In 2 Corinthians 5:1–11, Paul continues his defense of his ministry by explaining how his confidence in the resurrection shapes his message, motivates his courage, and defines his integrity.



In this week’s episode, we explore:




* How Paul contrasts earthly suffering with eternal glory



* What Paul means when he says “our outer self is wasting away”



* Why the Holy Spirit is described as a pledge and what it guarantees



* The debate between the two-stage and three-stage views of life after death



* The meaning and purpose of the judgment seat of Christ



* How Paul’s hope in the resurrection affects how he lives—and why that matters




By listening, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how Paul’s eternal perspective gave him courage, how that same perspective can shape our lives today, and what it means to aim to please Christ in all we do.







Why We Should Not Fear Death (2 Corinthians 5:1-11)



Review 2 Corinthians so far




* When Paul speaks in the plural (“we”), he usually means only himself.



* Paul has a difficult relationship with this church. Some in the church respect and accept him. But others in the church have rejected his authority as an apostle.



* He repeatedly emphasizes three themes:

* Paul is not adequate to produce the results that his ministry has been producing.



* Paul speaks with openness and integrity. Paul is not a salesman. His goal is NOT to manipulate you into buying the gospel.



* The gospel is superior to the Old Covenant because through His spirit, God is transforming his people.





* In 2 Corinthians 4, Paul gave two reasons why he does not despair despite suffering for the gospel:

* God has given him a great ministry.



* God is teaching him through is sufferings.






Paul continues with this theme of learning through suffering in 2 Corinthians 5.



Paul's Metaphors and Contrasts




* Outer vs Inner man: By fixing his vision fixed on eternal things, he does not fall into despair even though outwardly he is suffering greatly.



* Present afflictions vs. eternal glory: His current sufferings pale in comparison to the future God has promised.



* Visible vs. invisible: If he focused on his tangible experience in this world he would lose heart. Instead he thinks about the unseen promises of God.




Earthly Tent vs. Heavenly building; Clothed vs naked:




* Paul is echoing Isaiah 25:6-8



* As an apostle, Paul faces death almost daily.



* His hope is that when he dies and loses is temporary tent and his current clothing that he will not be left naked or unprotected. 



* He longs for new clothing and a new house that will protect him when he dies.



* God has promised an eternal home, and gives the Spirit as a pledge.



* Paul’s confidence in the future is rooted in the Spirit’s work in his life now.



* The Spirit guarantees that Paul will indeed arrive at that new life in that new body. 



* The result is Paul can face death with courage.




Two Views on Life After Death



Throughout church history and in reading 2 Corinthians,...