Having Faith in Our Temporal Earthly Home

Our Heavenly Dwelling

5 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.

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.

(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. 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. 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

Goal: for the Hearer to Understand that the earthly destruction that we are seeing today is just a reminder of how temporal our “earthly Home” truly is.

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. 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.

Good morning Sons & Daughters of St. Paul’s … May the Grace & Peace of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ be with you all … Let Us Pray.

Goal: for the Hearer to Understand that the earthly destruction that we are seeing today is just a reminder of how temporal our “earthly Home” truly is.

Good Morning Sons & Daughters of St. Paul’s … May the Grace & Peace of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ be with you all … Let Us Pray.

So, I was debating on what I was going to preach on this week. I wanted to build on our theme from last week’s message regarding being faithful, but I was struggling to come up with a practical example of this message of faithfulness. Then I was watching ESPN on Tuesday morning and I saw a few interviews of pro athletes that reside or grew up in California near or around the wildfires that are currently happening in California. It got me to thinking about this passage from 2nd Corinthians.

So, I was debating on what I was going to preach on this week. I wanted to build on our theme from last week’s message regarding being faithful, but I was struggling to come up with a practical example of this message of faithfulness. I was watching ESPN on Tuesday morning and I saw a few interviews of pro athletes that reside or grew up near or around the wildfires that are currently happening in California. It got me to thinking about this passage from 2nd Corinthians which I have decided to use as the basis of today’s message.

(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. 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. 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

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

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. 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.

What is happening in California is truly devastating. But in reality it is just another phase of destruction that has occured and will occur over the course of humanities existence on earth. I am, in no way, minimizing what the residents of California are dealing with. I cant even imagine what it would be like to lose everything I own … but my thoughts then travel to the Louisiana residents that are still dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina that happened way back in 2005. I think about the residents of Puerto Rico that are still without the creature comforts we take so for granted since Hurricane Maria devastated their homes in 2017. I think about the Houston Residents still trying to come back from Hurricane Harvey’s destruction in 2017. And lastly, I think about the many parts of Florida that are still trying to function after Hurricane Irma caused so much damage to the Florida coastline making it the costliest storm in Florida’s history.

What is happening in California is truly devastating. But in reality, it is just another phase of destruction that has occurred and will occur over the course of humanities existence on earth. I am, in no way, minimizing what the residents of California are dealing with. I can’t even imagine what it would be like to lose everything I own … but my thoughts then travel to the Louisiana residents that are still dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina that happened way back in 2005. I think about the residents of Puerto Rico that are still without the creature comforts we take so for granted since Hurricane Maria devastated their homes in 2017. I think about the Houston Residents still trying to come back from Hurricane Harvey’s destruction in 2017. And lastly, I think about the many parts of Florida that are still trying to function after Hurricane Irma caused so much damage to the Florida coastline making it the costliest storm in Florida’s history.

Unfortunately, natural disasters will continue to plague us while we reside on this earth. Atheists always seem to use these type of events as proof that “if” there really was a “loving God,” He would never allow such suffering amongst His followers … so they then assume in fact because of the struggling going on that there is no God. This is a very sad discourse that they put their “faith” in. Last week week we heard from the persecuted Apostle Paul as he wrote to his protege Timothy. He was talking to Timothy about being chained and flipped it around to show how God’s word is not bound …

Unfortunately, natural disasters will continue to plague us while we reside on this earth. Atheists always seem to use these types of events as proof that “if”

(ESV)

there really was a “loving God,” He would never allow such suffering amongst His followers … so they then assume in fact because of the struggling going on that there is no God. This is a very sad discourse that they put their “faith” in. Last week we heard from the persecuted Apostle Paul as he wrote to his protege Timothy. He was talking to Timothy about being chained and flipped it around to show how God’s word is not bound …

10 Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. 11 The saying is trustworthy, for: If we have died with him, we will also live with him; 12 if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us; 13 if we are faithless, he remains faithful

