2 Corinthians 5

Chapter Summary

In 2 Corinthians 5, Paul discusses the Christian's hope of eternal life with Christ, and how this hope should motivate us to live faithfully in the present. He writes about the groaning of creation and the believer's longing for heaven, where we will receive new, glorified bodies. Paul also talks about the ministry of reconciliation, and how we are ambassadors for Christ, calling people to repentance and faith. He emphasizes the importance of living in light of eternity, and being motivated by the love of Christ. Key verses include 2 Corinthians 5:1, 7, and 14, which highlight the Christian's hope, faith, and love.

Context for the Chapter

This chapter is part of Paul's second letter to the Corinthian church, which he wrote to address various issues and concerns that had arisen in the church. The chapter is situated in the larger context of Paul's discussion of the Christian life, and how we are to live in light of our faith in Christ. The chapter is also connected to the broader biblical narrative, which presents the story of creation, fall, and redemption through Christ.

Heart Application

As we read this chapter, we are called to reflect on our own faith and trust in God's power and promises. We are to live in light of eternity, and to trust in God's goodness and sovereignty even in the midst of suffering. We are also to be motivated by the love of Christ, and to be ambassadors for him in a world that needs to hear the gospel.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

This chapter is about living by faith in God's power and promises, and trusting in his goodness and sovereignty even in the midst of suffering. We are to live in light of eternity, and to be motivated by the love of Christ. As Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5:7, we are to live by faith, not by sight, and to trust in God's power to raise us from the dead.

Voices from the Church

“Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. It is the anchor of the soul, which holds us fast to the rock of ages.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“We are not to live according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. We are to walk by faith, not by sight, and to trust in God's power and promises.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

1. The Christian's Hope of Eternal Life (2 Corinthians 5:1-5) — Paul writes about the groaning of creation and the believer's longing for heaven, where we will receive new, glorified bodies.
2. Living by Faith, Not by Sight (2 Corinthians 5:6-10) — Paul emphasizes the importance of faith in the Christian life, and how it enables us to trust in God's power and promises even in the midst of suffering.
3. The Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:11-21) — Paul writes about the ministry of reconciliation, and how we are ambassadors for Christ, calling people to repentance and faith.
4. The Motivation of Christ's Love (2 Corinthians 5:14-15) — Paul emphasizes the importance of being motivated by the love of Christ, and how this love should shape our daily lives.
5. The Call to Repentance and Faith (2 Corinthians 5:20-21) — Paul calls people to repentance and faith, and emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's power and promises.

Core Doctrines

The Doctrine of Heaven

This chapter teaches that heaven is the eternal dwelling place of believers, where we will receive new, glorified bodies and live in the presence of God.

The Doctrine of Faith

This chapter emphasizes the importance of faith in the Christian life, and how it enables us to trust in God's power and promises even in the midst of suffering.

The Doctrine of Reconciliation

This chapter teaches that reconciliation is the ministry of restoring people to a right relationship with God, which is made possible through the death and resurrection of Christ.

The Doctrine of the Love of Christ

This chapter emphasizes the importance of being motivated by the love of Christ, and how this love should shape our daily lives.

Lessons from 2 Corinthians 5

1. The Importance of Faith — Faith is the means by which we live, and the way in which we trust in God's power and promises.
2. The Ministry of Reconciliation — We are to be ambassadors for Christ, calling people to repentance and faith.
3. The Motivation of Christ's Love — The love of Christ should motivate us to live for him, and to call others to repentance and faith.
4. The Tension Between Earth and Heaven — We are to live in light of eternity, and to trust in God's power to raise us from the dead.
5. The Call to Repentance and Faith — We are to call people to repentance and faith, and to trust in God's power and promises.

Themes from 2 Corinthians 5

1. Heaven and Earth — The chapter presents a tension between our earthly bodies and our heavenly dwelling, and how this tension should shape our daily lives.
2. Faith and Sight — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith in the Christian life, and how it enables us to trust in God's power and promises even in the midst of suffering.
3. Reconciliation and Ambassadors — The chapter teaches that reconciliation is the ministry of restoring people to a right relationship with God, and that we are to be ambassadors for Christ.
4. The Love of Christ — The chapter emphasizes the importance of being motivated by the love of Christ, and how this love should shape our daily lives.
5. Eternity and the Present — The chapter calls us to live in light of eternity, and to trust in God's power to raise us from the dead.

Questions for Meditation

1. What is the Christian's hope of eternal life, and how does it shape our daily lives?
2. How does faith enable us to trust in God's power and promises even in the midst of suffering?
3. What is the ministry of reconciliation, and how are we to be ambassadors for Christ?
4. How does the love of Christ motivate us to live for him, and to call others to repentance and faith?
5. What does it mean to live by faith, not by sight, and how can we trust in God's power and promises in our daily lives?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on 2 Corinthians 5

	Sermon	Description
	Crusade 1957 by Billy Graham	This sermon emphasizes the importance of examining and surrendering our hearts to God. It delves into the sinful, wicked, rebellious, and hardened nature of the human heart, highli
	Modern American Christianity by Paul Washer	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of lasting fruit in the Christian life. He challenges the notion that temporary emotional experiences can be considered as a g
	Accountability to God - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill	Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the urgency of accountability to God, arguing that if believers truly believed in the imminent return of Jesus, their lives would reflect that belief t
	Christ Magnified in Our Bodies by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of redeeming the time and not wasting opportunities. He highlights the urgency of spreading the gospel, as there are millions
	Only One Life Will Soon Be Past by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living a life that pleases God. He highlights the concept of appearing before the judgment seat of Christ, where believers
	Set Your Affections Above - Part 1 by Derek Prince	In this sermon, the speaker focuses on 2nd Corinthians chapter 4 and highlights the idea that everything in the universe is for the sake of believers. The speaker emphasizes that a
	Are You Well by Major Ian Thomas	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of believers being a true representation of God in every aspect of their lives. He uses the example of Jesus, who was sinless
	A Day's Journey Into the Wilderness by Carter Conlon	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power and authority of God. He references the story of Elijah and how God demonstrated His power by consuming the captain and his 50 men
	Victory Over One's Worst Enemy by Paris Reidhead	Paris Reidhead emphasizes that our greatest enemy is ourselves, revealing his personal struggles with spirituality and critical attitudes during his missionary work in Africa. He s
	Accountability to God - Part 2 by Leonard Ravenhill	Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the critical need for accountability to God, illustrating the transformative power of genuine repentance and the pursuit of purity in the heart. He rec

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on 2 Corinthians 5

In this chapter, Paul writes about the Christian's hope of eternal life, and how it should shape our daily lives. He emphasizes the importance of faith, and how it enables us to trust in God's power and promises even in the midst of suffering. Paul also describes the ministry of reconciliation, and how we are to be ambassadors for Christ. The chapter is a call to live in light of eternity, and to trust in God's goodness and sovereignty. As Matthew Henry writes, 'The apostle's design is to show that the troubles of this life are not to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in the saints.' Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?