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A GODLY CONFIDENCE
THURSDAY, JANUARY 30
2 Corinthians 5:1-8
Hebrews 9:11
 
“We are confident …”
 
A GODLY CONFIDENCE
 
In 2 Corinthians 4, Paul revealed that faithful Christians must expect suffering in this world for the sake of the glorious ministry of the gospel. Nevertheless, they can still walk as indefatigable Christians in this world of darkness with a godly confidence.
 
Why can we walk on the earth with godly confidence?
 
1. A Heavenly House (2 Cor 5:1-4). As stated in yesterday’s devotion. This house refers to a glorified body that will not corrupt. This will be a body just like that of Christ, made of flesh and bones (1 John 3:2; Luke 24:39).
 
In 2 Corinthians 5:2, Paul declared that the believers “groan” with earnest desire for this heavenly house. This “groaning” of Paul is not because he was sorrowful beyond hope, for Paul had intimated in the book of Philippians that we are able to rejoice always even while in prison. Rather, it points to an expectation of an heavenly estate that is far better than the present earthly tabernacle, for the glorified body to come will no longer be weighed down by the consequences of sin. What about us? Do we look forward to our heavenly body? Or are our eyes still trained on the things of the earth?
 
2. A Divine Deposit (2 Cor 5:5-6). The word “earnest” (arrabōn) is a contractual term, referring to a deposit or down payment that is laid down as a guarantee. The use of the word here refers to the Holy Spirit indwelling every believer as a guarantee of the glories to come. While we are walking on earth, the Holy Spirit supplies us with our need, granting us a foretaste of that which is to come.
 
With these in mind, we can have godly confidence in this life. While we live on earth, we look forward to these things by faith. When our salvation is consummated, we shall then see these things by sight.
 
THOUGHT: Is my mind set on things on earth, or in heaven?
PRAYER: Father, I look forward to be forever with Christ.

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