If we have died with him, we will also live with him;

(ESV)

Paul suffered greatly to proclaim the Gospel of Christ. His suffering related to his bondage and the damage inflicted to his earthly body. In his suffering though, he still spoke of Our Savior’s faithfulness, regardless of the level of our faith. Our passage from 2nd Corinthians talks about a different type of suffering. This tent that Paul is referring to is just that. Tents are made to be mobile and do not offer permanent protection from the elements. These tents that are mentioned do not just refer to our earthly dwellings … they also reference our earthly bodies. Just as our houses can be destroyed by nature’s fury … Our “tents” or bodies will someday succumb to an earthly death. But as our “tent” dwelling fades away, the cloak of God’s eternal dwelling is sure for all those who trust in Him.

12 if we endure, we will also reign with him;

10 Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. 11 The saying is trustworthy, for: If we have died with him, we will also live with him; 12 if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us; 13 if we are faithless, he remains faithful

In verse 4 Paul talks about being burdened by life’s stressors. Knowing that the eternal is yet to come, this temporal existence may feel burdensome to us. But Paul gives us a unique way to took at this. He does not wish to do away with his temporal existence, for he knows that God has His purposes for all things. Rather, he earnestly prays that God swallow up his mortality with Christlike immortality in His time. you See … God has given us a guarantee. He gave us The Holy Spirit which we received in our Baptism. This is God’s “deposit” of His continued faithfulness. Again we see a picture of God’s faithfulness despite any effort from His Children.

the cloak of God’s eternal dwelling is sure for all those who trust in Him.

if we deny him, he also will deny us;

Paul suffered greatly to proclaim the Gospel of Christ. His suffering related to his bondage and the damage inflicted to his earthly body. In his suffering though, he still spoke of Our Savior’s faithfulness, regardless of the level of our faith. Our passage from 2nd Corinthians talks about a different type of suffering. This tent that Paul is referring to is just that. Tents are made to be mobile and do not offer permanent protection from the elements. These tents that are mentioned do not just refer to our earthly dwellings … they also reference our earthly bodies. Just as our houses can be destroyed by nature’s fury … Our “tents” or bodies will someday succumb to an earthly death. But as our “tent” dwelling fades away, the cloak of God’s eternal dwelling is sure for all those who trust in Him.

The Holy Spirit received in Baptism is God’s “deposit” of His continued faithfulness. God

He does not wish to do away with his temporal existence, for God has His purposes for all things. Rather, he earnestly prays that God swallow up his mortality with Christlike immortality in His time

Knowing that the eternal is yet to come, this temporal existence feels burdensome

We are also reminded by Paul in verse 7 that We must trust in God’s promises, not in only what we see with our eyes … We must also have faith. Just as in any of these disasters that I have mentioned earlier … we must always remind ourselves that our earthly dwellings can be rebuilt. We also need to remember that afflictions and struggles are temporary; therefore, they are light compared to the glory of being God’s reconciled and restored people, living in His presence forever. Eternity in Heaven is our ultimate goal. We must remember that being Christians isn't easy. Living and sharing the life of Christ with others often has a cost. Paul instructs us to look beyond the momentary affliction to the eternal glory of salvation in Jesus. He tells us to look to the treasure, not to the earthen vessel, for our confidence with God. God’s promises of life and salvation are the most real things in our lives. Because that is true, believers can look at afflictions and struggles purposefully as opportunities that make God’s power more evident to those around them. Afflictions are temporary nuisances that will surely give way to the glory of life eternal with our Savior.

