Friday, February 11, 2011 (top)
Great Treasure / Great Accountability
(2 Corinthians 5:1-6:18)
"We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain." -2 Corinthians 6:1
Paul begins chapter five by describing his driving ambition to experience all the glory of our future resurrection, an ambition that helped explain why he had earlier called his horrendous sufferings for Christ a "light affliction" (4:17-18). Having opened up the issue of the believers' great hope in the resurrection, Paul then turns to what will prepare us for the appointment that awaits every believer at the Judgment Seat of Christ. This will include being accountable to faithfully proclaim and live the revelation of God and the riches given to all believers that are revealed in Christ (4:7-8).
One of the greatest of these riches is reconciliation. We are all called to be ambassadors to proclaim that God was in Christ removing sin's judgment from all humanity. It is an accomplished fact. It needs only to be accepted by faith, for then a person is fully made right with God--reconciled! (5:16-21).
This call to be accountable to proclaim the riches of the Gospel is behind the plea in 6:1 to not "receive the grace of God in vain." It enables us to be more than God's ambassadors to the world. An example of how to fully live out the grace given to us is in 6:4-10. This grace enables us to endure whatever it takes to proclaim the gospel of the grace of God in Christ (6:4-10). We have no excuse, only judgment, if we fail to allow God's grace to work through us to showcase, in some way, the glory of the riches we have found in the reconciliation that Christ has provided humanity.
Furthermore, by God's grace we can go into this world and offer the treasure of God in Christ and not be polluted by the world in the process. Love compels us to do no less.
NKJV Bible Text
2 Corinthians 5:1-6:18
Assurance of the Resurrection
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 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. 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. 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. 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.
| Assurance of the Resurrection v. 1 For We Know – The knowledge Paul refers to is based on what he taught in chapter four. There he showed the vital need to interpret his temporal earthly experiences in light of an unseen spiritual and eternal perspective in life. This Tent – This term, "skenos" (Gk.), refers to our physical bodies as temporary dwelling places. Building From God – Paul refers to the resurrection body that each believer will receive at the rapture or resurrection of believers. He does not make a reference to the intermediate state that the believer lives in until the resurrection that occurs at the rapture of the church (1 Cor 15:51-52; 1 Thess. 4:15- 18). The intermediate state of the believer is to be in God's presence until the rapture (Phil. 1:21-23; 2 Cor. 5:8). v. 2 Earnestly Desiring – Paul believes that it is completely appropriate to have a passion for the end result of our faith in Jesus: to be with Him forever. Be Clothed – Paul changes from the analogy of a tent to clothes. He looks at his resurrection body as what his spirit will "put on" and will enjoy as the outward expression of his spirit. v. 3 Naked – Paul makes clear that to only live as a spirit being as humans would make our spirits "naked." God made us to have bodies as a part of the expression of our personhood. | v. 4 Further Clothed – Paul makes clear that his goal is not simply to get out of the suffering of our current fallen physical environment but to replace it with a spiritual reality that will have a perfected physical reality. Swallowed by Life – Paul points out that the spiritual reality of the kingdom of God will one day completely absorb and overcome the curse and struggle of a fallen world (1 Cor. 15:55-56). v. 5 Spirit as a Guarantee – "Guarantee" is "arrabon" in Greek and refers to something given as a pledge, or a down payment for full payment to follow. The hope of a future spiritual reality in which we will dwell is based on the evidence in a present life of the Holy Spirit, which the believer now experiences. v. 6 Home In the Body – Paul knew that the spiritual reality he longed for would never be completed as long as he was in a physical body. This helps us to not be unrealistic about what we should expect from God in this life. There are limits until we are out of this physical fallen plane. v. 7 Walk By Faith – Because of the fact revealed in verse six, Paul realized that we must live now in a faith-filled anticipation for things we will not experience until we receive our resurrection bodies. v. 8 Present With the Lord – Paul genuinely believed that there is nothing in this life that can compare to the glory of being in God's presence. This explains how Paul was able to deny himself of so many of the earthly comforts and pleasures as he lived out God's will for his life. |
The Judgment Seat of Christ
9 Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. 11 Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences.
