Outline: (BKC)
II. Apostolic Ministry (1:12–7:16)
A. Changed plans defended (1:12–2:11)
B. Glorious ministry described (2:12–7:16)
1. Triumphant in Christ (2:12–3:6)
2. Glory from the Spirit (3:7–18)
3. Power from God (4:1–15)
4. Eternal perspective (4:16–5:10)
1. Context: 4:16-18
17 For our momentary, light suffering is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison
(BKC) Part of the means used by God in this transforming, renewing process is suffering...eternal perspective and hope in things to come sustained Paul in the midst of the temporary sufferings that marked his ministry.
The comparison of temporary and eternal continues in 5:1, the earthly house is a tent while the buidling from God is eternal and in the heavens.
(NET) The expression the tent we live in refers to “our earthly house, our body.” Paul uses the metaphor of the physical body as a house or tent, the residence of the immaterial part of a person.
2. The Content:
Repeated: naked (the immaterial part of a person without a body)
When we put on heavenly house we will not be naked v.3
We do not want to be unclothed, but clothed v.4
(As long as we are alive here on earth we are absent from the Lord v.6) prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord v.8
Whether we are not alive (at home, or with the earthly body) or away v.9 (away from the earthly body)
Conclusion: our immaterial part needs a body, although we may not prefer the earthly body (with the suffering) we need that v.4. Our preference is to be away from this body, but to be in the heavenly one v.8. But either case, the main point is to please the Lord so that we will be paid back when we appear before the bema seat of Christ v.10.
Repeated: groan
v.2 For in this earthly house we groan, because we desire to put on our heavenly dwelling
When he was not in the desire heavenly state of being he groan
v.4 For we groan while we are in this tent, since we are weighed down, because we do not want to be unclothed, but clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life
When he was stuck in the earthly state of being he also groan. He felt weighed down or oppressed. He still put on the earthly state just because his immortal part needs a body and he needs a physical body which is the means for suffering. And suffering is the means that will bring the transformation.
Repeated: courage
v.6 Therefore we are always full of courage, and we know that as long as we are alive here on earth we are absent from the Lord
v.8 Thus we are full of courage and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord
This kind of yawning for our heavenly body gives us courage during our suffering now. We know that this is not it and that's why we yawn and that can give me hope and courage to go through our suffering.
Reflection: We all want the future permanent glorious body comparing to our vulnerable physical body. Do I just feel "stuck" unwilling and see my present state as an absence of God's sovereignty will? Do I know that it is necessary so that I can suffer with it?
Do I see suffering as a means of transformation? Or I just waiting for the glorious future without wanting the process in the mean time?
While I suffer now with my earthly body what give me courage? Yes, I am not in my most desirable state yet, but that does not mean God is not with me. I can have courage because I know that there is a hope for me.
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