Living Purposefully: Pleasing Christ in Our Journey
Summary
In 2 Corinthians 5:9, we are reminded of our ultimate aim: to please our Lord Jesus Christ, whether we are at home in the body or away with Him. This chapter encourages us not to lose heart, despite the challenges we face in our earthly lives. Paul uses the metaphor of our bodies as tents—temporary and fragile structures—to illustrate the difficulties we encounter. These challenges, including sickness, stress, and temptation, can easily lead to discouragement. However, God offers us a glimpse of the eternal home He has prepared for us, a building not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
As Christians, we have one life that is lived in two parts: life in the body and life with the Lord. While life in the body is filled with challenges, it also presents unique opportunities to honor Christ. Our earthly existence is not merely a waiting period for the life to come; it is a time to actively pursue our purpose of pleasing God. This involves living by faith, enduring hardships, and seizing opportunities to glorify Jesus in ways that will not be possible in heaven.
The judgment seat of Christ is a future reality where believers will give an account of their lives. While there is no condemnation for those in Christ, we will be evaluated based on our faithfulness and the quality of our works. This should motivate us to live purposefully, knowing that our actions have eternal significance. The rewards we receive will reflect the faithfulness and dedication we have shown in this life.
In conclusion, our current life, with all its frustrations and difficulties, is laden with opportunities to honor Jesus. By embracing these opportunities, we lay up treasures in heaven and prepare for the eternal weight of glory that awaits us. Let us make it our aim to please Him, knowing that our efforts in this world have lasting value.
Key Takeaways:
- The Temporary Nature of Our Earthly Bodies: Our bodies are likened to tents—temporary and fragile. This metaphor reminds us that while our earthly existence is fraught with challenges, it is not our final home. We are encouraged to look forward to the eternal dwelling God has prepared for us, which provides hope and perspective in our current struggles. [01:43]
- One Life in Two Parts: As Christians, we have one life that is lived in two parts: life in the body and life with the Lord. Each part has its own challenges and opportunities. While life in the body is filled with difficulties, it also presents unique opportunities to honor Christ that will not be available in heaven. [09:06]
- The Judgment Seat of Christ: Believers will stand before the judgment seat of Christ to give an account of their lives. While there is no condemnation for those in Christ, our works will be evaluated. This should motivate us to live purposefully, knowing that our actions have eternal significance and may result in rewards. [14:23]
- Opportunities to Honor Christ: Our current life offers unique opportunities to honor Jesus in ways that will not be possible in heaven. Acts of faith, courage, and compassion are only possible in this world. By seizing these opportunities, we lay up treasures in heaven and prepare for the eternal weight of glory. [32:02]
- Living with Purpose: The purpose of our life in the body is to please Jesus Christ. This involves living by faith, enduring hardships, and actively pursuing opportunities to glorify Him. Our efforts in this world have lasting value, and we are encouraged to make it our aim to please Him in all that we do. [36:48]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:11] - Introduction to 2 Corinthians 5:9
- [00:32] - Encouragement Not to Lose Heart
- [01:25] - The Fragility of Our Earthly Bodies
- [02:34] - The Promise of an Eternal Home
- [03:40] - Purpose in Our Earthly Life
- [05:14] - The Value of Our Current Existence
- [07:29] - Two Parts of a Christian's Life
- [09:06] - Continuity of Life in Christ
- [12:30] - Challenges and Opportunities in Both Parts
- [14:23] - The Judgment Seat of Christ
- [16:46] - Giving an Account of Our Lives
- [24:02] - Rewards for Faithful Service
- [29:54] - The Challenge of Future Judgment
- [32:02] - Unique Opportunities to Honor Christ
- [36:48] - Living with Purpose in the Present
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- 2 Corinthians 5:9-10
- Romans 8:1
- 1 Corinthians 3:10-15
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Observation Questions:
1. How does Paul describe our earthly bodies in 2 Corinthians 5, and what metaphor does he use to illustrate their temporary nature? [01:43]
2. According to the sermon, what are the two parts of a Christian's life, and how are they described in 2 Corinthians 5? [07:29]
3. What is the significance of the judgment seat of Christ as mentioned in 2 Corinthians 5:10, and how does it relate to the life we live now? [14:23]
4. What examples did the pastor give of opportunities to honor Christ that are unique to our earthly life? [32:02]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways does the metaphor of our bodies as tents help us understand the challenges and opportunities of our earthly life? [01:43]
2. How does the concept of living by faith in the body differ from living by sight with the Lord, and what implications does this have for our daily lives? [08:29]
3. What does it mean to make it our aim to please Christ, and how does this aim influence our actions and decisions? [31:04]
4. How might the idea of receiving rewards at the judgment seat of Christ motivate believers to live purposefully and faithfully? [24:02]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent challenge you faced. How can viewing your life as a temporary tent help you find hope and perspective in that situation? [01:43]
2. Identify a specific area in your life where you can actively pursue opportunities to honor Christ. What steps can you take this week to seize that opportunity? [32:02]
3. Consider the concept of living by faith. What is one area in your life where you struggle to trust God, and how can you practice walking by faith in that area this week? [08:29]
4. How does the idea of giving an account of your life at the judgment seat of Christ impact your current priorities and actions? What changes might you need to make? [14:23]
5. Think about a time when you felt discouraged by the difficulties of life. How can the promise of an eternal home with the Lord encourage you to persevere? [02:34]
6. What is one specific way you can lay up treasures in heaven through your actions this week? Consider acts of faith, courage, or compassion. [25:32]
7. How can you make it your aim to please Christ in your daily interactions with others? Identify one relationship where you can intentionally bring joy to the heart of Jesus. [31:04]
Devotional
Day 1: The Fragility of Our Earthly Bodies
Our earthly bodies are likened to tents—temporary and fragile structures that remind us of the transient nature of our lives on earth. This metaphor serves to highlight the challenges we face, such as sickness, stress, and temptation, which can easily lead to discouragement. However, these challenges are not without purpose. They remind us that our true home is not here but in the eternal dwelling God has prepared for us. This perspective provides hope and encouragement, helping us to endure the difficulties of this life with the assurance of a glorious future. [01:43]
"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: In what ways can you shift your focus from the temporary struggles of this life to the eternal promises of God today?