We must live by faith … a faith knowing that our God does not take away our homes and communities out of anger. We must know that the world is dead to its sins. It is the unrepentant sin of mankind that brings on any potential wrath of God. God once flooded the Earth because of the sin of mankind. He promised that he would never again do this. But mankind has not learned its lesson. We don’t follow God’s laws. We pervert His wonderful creation. We think that being a good person is what is needed to get us into heaven. We then lose our homes and then cant understand that all that is happening is a subtle reminder that we are not in control … of anything really. We look for answers. We want someone to blame … so we lash out at God. But the funny thing about that, for many unbelievers, is how can you lash out at someone you dont believe even exists? I find it amazing that public figures that speak out in support of their ravaged communities always say something like “My thoughts and prayers are with those that are being afflicted in this crisis.” Many of these figures profess no religious affiliation whatsoever, yet they are praying. Who and what are they praying to? It reminds us that saying the right thing when we are in the spotlight is not the same as believing it. Believing what we are are saying requires us to have faith in that which we are speaking.

13 if we are faithless, he remains faithful—

reminds us

In verse 4 Paul talks about being burdened by life’s stressors. Knowing that the eternal is yet to come, this temporal existence may feel burdensome to us. But Paul gives us a unique way to look at this. He does not wish to do away with his temporal existence, for he knows that God has His purposes for all things. Rather, he earnestly prays that God swallow up his mortality with Christlike immortality in His time. you See … God has given us a guarantee. He gave us The Holy Spirit which we received in our Baptism. This is God’s “deposit” of His continued faithfulness. Again, we see a picture of God’s faithfulness despite any effort from His Children.

Engelbrecht, E. A. (2009). The Lutheran Study Bible (p. 1982). St. Louis, MO: Concordia Publishing House.

Engelbrecht, E. A. (2009). The Lutheran Study Bible (p. 1986). St. Louis, MO: Concordia Publishing House.

Living and sharing the life of Christ with others often has a cost. Paul instructs us to look beyond the momentary affliction to the eternal glory of salvation in Jesus. He tells us to look to the treasure, not to the earthen vessel, for our confidence with God. God’s promises of life and salvation are the most real things in our lives. Because that is true, believers can look at afflictions and struggles purposefully as opportunities that make God’s power more evident to those around them. Afflictions are temporary nuisances that will surely give way to the glory of life eternal with our Savior.

We trust in God’s promises, not in what we see with our eyes

Afflictions and struggles are temporary; therefore, they are light compared to the glory of being God’s reconciled and restored people, living in His presence forever

English Standard Version Chapter 3

The Righteous Shall Live by Faith

10 For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.” 11 Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for “The righteous shall live by faith.” 12 But the law is not of faith, rather “The one who does them shall live by them.” 13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”— 14 so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.

The Righteous Shall Live by Faith

English Standard Version Chapter 3

The Righteous Shall Live by Faith

10 For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.” 11 Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for “The righteous shall live by faith.” 12 But the law is not of faith, rather “The one who does them shall live by them.” 13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”— 14 so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.

We are also reminded by Paul in verse 7 that We must trust in God’s promises, not in only what we see with our eyes … We must also have faith. Just as in any of these disasters that I have mentioned earlier … we must always remind ourselves that our earthly dwellings can be rebuilt. We also need to remember that afflictions and struggles are temporary; therefore, they are light compared to the glory of being God’s reconciled and restored people, living in His presence forever. Eternity in Heaven is our ultimate goal. We must remember that being Christians isn't easy. Living and sharing the life of Christ with others often has a cost. Paul instructs us to look beyond the momentary affliction to the eternal glory of salvation in Jesus. He tells us to look to the treasure, not to the earthen vessel, for our confidence with God. God’s promises of life and salvation are the most real things in our lives. Because that is true, believers can look at afflictions and struggles purposefully as opportunities that make God’s power more evident to those around them. Afflictions are temporary nuisances that will surely give way to the glory of life eternal with our Savior.

