Chapter Summary

Why death has no terrors for the Lord's servant. The motive and object of ministry for Christ.

Discussion Questions for 2 Corinthians, Chapter 5

1. What is the "building from God" (HCSB) that Paul references in verse 1? In what ways does this describe heaven?
2. What does it mean to "walk by faith" (HCSB)? How do you exercise your faith, practically speaking? What are some ways that you are tempted to rely on your own strength or understanding rather than your faith in God?
3. How is the Spirit a "down payment" (HCSB) for us in this life? What are some ways in which the Spirit helps us in our earthly life in preparation for heaven?
4. Why do you think Paul spends so much time comparing and contrasting our earthly bodies with the realities of eternal life? What does this teach us about the priorities we should have? How could you more realistically have a more eternal worldview in your everyday life?
5. What is Paul's primary "aim" (HCSB) in his life? If you were to evaluate, what are you truly living for in the day to day of your life? How can you realign your priorities to make your goals more like Paul's?
6. What does it mean to be "in Christ" (HCSB) according to verse 17? How does the nature of your identity as a Christian change both your behavior and your perspective?
7. What does it mean to be an "ambassador" (HCSB) for Christ? What would an ambassador of a country do? In what ways would you emulate that job description as a Christian? How does this impact your feelings of evangelism?
8. What usually "compels" (HCSB) you? What are areas in your life where something other than the love of Christ compels your thoughts or actions? How would you adjust your attention to be more compelled by Christ?
9. What is the value of taking pride in our "outer appearance" (HCSB), rather than our heart? Why are we so tempted to put value in things that have no eternal significance? What can you do to guard yourself against this particular temptation?
10. Why can we be confident as Christians? How does this confidence play out when Paul tells us that we will "appear" (HCSB) before Christ to judge our lives? How do you understand this "trial" to be like?

Key Words/Phrase

Servant's hope, v. 1, and Motive, v. 14.

Characters

God, Christ, Holy Spirit, Paul.

Strong Verse(s)

1, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 17, 19, 20, 21.