Living with Eternal Hope Amidst Temporary Struggles
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, Living Word. Today, we gathered to reflect on the temporary nature of our earthly lives and the eternal hope we have in Christ. As we delved into 2 Corinthians 5, we were reminded that our bodies are like tents—temporary and fragile. Paul uses this analogy to emphasize that while we may groan and feel burdened by our earthly existence, we have a permanent home awaiting us in heaven. This perspective should fill us with courage and hope, knowing that our current struggles are temporary.
Paul encourages us to live not for ourselves but for Christ, who died and was raised for our sake. This means that our lives should be a reflection of His love and sacrifice. We are called to be ambassadors for Christ, representing Him in a world that often feels foreign and temporary. Our mission is to persuade others to be reconciled to God, sharing the message of His love and grace.
In our daily lives, we should walk by faith and not by sight, focusing on the eternal rather than the temporary. This mindset helps us endure hardships and remain hopeful, knowing that our true home is with Christ. Whether we are in good health or facing challenges, our aim should always be to please God and live for His glory.
### Key Takeaways
1. Temporary Nature of Our Bodies: Our earthly bodies are like tents—temporary and fragile. This analogy helps us understand that our current struggles and burdens are not permanent. We have an eternal home awaiting us, which should fill us with hope and courage. [29:25]
2. Living for Christ: Paul reminds us that our lives should not be centered on ourselves but on Christ, who died and was raised for our sake. This means living a life that reflects His love and sacrifice, focusing on His death and resurrection rather than our own desires. [26:42]
3. Ambassadors for Christ: As believers, we are ambassadors for Christ in a world that often feels foreign. Our mission is to represent Him and persuade others to be reconciled to God. This involves sharing the message of His love and grace, even when it seems counter-cultural. [46:05]
4. Walking by Faith: We are called to walk by faith and not by sight, focusing on the eternal rather than the temporary. This perspective helps us endure hardships and remain hopeful, knowing that our true home is with Christ. [35:48]
5. Purpose in Suffering: Our earthly struggles and burdens can be used to help others understand the gospel. By maintaining a courageous and hopeful attitude, we can demonstrate the transformative power of Christ's love and encourage others to seek reconciliation with God. [40:27]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[03:55] - Announcements
[05:36] - Sunday Morning Calmness
[06:46] - Experiencing Jesus
[07:49] - Enjoying the Lord
[08:40] - Opening Prayer
[25:17] - Introduction to 2 Corinthians
[25:54] - Preaching Jesus, Not Ourselves
[28:21] - Temporary Nature of Our Bodies
[29:25] - Earthly Bodies as Tents
[31:01] - Groaning in Our Bodies
[32:47] - Tenting in Alaska
[34:30] - Good Courage in Temporary Bodies
[35:48] - Walking by Faith, Not by Sight
[36:26] - Aim to Please Christ
[37:06] - To Live is Christ, To Die is Gain
[39:52] - Persuading Others
[41:02] - Gospel Impact on Life
[43:48] - Love of Christ Controls Us
[45:36] - New Creation in Christ
[46:05] - Ambassadors for Christ
[49:00] - Reconciliation with God
[50:09] - Encouragement for Believers
[51:29] - Closing Prayer
[52:38] - Tithes and Offerings
[01:05:56] - Benediction and Farewell
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- 2 Corinthians 5:1-10
- Philippians 1:21-24
#### Observation Questions
1. What analogy does Paul use to describe our earthly bodies in 2 Corinthians 5:1? How does this analogy help us understand the temporary nature of our lives? [29:25]
2. According to 2 Corinthians 5:7, what are believers called to do? How does this relate to the overall message of the sermon? [35:48]
3. In Philippians 1:21, Paul states, "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." How does this statement reflect Paul's perspective on life and death? [37:06]
4. What does Paul mean when he says we are "ambassadors for Christ" in 2 Corinthians 5:20? How does this role impact our daily lives? [46:05]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the analogy of our bodies as tents in 2 Corinthians 5:1-4 help us cope with the struggles and burdens of our earthly existence? [29:25]
2. What does it mean to "walk by faith, not by sight" as mentioned in 2 Corinthians 5:7? How can this mindset help us endure hardships? [35:48]
3. In what ways does Paul's statement in Philippians 1:21-24 ("to live is Christ and to die is gain") challenge our typical views on life and death? [37:06]
4. How can understanding our role as ambassadors for Christ, as described in 2 Corinthians 5:20, change the way we interact with others and share the gospel? [46:05]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent struggle or burden you have faced. How does viewing your body as a temporary tent change your perspective on this struggle? [29:25]
2. What are some practical ways you can "walk by faith and not by sight" in your daily life? Consider specific situations where you can apply this principle. [35:48]
3. How can you live a life that reflects Christ's love and sacrifice, as Paul encourages in 2 Corinthians 5:15? Identify one specific action you can take this week to live for Christ rather than yourself. [26:42]
