Why It Matters//

The New Testament is full of reminders to “set our eyes on heavenly things,” to “seek the kingdom first,” and to “store up treasures in heaven,” all of which go against the cultural norms of living for ourselves and for the things/people of this world. As followers of Christ, we are not to be tied down or weighed down by the same kinds of concerns, worries, and idols that trap others; we are called to an eternal hope and perspective that remind us of this truth: our calling and purpose go far above and beyond this life on earth as we know it. Our circumstances and experiences on earth are real, yes, but they are not everything, and understanding this empowers us to see the world through the lens of Christ, not popular opinion. And in this truth we are given HOPE, hope in what is not yet seen but what is promised by a God whose Word never fails.

What It’s Talking About//

The Apostle Paul wrote this letter to the church in Corinth to further instruct them in the faith, calling them to stand firm and be obedient in their walks with Christ. In this particular letter, he offers encouragement to the church, reminding them of an eternal, kingdom perspective that keeps our eyes fixed on Christ instead of our circumstances. No matter what we may see or how we may feel, we take courage because we recognize that this life is temporary, a mere fragment compared to the glory and eternity of life with Jesus.

2 Corinthians 4:13-5:10 NIV

13 It is written: “I believed; therefore I have spoken.” Since we have that same spirit of faith, we also believe and therefore speak, 

14 because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you to himself. 

15 All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.

16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 

17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 

18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

1 For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. 

2 Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, 

3 because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. 

4 For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. 

5 Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

6 Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. 

7 For we live by faith, not by sight. 

8 We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 

9 So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. 

10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.