We must live by faith … a faith knowing that our God does not take away our homes and communities out of anger. We must know that the world is dead to its sins. It is the unrepentant sin of mankind that brings on any potential wrath of God. God once flooded the Earth because of the sin of mankind. He promised that he would never again do this. But mankind has not learned its lesson. We don’t follow God’s laws. We pervert His wonderful creation. We think that being a good person is what is needed to get us into heaven. We then lose our homes and then can’t understand that all that is happening is a subtle reminder that we are not in control … of anything really. We look for answers. We want someone to blame … so we lash out at God. But the funny thing about that, for many unbelievers, is how can you lash out at someone you don’t believe even exists? I find it amazing that public figures that speak out in support of their ravaged communities always say something like “My thoughts and prayers are with those that are being afflicted in this crisis.” Many of these figures profess no religious affiliation whatsoever, yet they are praying. Who and what are they praying to? It reminds us that saying the right thing when we are in the spotlight is not the same as believing it. Believing what we are saying requires us to have faith in that which we are speaking.

Its all about Our Faith … and its all about what Christ did on the cross for each and every one of us. Christ redeems us from the Law’s curse by becoming a curse for us. One sin, no matter how trivial it may seem to us, makes us a transgressor of the whole Law and accountable to God. But Christ’s death on the cross releases us from the guilt of every transgression.

My beloved … It’s all about Our Faith … and its all about what Christ did on the cross for each and every one of us. Christ redeems us from the Law’s curse by becoming a curse for us. One sin, no matter how trivial it may seem to us, makes us a transgressor of the whole Law and accountable to God. But Christ’s death on the cross releases us from the guilt of every transgression. Christ bridged that gap between us and God that was created by our sin. He paid the price for all … regardless of who or what others may put their faith in.

reminds us that The Righteous Shall Live by Faith …

Christ redeems us from the Law’s curse by becoming a curse for us. One sin, no matter how trivial it may seem to us, makes us a transgressor of the whole Law and accountable to God (). But Christ’s death on the cross releases us from the guilt of every transgression.

I am not saying that anyone who has been affected by any of these natural disasters didn't have faith either. And that is not the point I am trying to emphasize here. What it comes down to is being faithful to Our God and His promises to us. Through these disasters, we should be reminded that our faith can overcome. Our faith in Our God should help us to be there for those who are suffering. We should be there for our neighbors both locally and in our nation and throughout this world. Its not about the works that we do … Its about working faithfully to bring the gospel of Christ to those who dont know Him or to those who need to see Him in us and in our actions. This can be manifested in numerous ways. Beyond that, we must be reminded that all of this is temporary. Jesus will come back and we will rise again to a new life in a new home. One that is permanent.

10 For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.” 11 Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for “The righteous shall live by faith.” 12 But the law is not of faith, rather “The one who does them shall live by them.” 13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”— 14 so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.

The Lutheran Study Bible (Notes) Chapter 3

Christ redeems us from the Law’s curse by becoming a curse for us. One sin, no matter how trivial it may seem to us, makes us a transgressor of the whole Law and accountable to God (Jas 2:10). But Christ’s death on the cross releases us from the guilt of every transgression.

The Lutheran Study Bible (Notes) Chapter 3

Christ redeems us from the Law’s curse by becoming a curse for us. One sin, no matter how trivial it may seem to us, makes us a transgressor of the whole Law and accountable to God (Jas 2:10). But Christ’s death on the cross releases us from the guilt of every transgression.

My beloved … it’s all about Our Faith … and it’s all about what Christ did on the cross for each and every one of us. Christ redeems us from the Law’s curse by becoming a curse for us. One sin, no matter how trivial it may seem to us, makes us a transgressor of the whole Law and accountable to God. But Christ’s death on the cross releases us from the guilt of every transgression. Christ bridged that gap between us and God that was created by our sin. He paid the price for all … regardless of who or what others may put their faith in.

We need to follow Paul’s lead My Beloved. He is simply instructing the believer to please God. We, even as Christians, often live to please others and to please ourselves, neglecting the one thing that makes life worth living—pleasing Christ. Paul calls us to get our priorities straight. To please Christ is to trust in His word of grace for us. His grace, His forgiveness, His gift of faith by the power of the Holy Spirit assures us that nothing in this world can separate us from God, and that Judgment Day will be a day of celebration for those who put their trust and faith in Him. AMEN?

