Lecture Notes on 2 Corinthians 5

Introduction

• Speaker expresses privilege in addressing the audience.
• Reading from 2 Corinthians 5:6-17.

Key Verses and Concepts

• 2 Corinthians 5:6-10: The Courage of Faith
  • Always be of good courage.
  • While at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord.
  • Walk by faith, not by sight.
  • Ambition to be pleasing to God.
  • All will appear before the Judgment seat of Christ.

The Nature of True Spirituality

• False perceptions about the strength of spiritual leaders.
• True strength comes from recognizing one’s weakness.
• Example of a young man in the ocean illustrates utter dependence on others.
  • Spiritual maturity involves realizing one’s absolute need for Christ.

The Role of Weakness in Spiritual Growth

• Paul and Peter as examples: They recognized their weaknesses.
• To be used by God often requires suffering and breaking.
• Acknowledge that nothing can be contributed to salvation except our sin.

Courage and Hope

• Courage should be viewed as encouragement and hope, not just fearlessness.
• Hopelessness is the greatest enemy; it arises from disconnecting from God.
• Life’s struggles are part of being in a warzone, not our ultimate reality.

Living with Expectation

• This life is not the end; there is something more glorious awaiting.
• Longing for Home: The joy and wonder of life are found in the journey with Christ.
• Eternal Perspective: Encourages a cosmic view of the new creation and reigning Christ.

Faith Defined

• Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, based on God’s promises.
• Emphasizes the importance of scripture and personal relationship over mere moralism.
• Discouragement: The greatest battle in a Christian's life.
  • Overcoming it requires grounding in scripture and prayer.

The Role of Ambition

• Ambition in a Christian context should aim to please Christ.
• A call to be more ambitious than secular pursuits.
• Final Judgment: Understanding accountability for gifts and opportunities given by Christ.

The Greater Light: Love of Christ

• The love of Christ, not our love for Him, should control us.
• Emphasizes growing in understanding of Christ’s love.
• Motivation from Christ’s love leads to a dedicated life of service.

Conclusion and Prayer

• Encouragement to pursue understanding of God’s love.
• Importance of being captivated by the beauty of Christ.
• Closing prayer for help in grasping these truths.