives that are pleasing to God, knowing that our earthly actions have eternal consequences.
Finally, we are reminded that we are new creations in Christ. Our old selves have passed away, and we are now called to live for Him. This new life comes with a new purpose: to be ambassadors for Christ, sharing the message of reconciliation with a world in desperate need of hope. The love of Christ should be the driving force behind all our actions, compelling us to live lives that reflect His grace and truth.
### Key Takeaways
1. Temporary Tents, Eternal Bodies: Our earthly bodies are like temporary tents, subject to decay and destruction. However, God is preparing an eternal, heavenly body for us. This perspective should shift our focus from our current sufferings to the eternal glory that awaits us. Understanding this helps us endure present hardships with hope and faith. [28:26]
2. Compelled by Christ's Love: The love of Christ should compel us to share the gospel at all costs. Paul's life, filled with suffering and hardship, serves as a testament to the transformative power of Christ's love. This love should drive us to reconcile others to God, knowing that apart from Christ, there is eternal destruction. [32:39]
3. The Bema Seat of Christ: Believers will stand before the Bema Seat of Christ, where our works will be judged. This judgment is not for salvation but to evaluate the quality of our works. Understanding this should motivate us to live lives that are pleasing to God, knowing that our earthly actions have eternal consequences. [58:12]
4. New Creations in Christ: As new creations in Christ, our old selves have passed away. We are now called to live for Him, embodying the new purpose of making disciples and sharing the message of reconciliation. This transformation is a testament to God's power and grace, compelling us to live lives that reflect His love and truth. [19:58]
5. Ambassadors for Christ: We are called to be ambassadors for Christ, sharing the message of reconciliation with the world. This role requires us to build genuine relationships and live out the gospel in our daily lives. The love of Christ should be the driving force behind all our actions, compelling us to share His grace and truth with others. [23:26]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[17:42] - Opening Prayer and Fellowship
[19:19] - Announcements and Ministry Updates
[20:32] - Men's and Women's Ministries
[21:45] - Youth Ministry Changes
[23:43] - Child Dedication
[25:10] - Prayer for the Kropp Family
[27:03] - Introduction to 2 Corinthians 5
[28:26] - Temporary Tents, Eternal Bodies
[29:58] - Reading 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
[31:11] - Confidence in Christ's Resurrection
[32:39] - Compelled by Christ's Love
[34:12] - Groaning for Our Heavenly Bodies
[35:50] - The Temporary Nature of Our Bodies
[37:43] - Stewarding Our Earthly Bodies
[39:30] - You Are Not Your Body
[41:00] - Eternal Perspective on Suffering
[42:30] - Jesus Prepares a Place for Us
[44:33] - Groaning with Hope
[46:46] - The Spirit as a Guarantee
[48:29] - Walking by Faith, Not by Sight
[49:56] - Evidence of the Spirit in Our Lives
[51:38] - Living by Faith in This Temporary Body
[53:27] - Immediate Presence with the Lord
[54:56] - Comfort in Christ's Resurrection
[56:27] - The Great White Throne Judgment
[58:12] - The Bema Seat of Christ
[01:01:26] - Psalm 103:10-12
[01:03:20] - Testing Our Works by Fire
[01:04:57] - Persuading Men with the Gospel
[01:06:51] - Equipping the Saints for Ministry
[01:07:56] - Paul's Defense and Qualifications
[01:09:35] - Suffering for Christ
[01:11:24] - The Suffering Servant
[01:13:00] - Living for Christ
[01:14:42] - Compelled by Christ's Love
[01:16:31] - Dying to Self
[01:18:18] - Knowing Christ Through the Spirit
[01:19:58] - New Creations in Christ
[01:21:32] - The Difficulty of Creating a Christian
[01:23:26] - Ministry of Reconciliation
[01:24:59] - Sharing the Gospel in Daily Life
[01:26:31] - Foolish Preaching Saves
[01:28:24] - Final Prayer and Song
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 2 Corinthians 5:1-10
2. 2 Corinthians 5:17-21
3. John 14:1-2
#### Observation Questions
1. What metaphor does Paul use to describe our earthly bodies in 2 Corinthians 5:1? How does this metaphor help us understand the temporary nature of our physical existence? [34:12]
2. According to 2 Corinthians 5:17, what happens to someone who is in Christ? How does this transformation affect their identity and purpose? [19:58]
3. In John 14:1-2, what promise does Jesus give to His disciples about their future? How does this promise provide comfort and hope? [42:30]
4. What is the significance of the Bema Seat of Christ as described in 2 Corinthians 5:10? How does this differ from the Great White Throne Judgment? [58:12]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does understanding our bodies as temporary tents (2 Corinthians 5:1) change the way we view our current sufferings and hardships? [34:12]