Let Us Pray … Dear Lord, impress upon our hearts the greatness of Your grace to us, by the power of Your Holy Spirit, so that we can walk confidently by faith until we see You gloriously face-to-face. We ask that you comfort those afflicted by the wildfires and all those that continue to recover from disasters throughout our world. Help us to remain faithful to Your law because of the Gospel. We ask these and all things in the name of Your Son Jesus Christ. Amen.

The Lutheran Study Bible (Notes) Chapter 3

Christ redeems us from the Law’s curse by becoming a curse for us. One sin, no matter how trivial it may seem to us, makes us a transgressor of the whole Law and accountable to God (Jas 2:10). But Christ’s death on the cross releases us from the guilt of every transgression.

I am not saying that anyone who has been affected by any of these natural disasters didn't have faith either. And that is not the point I am trying to emphasize here. What it comes down to is being faithful to Our God and His promises to us. Through these disasters, we should be reminded that our faith can overcome. Our faith in Our God should help us to be there for those who are suffering. We should be there for our neighbors both locally and in our nation and throughout this world. It’s not about the works that we do … Its about working faithfully to bring the gospel of Christ to those who don’t know Him or to those who need to see Him in us and in our actions. This can be manifested in numerous ways. Beyond that, we must be reminded that all of this is temporary. Jesus will come back, and we will rise again to a new life in a new home. One that is not temporal, but permanent.

Paul simply instructs the believer to please God. We, even as Christians, often live to please others and to please ourselves, neglecting the one thing that makes life worth living—pleasing Christ. Paul calls us to get our priorities straight. To please Christ is to trust in His word of grace for us. His grace, His forgiveness, His gift of faith by the power of the Holy Spirit assures us that nothing in this world can separate us from God, and that Judgment Day will be a day of celebration for those who put their trust in Him. • Dear Lord, impress upon my heart the greatness of Your grace to me, by the power of Your Holy Spirit, so that I can walk confidently by faith until I see You gloriously face-to-face. Amen.

• Dear Lord, impress upon my heart the greatness of Your grace to me, by the power of Your Holy Spirit, so that I can walk confidently by faith until I see You gloriously face-to-face. Amen.

Dear Lord, impress upon my heart the greatness of Your grace to me, by the power of Your Holy Spirit, so that I can walk confidently by faith until I see You gloriously face-to-face. Amen.

We just need to follow Paul’s lead My Beloved … He is simply instructing the believer to please God. We, even as Christians, often live to please others and to please ourselves, neglecting the one thing that makes life worth living—pleasing Christ. Paul calls us to get our priorities straight. To please Christ is to trust in His word of grace for us. His grace, His forgiveness, His gift of faith by

the power of the Holy Spirit assures us that nothing in this world can separate us from God, and that Judgment Day will be a day of celebration for those who put their trust and faith in Him. Pray for those affected by the disasters that many of our fellow countrymen face …. even send money to help them rebuild if you are so moved. Be the Gospel in action … Help others who are lost in the world, so they can see the one who saved the world in us and in our actions. Reflect the light of the Gospel to the world. That’s just a minute fraction of what our faith in God – The Father, God - The son, and the Holy Spirit can do for mankind. AMEN?

Let Us Pray … Dear Lord, impress upon our hearts the greatness of Your grace to us, by the power of Your Holy Spirit, so that we can walk confidently by faith until we see You gloriously face-to-face. We ask that you comfort those afflicted by the wildfires and all those that continue to recover from disasters throughout our world. Help us to remain faithful to Your law because of the Gospel. We ask these and all things in the name of Your Son Jesus Christ. Amen.

Having Faith in Our Temporal Earthly Home

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