2 Corinthians 5:6-9 (NLT)
6 So we are always confident, even though we know that as long as we live in these bodies we are not at home with the Lord. 7 For we live by believing and not by seeing. 8 Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord. 9 So whether we are here in this body or away from this body, our goal is to please him.
CONFIDENCE BEYOND CIRCUMSTANCE
2 Corinthians 5:6 (NLT)
6 So we are always confident, even though we know that as long as we live in these bodies we are not at home with the Lord.
2 Corinthians 5:1-5 (NLT)
5 For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down (that is, when we die and leave this earthly body), we will have a house in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God himself and not by human hands. 2 We grow weary in our present bodies, and we long to put on our heavenly bodies like new clothing. 3 For we will put on heavenly bodies; we will not be spirits without bodies. 4 While we live in these earthly bodies, we groan and sigh, but it’s not that we want to die and get rid of these bodies that clothe us. Rather, we want to put on our new bodies so that these dying bodies will be swallowed up by life. 5 God himself has prepared us for this, and as a guarantee he has given us his Holy Spirit.
1 Corinthians 2:9-10 (NLT)
9 That is what the Scriptures mean when they say,
“No eye has seen, no ear has heard,
and no mind has imagined
what God has prepared
for those who love him.”
10 But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God’s deep secrets.
FAITH BEYOND OUR CIRCUMSTANCE
2 Corinthians 5:7 (NLT)
7 For we live by believing and not by seeing.
Hebrews 11:1 (NLT)
11 Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.
HOME BEYOND OUR CIRCUMSTANCE
2 Corinthians 5:8 (NLT)
8 Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord.
Philippians 1:21-24 (NLT)
21 For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better. 22 But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So I really don’t know which is better. 23 I’m torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me. 24 But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live.
PURPOSE BEYOND OUR CIRCUMSTANCE
2 Corinthians 5:9 (NLT)
9 So whether we are here in this body or away from this body, our goal is to please him.
Sermon Questions
- Confidence Beyond Circumstance: In 2 Corinthians 5:6, Paul talks about being confident even though we are not yet with the Lord. How does this passage challenge you to live confidently despite the limitations of your current circumstances?
- Faith Beyond Our Circumstance: 2 Corinthians 5:7 reminds us to live by believing, not by seeing. How does this definition of faith (Hebrews 11:1) encourage you to trust in God when you don’t fully understand or see the outcome?
- Purpose Beyond Our Circumstance: Paul says our goal is to please God, whether we are in this life or the next (2 Corinthians 5:9). What are some ways you can live with the purpose of pleasing God, regardless of the challenges you face today?