4. Think of someone in your life who does not know Christ. How can you act as an ambassador for Christ to this person? What steps can you take to share the message of reconciliation with them? [46:05]
5. When you face hardships or health challenges, how can you maintain a hopeful and courageous attitude, knowing that your true home is with Christ? Share a personal example or strategy that has helped you in the past. [34:30]
6. How can you use your current struggles to help others understand the gospel, as Paul suggests in 2 Corinthians 5:11? Identify a specific way you can demonstrate the transformative power of Christ's love in your life. [40:27]
7. Reflect on the idea that "to live is Christ and to die is gain." How does this perspective influence your goals and priorities? What changes might you need to make to align more closely with this mindset? [37:06]
Devotional
### Day 1: Our Bodies are Temporary Tents
Our earthly bodies are like tents—temporary and fragile. This analogy helps us understand that our current struggles and burdens are not permanent. We have an eternal home awaiting us, which should fill us with hope and courage. [29:25]
In 2 Corinthians 5, Paul uses the analogy of our bodies being like tents to emphasize their temporary and fragile nature. Just as a tent is not meant to be a permanent dwelling, our earthly bodies are not our final home. This perspective helps us understand that the struggles and burdens we face in this life are temporary. Knowing that we have an eternal home awaiting us in heaven should fill us with hope and courage.
This understanding can transform the way we view our current circumstances. When we face difficulties, we can remind ourselves that these are momentary afflictions compared to the eternal glory that awaits us. This eternal perspective can give us the strength to endure hardships and remain hopeful, knowing that our true home is with Christ.
2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (ESV): "For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."
Reflection: What current struggle or burden can you view through the lens of eternity today? How does this perspective change your attitude towards it?
### Day 2: Living for Christ
Paul reminds us that our lives should not be centered on ourselves but on Christ, who died and was raised for our sake. This means living a life that reflects His love and sacrifice, focusing on His death and resurrection rather than our own desires. [26:42]
Living for Christ means that our lives should be a reflection of His love and sacrifice. Paul emphasizes that Christ died and was raised for our sake, and therefore, our lives should not be centered on our own desires but on Him. This involves a shift in focus from our personal ambitions and comforts to the mission and values of Christ.
When we live for Christ, we are called to embody His love in our interactions with others. This means showing compassion, forgiveness, and grace, even when it is difficult. It also means prioritizing His teachings and commands over our own preferences. By doing so, we become living testimonies of His transformative power and love.
Galatians 2:20 (ESV): "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
Reflection: In what specific ways can you reflect Christ's love and sacrifice in your daily interactions this week?
### Day 3: Ambassadors for Christ
As believers, we are ambassadors for Christ in a world that often feels foreign. Our mission is to represent Him and persuade others to be reconciled to God. This involves sharing the message of His love and grace, even when it seems counter-cultural. [46:05]
Being an ambassador for Christ means representing Him in a world that often feels foreign and counter to His teachings. As His ambassadors, our mission is to persuade others to be reconciled to God. This involves sharing the message of His love and grace, even when it goes against the cultural norms or is met with resistance.
Our role as ambassadors is not just about words but also about actions. We are called to live in a way that reflects Christ's character and values. This means being intentional about our conduct, speech, and relationships. By doing so, we can create opportunities to share the gospel and demonstrate the transformative power of Christ's love.
2 Corinthians 5:20 (ESV): "Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God."
Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear the message of Christ's love and grace? How can you be an ambassador for Christ to them this week?
### Day 4: Walking by Faith
We are called to walk by faith and not by sight, focusing on the eternal rather than the temporary. This perspective helps us endure hardships and remain hopeful, knowing that our true home is with Christ. [35:48]
Walking by faith means trusting in God's promises and focusing on the eternal rather than the temporary. This perspective helps us endure hardships and remain hopeful, knowing that our true home is with Christ. When we walk by faith, we rely on God's guidance and strength rather than our own understanding or circumstances.
This mindset requires a daily commitment to seek God's will and trust in His plan, even when it is not immediately visible. It involves letting go of our need for control and allowing God to lead us. By doing so, we can experience His peace and assurance, even in the midst of challenges.