2. What does it mean to be a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17)? How should this new identity influence our daily lives and decisions? [19:58]
3. How does the promise of an eternal dwelling place (John 14:1-2) shape our perspective on life and death? [42:30]
4. Why is it important for believers to understand the concept of the Bema Seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10)? How should this knowledge impact our actions and motivations? [58:12]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent hardship or suffering you have experienced. How can viewing your body as a temporary tent help you endure this situation with hope and faith? [34:12]
2. In what ways can you live out your identity as a new creation in Christ this week? Identify one specific area of your life where you can demonstrate this transformation. [19:58]
3. How can the promise of an eternal dwelling place with Jesus (John 14:1-2) provide comfort in times of fear or uncertainty? Share a specific instance where this promise could have or did provide you with peace. [42:30]
4. Consider the concept of the Bema Seat of Christ. What are some actions or decisions you can make this week to ensure that your works are done for God's glory rather than for selfish reasons? [58:12]
5. How can the love of Christ compel you to share the gospel with others? Identify one person in your life who needs to hear the message of reconciliation and plan a way to share it with them this week. [32:39]
6. Think about your role as an ambassador for Christ. What are some practical steps you can take to build genuine relationships and live out the gospel in your daily life? [23:26]
7. Reflect on the idea of being judged for the quality of your works (2 Corinthians 5:10). How can this understanding motivate you to live a life that is pleasing to God? Identify one specific change you can make to align your actions with this goal. [58:12]
Devotional
Day 1: Temporary Tents, Eternal Bodies
Our earthly bodies are like temporary tents, subject to decay and destruction. However, God is preparing an eternal, heavenly body for us. This perspective should shift our focus from our current sufferings to the eternal glory that awaits us. Understanding this helps us endure present hardships with hope and faith. [28:26]
"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 Corinthians 5:1, ESV)
Reflection: Think about a current hardship or suffering you are facing. How does the promise of an eternal, heavenly body change your perspective on this situation?
Day 2: Compelled by Christ's Love
The love of Christ should compel us to share the gospel at all costs. Paul's life, filled with suffering and hardship, serves as a testament to the transformative power of Christ's love. This love should drive us to reconcile others to God, knowing that apart from Christ, there is eternal destruction. [32:39]
"For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised." (2 Corinthians 5:14-15, ESV)
Reflection: Identify one person in your life who does not know Christ. How can you share the love of Christ with them this week in a tangible way?
Day 3: The Bema Seat of Christ
Believers will stand before the Bema Seat of Christ, where our works will be judged. This judgment is not for salvation but to evaluate the quality of our works. Understanding this should motivate us to live lives that are pleasing to God, knowing that our earthly actions have eternal consequences. [58:12]
"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." (2 Corinthians 5:10, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on your recent actions and decisions. Are they driven by a desire to please God or for selfish reasons? What changes can you make to ensure your works are of eternal value?
Day 4: New Creations in Christ
As new creations in Christ, our old selves have passed away. We are now called to live for Him, embodying the new purpose of making disciples and sharing the message of reconciliation. This transformation is a testament to God's power and grace, compelling us to live lives that reflect His love and truth. [19:58]
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." (2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways has your life changed since becoming a new creation in Christ? How can you further align your daily actions with your new identity in Him?
Day 5: Ambassadors for Christ
We are called to be ambassadors for Christ, sharing the message of reconciliation with the world. This role requires us to build genuine relationships and live out the gospel in our daily lives. The love of Christ should be the driving force behind all our actions, compelling us to share His grace and truth with others. [23:26]
"Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God." (2 Corinthians 5:20, ESV)
Reflection: Consider your role as an ambassador for Christ. How can you build a genuine relationship with someone this week to share the message of reconciliation?
