2 Corinthians 4:16-5:10
Related Sunday School Lesson, Family Bible Series, Aug. 7

 

We live in a world of discouraged people. Many become so discouraged by the pressures of life that they give up. Hopeless people do desperate things; they abuse themselves and others or they seek escape in drugs and alcohol. For some, suicide seems to be the only way out. Still others quietly struggle from one day to the next, wondering if this life is all there is. Paul called it "losing heart" or "giving up" (verse 16).

Believers have a source of hope that lifts us above despair and gives meaning to everyday existence. In Christ, we have the assurance of eternal life beyond the grave.

 

Temporal vs. eternal, 1 Corinthians 4:16-18

No matter how bad it gets, Paul explained that we (believers) do not give up. Sure, our physical bodies suffer the effects of illness and aging, and they will eventually succumb to death - but we are more than just physical bodies. We exercise, tone, and pamper our bodies, but we realize that they are only temporary. There is an eternal part of who we are, the inner person or spirit.

Paul said "what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal" (verse 18). This is an important distinction. Paul strengthens the contrast (verse 16): Every day we live, our bodies are "progressively decaying" (Wuest's translation). On the contrary, Christ is progressively renewing our redeemed spirits, which are destined for heaven.

It was this perspective that allowed Paul (verse 17) to see his suffering as "momentary light affliction." Keep in mind that he was referring to beatings, stonings, imprisonment, shipwreck, and ridicule. Imagine how that outlook can change the attitude of a modern American believer. Paul looked beyond temporary discomfort and saw an "eternal weight of glory."

 

Swallowed up by life, 1 Corinthians 5:1-5

The contrast between the temporal and the eternal is further developed with a pair of metaphors. First, Paul likens our physical, earthly existence to living in a tent. We know that a tent is a temporary place to live. Compared to a brick house or even a log cabin, a tent is weak. It is susceptible to the elements. That is why we often "groan" in this life (verse 4). To "groan" is to sigh when we are squeezed by the circumstances of life. Second, Paul compares our physical bodies to worn-out clothes. Over time, they become threadbare, wrinkled, and tattered.

The good news of salvation is that some day we will leave our tents behind to occupy heavenly homes for eternity. Our home in heaven will be perfect, for Jesus Himself has prepared it for us (John 14:2-3). Furthermore, someday (in the words of Walford's hymn "Sweet Hour of Prayer") "this robe of flesh I'll drop and rise, to seize the everlasting prize." Then we will be clothed in glorious new bodies fit for heaven-living. In that day, Paul states, our mortality (that which is destined for death) will be "swallowed up by life." What a beautiful image, and what a hope-full thought!

 

Faith-walking, 1 Corinthians 5:6-8

Christians are going to live far longer in heaven than they will on this earth. We believe that eternal things are infinitely more important than temporal things. Therefore, it would be foolish to make our decisions and formulate our plans based only on what we can see. We must evaluate everything in our lives in light of eternity. That requires faith - faith in God's character and in His promises. When we walk by faith, we make God-honoring decisions; we realize that "it's not about me;" and we are able to make a difference for the kingdom of God.

 

Aiming to please Christ, 1 Corinthians 5:9-10

As we live in light of eternity, walking by faith, our ambition becomes pleasing the Lord Jesus Christ. That person who strives only for the approval of men is engaged in a futile effort indeed. The opinions and applause of other people will not matter - or last - in eternity. Someone has said, "Only one life 'twill soon be passed, only what's done for Christ will last."

At present we are "absent from the Lord" (verse 6), and our hearts long to be at home with Him in heaven. Let us be encouraged that someday we will be "present with the Lord" (verse 8), and all will be well. But let us remember that some time after we leave this world and go to heaven, we will have a very important, individual meeting with Christ.

One day each person will meet an appointment in the courtroom of heaven to appear before the judgment seat of Christ. Paul states that at that time we will receive judgment for what we have done in this life. In light of that coming judgment, let us determine to live our lives to please the One who will be sitting on that seat - Christ.