Day 2: Life in Two Parts
As Christians, we live one life in two distinct parts: life in the body and life with the Lord. Each part presents its own set of challenges and opportunities. While our earthly life is fraught with difficulties, it also offers unique opportunities to honor Christ in ways that will not be possible in heaven. This life is not merely a waiting period for the life to come; it is a time to actively pursue our purpose of pleasing God. By living by faith and enduring hardships, we can glorify Jesus in our current existence. [09:06]
"So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day." (2 Corinthians 4:16, ESV)
Reflection: What is one specific way you can honor Christ in your daily life that you won't be able to do in heaven?
Day 3: The Judgment Seat of Christ
Believers will stand before the judgment seat of Christ to give an account of their lives. While there is no condemnation for those in Christ, our works will be evaluated based on their faithfulness and quality. This future reality should motivate us to live purposefully, knowing that our actions have eternal significance. The rewards we receive will reflect the dedication and faithfulness we have shown in this life, encouraging us to live with intention and purpose. [14:23]
"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: How does the knowledge of standing before Christ's judgment seat influence your daily decisions and actions?
Day 4: Opportunities to Honor Christ
Our current life offers unique opportunities to honor Jesus in ways that will not be possible in heaven. Acts of faith, courage, and compassion are only possible in this world. By seizing these opportunities, we lay up treasures in heaven and prepare for the eternal weight of glory that awaits us. This perspective encourages us to embrace the challenges of this life as opportunities to glorify God and make a lasting impact. [32:02]
"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ." (Colossians 3:23-24, ESV)
Reflection: Identify one opportunity today where you can demonstrate faith, courage, or compassion. How can you act on it to honor Christ?
Day 5: Living with Purpose
The purpose of our life in the body is to please Jesus Christ. This involves living by faith, enduring hardships, and actively pursuing opportunities to glorify Him. Our efforts in this world have lasting value, and we are encouraged to make it our aim to please Him in all that we do. By living with purpose, we align our lives with God's will and prepare for the eternal glory that awaits us. [36:48]
"Therefore, whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him." (2 Corinthians 5:9, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you can more intentionally aim to please Jesus? What steps can you take today to align this area with His will?
Quotes
We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. We would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So here is a Christian, a person with two homes, one life that is lived in two very unequal parts. Now I am at home in the body, that's a description of our life now in this world. [00:07:38]
As long as I am living this life in the body I live in Christ and by faith and I will experience many pressures, many difficulties, many frustrations and all the rest of it. The tent sags, it wears out, the pegs bend and eventually the whole thing will be taken down. [00:08:26]
The Christian has one life in very unequal parts, but it is one life. Now many of you will have lived your life in more than one place. I was just reflecting on my own life, just trying to think of illustrating this by way of experience, and my life so far in this world has been in two parts. [00:09:39]
You have one life. Your life begins here when you're at home in the body and it will continue an unbroken continuity as you pass through death. It will continue as you are at home with the Lord. You will know yourself to be there as much as you know yourself to be here. [00:11:27]
The Christian then has one life in two parts, and each part has both a challenge and an opportunity. The Christian has one life lived in two parts, and both parts have both an opportunity and a challenge. Now it is easy to see the challenge that we have now. [00:12:30]
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. Now that's not happening now while you're in the body. You are not before the judgment seat of Christ. [00:14:27]
You will not be condemned if you're in Christ. There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1. Those who put their trust in him will never be put to shame. Romans chapter 10 and verse 11. Whoever believes in Him shall not perish but will have everlasting life. [00:15:22]
You will give an account. You will not be condemned. You will give an account. No Scripture speaks of this so many times. Hebrews 4:13, how everything is uncovered before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Romans 14 and verse 12, each of us must give an account of himself to God. [00:16:48]
You may be rewarded. You will not be condemned. You will give an account, and you may be rewarded. The Lord Jesus speaks very, very clearly about rewards for faithful service many times. Matthew 6, I'm thinking about, for example, where he speaks about praying and giving and fasting. [00:23:57]
Right now, you have opportunities to honor Jesus Christ and bring joy and pleasure to your Savior and to your Lord that are only possible during your life in this world, that are only possible here and now, that will not be possible for you in heaven. [00:32:13]
All the praying you will ever do, you will do while you are in the body. You will not need to pray when you're in the presence of Jesus. Your communication will be direct. All the believing you will ever do is the believing that you do while you are in the body. [00:32:56]
Seize the opportunity that you have to honor Jesus in the difficulties you are facing right now, especially where your life is hard. It will not be hard in heaven. This is the only time you're going to be able to honor him in a circumstance like this. [00:36:48]
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