| Judgment Seat of Christ v. 9 Our Aim – Paul's lifestyle was led by a desire to just live as pleasing to God in this life as he anticipated he would be in heaven. v. 10 Judgment Seat of Christ – This phrase refers to the judgment of believers, not non-believers. It is not a judgment concerning our salvation but rather one based on judging our faithfulness to God's call and to living by the rule of love as the motivating force in life (Rom. 14:10-12; 1 Cor. 4:1-5; 1 Cor. 13:1-3; Matt. 25:23-30; Acts 16:15). | v. 11 Terror of the Lord – This terror refers to a proper fear of God as taught throughout scripture (Acts 7:1, 9:31; Rom. 3:18; Eph. 5:21). Without this sense of accountability before God, it is unlikely we can expect to find sufficient motivation in ourselves to live lives that will one day be judged at the believers' judgment. Well Known – Paul thought that his efforts to persuade the believers to a life of accountability to God should be well received because they knew he was a representative of God. |
Be Reconciled to God
12 For we do not commend ourselves again to you, but give you opportunity to boast on our behalf, that you may have an answer for those who boast in appearance and not in heart. 13 For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; or if we are of sound mind, it is for you. 14 For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; 15 and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.
| Be Reconciled to God v. 12 Boast on Our Behalf – Paul refers to the spiritual influence he has had with the Corinthians. He believed they would acknowledge his authority to direct and correct them with his teaching. He pointed to this fact as legitimate proof and support for his corrective teaching. Boast in Appearance – Paul refers to those who had undermined his authority by a more polished style of ministry. However, he pointed out that these men could not boast in the evil motivation of their hearts in the same way they boasted in their outward displays of authority above his. Beside Ourselves – This phrase suggests someone being "out of their senses," or acting in a way that makes no sense. Some may have seen Paul's efforts to reestablish a ministry relationship with these people by seeking to reassert his own qualifications as "senseless." This may have been because some did not see these rebellious people as worth the shameful process Paul subjected himself to in his effort to reach them. | It is For You – Paul justifies the public process of humiliation he went through with them because he felt that in the end it would benefit them. v. 14 Love of Christ Compels – Paul reveals here the source of humility he lived before these people. It was the compelling force of Christ's love for people. v. 15 No Longer for Ourselves – Paul draws from Christ's death for all people as the truth behind his own sacrificial love. If Jesus was willing to lay down His life for us while we were living as His enemies, should it not be only reasonable that Christ's servants will do the same? As well, if it is true that Jesus died for all, including me, should it not follow that I should now live not for myself but for Him?
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16 Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 18 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.
20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God. 21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
| v. 16 According to the Flesh – This refers to people in their fallen condition, outside of Christ. Paul could see those who have faith in Christ as they are in Him and what they can become in Him. Known Christ – Paul doesn't even look at Jesus as He was when He lived within our human condition because Jesus was now in His resurrected body. v. 17 New Creation – Paul points out that no one has the right to limit a person to his former condition outside of the life-changing force of Jesus Christ. We must come to each other with eyes that allow us see who we are and who we will be in Christ. v. 18 All Things Are of God – This refers to all that results from the new life we have within us that is the abiding life of Christ. Reconciled – "Katallasso" in Greek means the removing of enmity (hate, antagonism) between two parties. God has been restored to mankind by providing in Himself a just payment for the penalty of sin due humanity (Rom. 4:5; Col. 2:13; 2 Tim. 4:16). Ministry Of Reconciliation – Reconciliation is the process of bringing to humanity the good news that God has "reconciled" Himself to sinful humanity. Mankind need no longer try to make things right on its own, but simply accept the reconciliation offered through Christ. | v. 19 God Was In Christ – It was God Himself in the person of the eternal Son who paid the debt for sin owed to Himself. Not Impacting – This is an accounting term. It means that the ledger, or the debt, had been canceled and is now nonexistent. A person needs to simply and humbly accept by faith that Jesus did pay his debt of sin. Ambassadors – Paul sees himself as a spokesperson for the King of the Kingdom of God, Jesus Christ. v. 20 Pleading Through Us – Paul's passion to bring people to Jesus Christ was not rooted in his own zeal or ambition but in the love of God for humanity. v. 21 Sin For Us – The debt of sin was imputed to Jesus rather than to us (John 1:24; 1 Peter 1:19). Righteousness – Our sin has been imputed to Jesus, but His righteousness has been imputed to us. What an amazing exchange, rooted in the love of God and justly worked out by Christ's substitutionary death for sinners on the cross! |
2 Corinthians 6
Marks of the Ministry
1 We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain. 2 For He says:
"In an acceptable time I have heard you,
And in the day of salvation I have helped you."
Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.
3 We give no offense in anything, that our ministry may not be blamed. 4 But in all things we commend ourselves as ministers of God: in much patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses, 5 in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness, in fastings; 6 by purity, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by sincere love, 7 by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, 8 by honor and dishonor, by evil report and good report; as deceivers, and yet true; 9 as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold we live; as chastened, and yet not killed; 10 as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.
| Chapter 6 Marks of the Ministry v. 1 Workers Together – Paul and those who worked with him saw themselves as working hand-in-hand with Jesus. They did not see their work for Jesus as separate from Christ's abiding presence. Christ is with us in a most intimate way when we seek to bring people to the reconciliation that is found in Christ. Grace Of God In Vain – Paul declares his deep concern that their experience of God's grace may miss the potential of that grace. Grace is the undeserved blessings of God made available through Jesus Christ. This open access to God's resources can obviously be squandered if left unused. Paul's life was a living witness of just the opposite. Paul was able to say that he had done more than all the other apostles by the fathomless resources of God's grace (1 Cor. 15:10). v. 2 the Accepted Time – Paul quotes Isaiah 49:8—the Messiah is heard by the Father in heaven as He intercedes on behalf of those He will redeem. Paul here refers to the present open ear of God to provide grace to cause these Corinthians to be born again and to have grace to faithfully live out their Christian calling. of Salvation – There is grace to fully save a person the moment he calls upon the Lord. There is equally sufficient grace to grow toward God's will without the need of turning to the Old Testament law. v. 3 Not Be Blamed – Paul realizes the importance of living our lives so they are not in conflict with what we believe and teach others about how to live. This would have been in contrast to those who opposed Paul's ministry and lived lives that brought shame and reproach on Christianity. It is vital that every believer be sensitive to his own behavior so as to not hinder the work of Christ and the salvation of souls. v. 4 We Commend Ourselves – Paul introduces himself as one who in many different ways had lived a life of proven servanthood for God that resulted in the benefit of both the church and the lost. Much Patience – Here Paul gives several examples of patience. The word for patience is "hupomine," which refers to patience in the midst of difficult circumstances, contrasted with "makrothumia," which is patience with people. In Tribulations – "Thipsis" in Greek refers to pressures that result in crushing. In Needs – This points to the times in Paul's life when he was in great need. Sometimes he was in need of not only physical provision but the spiritual support of others. Distresses – "Stenochoria" (Gk.) The root of this Greek word means being in a narrow, confined place. It conveys the result of circumstances that create constrained situations. v. 5 In Stripes – "In stripes" means being whipped. We know from the Book of Acts that Paul had been whipped several times. Paul also refers to this in 11:23. Imprisonments – Paul had been and would continue to be arrested on and off until his martyrdom. Tumults – "Akatastasia" (Gk.) refers to an unsettled, riotous or conflicting situation. In Labors – Not only did Paul work night and day in ministry, but many times was also forced to manufacture tents for his financial needs. | Sleeplessness – Paul's difficult missionary journeys as well as his tireless care of the many churches he served often resulted in sleeplessness. Fastings – In the context of this list, this would not be referring to the periodic fasting Paul submitted to as he sought God but to a forced lack of food. It would have been, like his sleeplessness, the result of his intense travels and ministry lifestyle. v. 6 Purity – "Hagnotes" (Gk.) denotes a complete sincerity and honesty of a person's character. By Knowledge – Paul points to the fact that what he taught was based on his accurate knowledge of spiritual facts. Longsuffering – "Makrothumia" (Gk.) refers to patience with difficult situations and people that extends over a lengthy period of time. Kindness – "Chrestotes" (Gk.) is the demeanor conveyed from within a person that shows forbearance, sensitivity, mercy, and thoughtfulness toward others. Holy Spirit – Paul points to the ministry of the Holy Spirit as evidence that his calling came from God. Sincere Love – "Agape" is used in Greek to convey a special kind of love. Several Greek words are used to convey different aspects of love. Agape conveys a love that is rooted in God's nature and revealed in selfless giving. This is a love not resourced in the person loved but within the nature of the one who loves. Here the love is said