2 Corinthians 5-6
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Chapter 5
1 Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands – Cf. John 14:2.
2 Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, 3because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked – Cf. Rev 3:7.
5 Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come – “Guranteeing” = arrabon used today of an “engagement ring.” (Cf. Sealing: 2 Cor 1:22; Eph 1:13-14.).
8 We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord – Refutes “soul sleep,” (the believing dead are held in some sort of suspended animation until the resurrection occurs) and the false doctrine of “purgatory” (the believing dead must be “cleaned up” through their own suffering before coming into the presence of God).
9 So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it – Paul urged the Ephesians to try “to learn what is pleasing to the Lord” (Eph. 5:10). He described the Philippians’ financial support of him as being “well-pleasing to God” (Phil. 4:18). In Colossians 3:20 he noted that children’s obedience to their parents “is well-pleasing to the Lord.”
10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad - Bema Seat – In the New Testament it was used of the judgment seats of Pilate (Matt. 27:19; John 19:13), Herod (Acts 12:21), and Festus (Acts 25:6, 10, 17). There was also a bēma at Corinth, where unbelieving Jews unsuccessfully accused Paul before the Roman proconsul Gallio (Acts 18:12, 16, 17). Cf. 1 Corinthians 3:12-15.
- What exactly will be judged at the Bema Seat:
1) Our Deeds (1 Cor 3:13; 2 Cor 5:10; Rev 2:23) must be according to Scripture (1 Cor 9:24; 2 Tim 2:5). Must emerge from motivation to bring honor to God (Rev 2:23; 1 Cor 4:5; Mt 6:1-4; Heb 4:12-13; Col 3:22-25; 1 Cor 10:31). 2) Our Faithfulness (Mt 24:45; 25:23; Lk 16:10; 1 Cor 4:2; Rev 2:10). 3) Our Words (Mt 12:36-37; Lk 12:2-3).
11 Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience – Cf. Hebrews 10:31
12 We are not trying to commend ourselves to you again, but are giving you an opportunity to take pride in us, so that you can answer those who take pride in what is seen rather than in what is in the heart – Cf. 1Sam 16:7.
15 And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again – Cf. 1John 2:2.
20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God – ambassador: 1. A diplomatic official of the highest rank appointed and accredited as representative in residence by one government or sovereign to another, usually for a specific length of time.
Chapter 6
1 As God’s fellow workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain – We are fellow workers with God!!! Grace in vain means receiving God’s grace and favor and then hindering the work of that grace in and through our lives.
14 Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? - The idea of do not be unequally yoked together is based on Deuteronomy 22:9-10, which prohibited yoking together two different kinds of animals; clean animals and unclean animals.
15 What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? – Belial is a word borrowed from Hebrew, meaning worthlessness or wickedness.
17 “Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.” 18 “I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” – Cf. James 4:4. God’s love is possessive (Jer 3:14; Isa 54:5; Hos 2:14, 20; 2 Cor 11:2,3).
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