Week 10 - The Christian Hope: Looking Forward to Life After Death

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DECLARATION:

Ephesians 2:20–22 (ESV)

20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.

SVCC is built by God, upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, and with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone.

We are joined together by union with Christ, we are growing, and we are a dwelling place of God by his Spirit.

Prayer for...

INTRODUCTION:

Review:

WHY?…

TODAY:

The Christian Hope: Looking Forward to Life After Death

Opening Scripture:

2 Corinthians 5:1 (ESV)

1 For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

“if our earthly tent we live in is destroyed”

Romans 8:23 “23 And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.”

The Christian Hope (5:1–5)

2 Corinthians 5:1–5 “1 For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling, 3 if indeed by putting it on we may not be found naked. 4 For while we are still in this tent, we groan, being burdened—not that we would be unclothed, but that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. 5 He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.”

1. Our Hope Is For the Eternal Abode

An eternal dwelling in the heavens—the resurrection body replacing our earthly body (v. 1)

2. Our Hope Continues In The Midst Of Our Groaning

While we await our heavenly dwelling, we “groan” in our earthly body (v. 2)

3. Our Hope Is Not For Disembodiment But Is For Resurrected Bodies

Our hope is not for “nakedness,” i.e., disembodiment, but for a resurrection body (vv. 3–4)

4. Our Hope Is Affirmed By the Spirit

The presence of the Holy Spirit is God’s pledge that our hope will be fulfilled (v. 5)

Caterpillar becoming a Butterfly: The caterpillar symbolizes our earthly existence, constrained by the limitations of our present bodies and the temporal nature of our surroundings.

As the caterpillar undergoes a profound metamorphosis within the cocoon, Christians, too, undergo a transformation through Christian hope. The apostle Paul speaks of this anticipation, comparing it to the caterpillar's transformation into a butterfly.

Just as the butterfly emerges from the cocoon, Christians can find hope in the promise of an eternal dwelling, a transformed existence, and the affirmation of the Holy Spirit's presence. The caterpillar's journey becomes a powerful metaphor for our Christian hope — a hope that goes beyond the earthly, temporal struggles into the glorious reality of eternity.

5. Our Hope Is To Be Transformative

2 Corinthians 5:6–10 “6 So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, 7 for we walk by faith, not by sight. 8 Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 9 So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.”

Living “Away from the Lord” (5:6–10)

A. Always confident even though we are “away from the Lord” (v. 6)

B. Walking by faith not by sight (v. 7)

C. Our aim is always to be pleasing to God (v. 9)

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Evaluation of our work in the body: Imagine an artist passionately working on a painting, investing time, skill, and creativity into every stroke. As the canvas evolves, the artist meticulously evaluates each element, ensuring that it aligns with the vision in mind. The process is not just about completion but about the perfection of the masterpiece.

In a similar vein, the evaluation of our works before the judgment seat of Christ can be likened to the unveiling of this artistic creation. The canvas represents the tapestry of our lives, woven with decisions, actions, and choices. Each stroke symbolizes a moment, an opportunity, a relationship, or a service rendered.

Conclusion/Reflection:

2 Corinthians 5:10 “10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.”

Evaluation of our works before the judgment seat of Christ (v. 10)

This is not determining destiny (1 Cor 3:10–15; 4:5; cf. Luke 12:42–48)

This is not condemnation of believers (Rom. 5:16, 18; 8:1)

Application:

1. Daily Alignment with God…brings Confidence

2. (Leads to) Intentional Living...directed by our Walk of Faith

3. (And ultimately you will) Leave a Legacy…It pleases God to pass on His ways to others

TALK IT OVER

In 2 Corinthians 5:1, Paul speaks of our anticipation of an eternal dwelling. How does this perspective impact the way we navigate the challenges and joys of our present earthly life? How can we cultivate a greater sense of anticipation for our heavenly dwelling in our daily walk with Christ?

2 Corinthians 5:10 speaks of appearing before the judgment seat of Christ to receive what is due for the things done in the body, whether good or bad. How does this concept shape our understanding of accountability and the evaluation of our works as Christians? How can we ensure that our actions align with God's standards?

Reflecting on the idea that our actions have a lasting impact, discuss specific ways in which acts of kindness, love, and service can be transformative in our communities and relationships. How can we encourage one another to invest in impactful acts that contribute positively to the lives of those around us?