Quotes
1. "The reason why it's so important is that when you can study God's word and you can dive deeper into knowing who King Jesus is, it will grow your relationship, not only with Him, but with others. And this year as we go through the gospel of Luke verse by verse, chapter by chapter, we've got a great study guide to take you through during each week. And I would encourage you, come be a part of a small group fellowship. Get into a group of men. get into a group of women that are going to study God's word, build you, encourage you, and point you right back to King Jesus." [20:32] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Paul likens our bodies to tents for a reason. Here, at least in the West, in America, usually we use tents to do temporary camping. We understand that it is for a short time and a specific purpose. But at the end of that time, we pack up and we go where? Oh, interesting. And Paul says, it is no different for the Christian man or woman. This temporary tent that you have, it won't last. It's only meant to be a tent. It's going to decay. The zipper's going to break. It's going to get holes on it. You're going to start missing poles. And before you know it, it won't be functional. It's only meant to be temporary." [35:50] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "You are not your body. No amens, nothing. Some of you need to hear this this morning. And here's why. Because if fit culture is what you're all about, there's nothing wrong with stewarding the body that God has given you. It's a good thing. But if it is your end instead of your means to glorifying God, there's a problem. Or some of you in this room have had your bodies used in ways that they're not supposed to by others or by yourself. And I want you to know you are not your body. Others are suffering from tremendous sickness or even terminal illness and praise. God, you are not your body." [39:30] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Paul says we walk by faith not by sight. Consider this for a moment when we are in the presence of Jesus when we leave this earthly body and we go to be with him we will no longer live by what you will no longer live by faith if you consider that because you will be in the presence of Jesus you will now live by what by sight and we're like wait that can't be right no it is because you'll be with Christ you'll be in perfect unhindered fellowship with him so in this temporary body we live by faith and it is by faith that God is growing us day by day to trust in his ways and to show himself through our weaknesses and through our sufferings because it's what speaks the loudest of Jesus Christ in our lives." [51:38] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Paul says we walk by faith not by sight. Consider this for a moment when we are in the presence of Jesus when we leave this earthly body and we go to be with him we will no longer live by what you will no longer live by faith if you consider that because you will be in the presence of Jesus you will now live by what by sight and we're like wait that can't be right no it is because you'll be with Christ you'll be in perfect unhindered fellowship with him so in this temporary body we live by faith and it is by faith that God is growing us day by day to trust in his ways and to show himself through our weaknesses and through our sufferings because it's what speaks the loudest of Jesus Christ in our lives." [51:38] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Paul says we walk by faith not by sight. Consider this for a moment when we are in the presence of Jesus when we leave this earthly body and we go to be with him we will no longer live by what you will no longer live by faith if you consider that because you will be in the presence of Jesus you will now live by what by sight and we're like wait that can't be right no it is because you'll be with Christ you'll be in perfect unhindered fellowship with him so in this temporary body we live by faith and it is by faith that God is growing us day by day to trust in his ways and to show himself through our weaknesses and through our sufferings because it's what speaks the loudest of Jesus Christ in our lives." [51:38] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Paul says we walk by faith not by sight. Consider this for a moment when we are in the presence of Jesus when we leave this earthly body and we go to be with him we will no longer live by what you will no longer live by faith if you consider that because you will be in the presence of Jesus you will now live by what by sight and we're like wait that can't be right no it is because you'll be with Christ you'll be in perfect unhindered fellowship with him so in this temporary body we live by faith and it is by faith that God is growing us day by day to trust in his ways and to show himself through our weaknesses and through our sufferings because it's what speaks the loudest of Jesus Christ in our lives." [51:38] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Paul says we walk by faith not by sight. Consider this for a moment when we are in the presence of Jesus when we leave this earthly body and we go to be with him we will no longer live by what you will no longer live by faith if you consider that because you will be in the presence of Jesus you will now live by what by sight and we're like wait that can't be right no it is because you'll be with Christ you'll be in perfect unhindered fellowship with him so in this temporary body we live by faith and it is by faith that God is growing us day by day to trust in his ways and to show himself through our weaknesses and through our sufferings because it's what speaks the loudest of Jesus Christ in our lives." [51:38] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Paul says we walk by faith not by sight. Consider this for a moment when we are in the presence of Jesus when we leave this earthly body and we go to be with him we will no longer live by what you will no longer live by faith if you consider that because you will be in the presence of Jesus you will now live by what by sight and we're like wait that can't be right no it is because you'll be with Christ you'll be in perfect unhindered fellowship with him so in this temporary body we live by faith and it is by faith that God is growing us day by day to trust in his ways and to show himself through our weaknesses and through our sufferings because it's what speaks the loudest of Jesus Christ in our lives." [51:38] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "Paul says we walk by faith not by sight. Consider this for a moment when we are in the presence of Jesus when we leave this earthly body and we go to be with him we will no longer live by what you will no longer live by faith if you consider that because you will be in the presence of Jesus you will now live by what by sight and we're like wait that can't be right no it is because you'll be with Christ you'll be in perfect unhindered fellowship with him so in this temporary body we live by faith and it is by faith that God is growing us day by day to trust in his ways and to show himself through our weaknesses and through our sufferings because it's what speaks the loudest of Jesus Christ in our lives." [51:38] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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