2 Corinthians 5 has so much to offer us in this dispensation of grace, AKA the Mystery. Paul delivers such a wealth of instruction concerning our opportunity to serve the Lord. There are three distinct sections in this chapter:
Encouragement – V.1-8 that we studied last week, Week 50 of Rightly Dividing The Word of Truth. Our incorruptible, immortal, eternal existence is waiting for us!
Motivation – V.9-15 gives us 4 Motivating Factors for our Ministry:
1. The desire to be accepted of Him – V.9
1 Corinthians 10:31; Colossians 3:17, 23-24
2. The Judgment Seat of Christ – V.10
Romans 14:10; 1 Corinthians 3:10-15, 4:1-2; Colossians 3:25; 1 John 2:28-3:3
Reward will be according to what I have done, whether good or bad!
The good is based on our service / stewardship with the proper motivation of selfless service in submission to Christ, defined as the eternal reward of Gold – the knowledge of God (2 Timothy 2:15), Silver – the price of redemption – the reward for sharing the gospel, Precious stones – the people you share life with, seeking to bring them into a mature relationship with Christ – Ephesians 4:11-16
The Bad is based on our service to the Lord with improper, self-serving motives. Colossians 3:25 uses the term wrong, which means worthless. Serving Christ for temporal reward is worthless! Paul describes this type of reward as wood, hay, and stubble that will all be burned in the fiery furnace. There will be incredible suffering of loss at the bema / reward / judgment seat of Christ!
Please remember that the judgment seat of Christ is about reward, not retribution! No sin will be laid to anyone's charge, because all our trespasses have been bought and paid for by the blood of Jesus Christ! Colossians 2:13-15
The Five Crowns for Faithful Service:
The Crown of Righteousness for longing for and loving the soon appearing of the Lord Jesus Christ at the rapture of the Church Age saints – 2 Timothy 4:8
The Crown of Glory is available to anyone who seeks to pour in the life of Christ into another individual or individuals through teaching the truths found in scripture – 1 Peter 5:2-4
The Crown of Life is known as the martyr's crown. It is reserved for those who die physically (Revelation 2:10)or die to themselves (James 1:12) in their service to Christ.
The Incorruptible Crown is awarded for personal temperance and moderation in service to the Lord – 1 Corinthians 9:25-27
The Crown of Rejoicing is also known as the soul winner's crown – 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20
All of these crowns are available to everyone who faithfully serves the Lord with proper motivation, as stated above.
3. The terror of the Lord – V.11
Hebrews 10:31; Jude 1:23
4. The love of Christ – V.14-15
Ephesians 2:1-7
These four motivating factors give us all we need to encourage us to focus on eternal values in this world filled with temporal attractions. I ask you all to seek to glorify the Lord in every aspect of your lives. Do all to the glory of God. Do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God. 1 Thessalonians 5:18
I look forward to next Sunday, as we dig into V.16-21, examining the ministry that has been given us – the ministry of reconciliation – our direction / exhortation / instruction!