Hebrews 11:1 (ESV): "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to trust God more fully? How can you practice walking by faith in that area today?
### Day 5: Purpose in Suffering
Our earthly struggles and burdens can be used to help others understand the gospel. By maintaining a courageous and hopeful attitude, we can demonstrate the transformative power of Christ's love and encourage others to seek reconciliation with God. [40:27]
Our earthly struggles and burdens can serve a greater purpose in God's plan. By maintaining a courageous and hopeful attitude in the face of suffering, we can demonstrate the transformative power of Christ's love. This can encourage others to seek reconciliation with God and understand the gospel more deeply.
When we endure hardships with faith and hope, we become living testimonies of God's grace and strength. Our response to suffering can inspire others to trust in God and seek His comfort and guidance. By sharing our experiences and how God has sustained us, we can help others see the reality of His love and power.
2 Corinthians 1:4 (ESV): "Who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."
Reflection: How can you use your current struggles to encourage and comfort someone else? What specific steps can you take to share your testimony of God's faithfulness with them?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We have a good God who loves you. Who longs to continue to be in your life and surround you and live life with you. A God that's not just walking around shaking His head in disappointment, but a God who's desperately in love with His people, who loves you. And so, He enjoys you. Do you know that? He enjoys you." [07:49] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Church, I want you to hear this today. These bodies are just tents. They're not permanent homes. And when we forget that, it's hard to have hope and be of good courage when we walk in life. Paul doesn't want us to forget this. We are roughing it right now. That's not to be depressed. There's a lot of great things about life. I mean, our bodies are incredible machines. But when we kind of remember that these aren't a permanent thing, that it changes our perspective." [33:44] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "For we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and home with the Lord. Sure. I mean, isn't that true for some of us this day? That life is hard? That our bodies are being burdened by a number of things? And there are many days it's like, man, I would rather be at home with you, Lord. But we're not there yet. I'm not there yet. So, God, what should I do with this time that I have on earth until I'm called home?" [35:48] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to Himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation. That is, in Christ, God was reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation." [45:36] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "For our sake, He made Him to be sin, who knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. Remember, Paul says in verse 11, back up, he says, now because of all we have left to do, we just try to persuade people to know Jesus, and then he ends with this, saying, in this tent, while we're roughing it here, I'm an ambassador for Christ. This isn't my home, but as an ambassador in a foreign land, I'm just here to represent my King." [46:05] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "What Paul is getting at at the beginning of this chapter is, once again, he's making sure that we are reminded that this life and all that we pursue in it isn't really about us or for us. And he's trying to drive home the point that we aren't going to last forever. Last week, in Chapter 4, he says, he called our bodies jars of clay. These fragile things that hold the gospel, the treasure of God. And now today, in verse 1, we see him kind of referring to our bodies again." [28:21] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Paul's saying we're actually tenting right now with these bodies. We're tenting. We're roughing it, if you will. While we are still in this tent, we groan. We're being burdened by different things at different times. During one of my mountain hunts in Alaska, we were just getting pounded by rain. We were completely soaked inside of our boots, our socks, our pants, hats. Everything was wet, and we went to bed pretty soaked that night. The problem with wet nights when you're tenting is that everything in the tent, just gets wetter over the night." [31:46] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Paul longs to be with his Savior, Jesus, but he also has such a heart for people to pass on the gospel to people that he becomes torn. Like, I love Jesus. I would love to be in your presence in heaven, Jesus, but man, I also know that these people need me here. That I have this treasure and these jars of clay that they're going to give me. That the world needs, and so I'm so torn because I want to be with you, but I also want to serve you and serve the people that you love." [38:20] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "I have a really good friend that says that there should be a little bit of crazy in all of us as Christians that makes others stop and question why we do the things that we do. Not too much crazy that we become unrelatable and unapproachable. That's not probably great. Perhaps just enough for people to notice and then ask us about it. That, wow, the way you act in this situation, the way you're handling that, it's just so crazy to me. How can you be so passionate about that? Or how can you be so nonchalant about this?" [44:57] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "He doesn't want to come down to you. He doesn't want to count your trespasses against you. He's died for them. For our sake, He made Jesus to be sin who knew no sin that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. God wants to make you righteous. He wants you to be reconciled. I implore you to be reconciled to Jesus. He longs to change your heart and your perspective. He longs to give you a purpose and a future where this temporary body is gone and your permanent home is set with Him in eternity." [49:00] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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