to be without falsehood. Words of Truth – Paul's relationship with the word of God provided the basis of truth that enabled all other things in him or around him to be judged by this truth. Power of God – The confirming manifestation of the supernatural power of God over natural forces was an indisputable proof in Paul's life. Armor of Righteousness – Paul's life was protected by the imputed righteousness of Christ. It shielded him from the constant attacks that sought to undermine and demoralize him. v. 7 Right Hand – Paul refers to both the right and left hands to convey the thought of complete protection from the condemning influence of others. This was a result of receiving the gift of right standing before God through the grace of Christ. v. 8 Honor and Dishonor – Paul saw approval of his ministry in two equally valid ways: those who honored his faithful biblical ministry and those who dishonored him because of his biblical stand on the issues. v. 9 As Unknown – Paul never pursued fame or position before man. In some ways, some in the early church wrote him off as insignificant. As Dying – Paul often was physically at the brink of death and living a life wherein he continually died to his own self-interests. Nonetheless, this only manifested God's life within him all the more. v. 10 As Sorrowful – Paul suffered much to bring the gospel to others. However, his investment of selfless love reaped the eternal joy of those who were saved through his efforts. As Poor – Paul lived very differently than many of those who benefitted from his calling. They lived in spiritual wealth because of their position in Christ, which was a result of Paul's ministry to them. At times, Paul chose to live in extreme poverty rather than place a price tag on the ministry. By doing so, he not only made many spiritually rich but also became abundantly blessed in the realm of the spirit. |
Be Holy
11 O Corinthians! We have spoken openly to you, our heart is wide open. 12 You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted by your own affections. 13 Now in return for the same (I speak as to children), you also be open.
14 Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? 15 And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? 16 And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said:
"I will dwell in them
And walk among them.
I will be their God,
And they shall be My people."
17 Therefore
"Come out from among them
And be separate, says the Lord.
Do not touch what is unclean,
And I will receive you."
18 "I will be a Father to you,
And you shall be My sons and daughters,
Says the LORD Almighty."
| Be Holy v. 11 Heart Is Wide Open – Paul ended this long list of proofs of why he should not be rejected by the Corinthians by declaring that his heart was completely open and vulnerable to them. v. 12 You Are Restricted – Paul pinpoints any lack of love being received by these Corinthians from him as sourced in their own closed hearts toward him. v. 13 Also Be Open – Paul asks them to open their hearts to him in the same fashion as he has done toward them. v. 14 Do Not – Paul now addresses some of the issues that his sincere love for them demanded he ask them to face concerning their Christian walk. In v. 14-18, he calls them to not live a life with a double standard or compromise with ungodliness. Unequally Yoked – A yoke was a wooden harness placed over a mule or oxen to guide it in pulling a wagon. It is very difficult and painful to put two different types of animals in the same yoke because they are at different heights and walk at different paces. Paul sees the same problem occurring when believers become deeply involved in living in close fellowship with nonbelievers. Fellowship – "Metoche" (Gk.) refers to close friendship, or a shared life. Paul sees no logical way that opposing forces can find a genuine ground for a personal, shared life. | Righteousness and Lawlessness – Paul can see no harmony between doing what is God's will and living in rebellion to God's will. Light and Darkness – This is a reference to truth and error. v. 15 Christ and Belial – "Christ" is the Greek word for Messiah, and Belial is an ancient term for Satan that means "the utterly worthless one." Believers With an Unbeliever – A believer lives out a faith in God and His truth, which will determine his daily actions, thoughts, and entire belief system. There is no way a nonbeliever can live in harmony with what he does not believe even exists. v. 16 Temple Of God and Idols – "Temple of God" is a reference to the true and living God versus idols that are powerless deceptions that replace God in people's lives. You Are the Temple – Paul points out that the true and living God dwells within the believer. The obvious question is, why would a believer seek to bring his life that is indwelt by God into harmony with what is in opposition to God? I Will Dwell In Them – Paul gives a collection of Old Testament passages in v. 17-18 (Lev. 26:11-12; Jer. 24:7, 31:33; Ez. 37:26-27; Hos. 2:2-3) as proof for what he has just said concerning God dwelling within us. |
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