2 Corinthians 5:9
Verse
Context
Our Eternal Dwelling
8We are confident, then, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.9So we aspire to please Him, whether we are here in this body or away from it.10For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive his due for the things done in the body, whether good or bad.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Wherefore we labor - Φιλοτιμουμεθα· from φιλος, loving, and τιμη, honor; we act at all times on the principles of honor; we are, in the proper sense of the word, ambitious to do and say every thing consistently with our high vocation: and, as we claim kindred to the inhabitants of heaven, to act as they do. We may be accepted of him - Ευαρεστοι αυτῳ ειναι To be pleasing to him. Through the love we have to God, we study and labor to please him. This is and will be our heaven, to study to love, please, and serve him from whom we have received both our being and its blessings.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Wherefore--with such a sure "confidence" of being blessed, whether we die before, or be found alive at Christ's coming. we labour--literally, "make it our ambition"; the only lawful ambition. whether present or absent--whether we be found at His coming present in the body, or absent from it. accepted--Greek, "well-pleasing."
John Gill Bible Commentary
For we must all appear,.... This is a reason why the saints are so diligent and laborious, so earnest and intent upon it, to be accepted of the Lord, because they must stand before the judgment seat of Christ; who is appointed Judge of the whole earth, who is every way qualified for it, being God omnipotent and omniscient; and when he comes a second time will sit upon his great white throne, a symbol of purity and integrity, and will enter on this work, and finish it with the strictest justice and equity: and before him "we must all appear"; all the saints as well as others, ministers and people, persons of all ranks and conditions, of every nation, age, and sex; there will be no avoiding this judgment, all "must appear", or "be made manifest"; they will be set in open view, before angels and men; their persons, characters, and actions, even the most secret will be: that everyone may receive the things done in his body; which he has performed by the members of the body as instruments thereof, or whatsoever he has done whilst in the body; and so this not only reaches to words and actions, but includes all the secret thoughts of the mind, and counsels of the heart, which will be made manifest: and when it is said, that "everyone shall receive" these; the meaning is, that he shall receive the reward of them, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad; the reward of good works will be of grace, and not of merit: good works will be considered at the last judgment, not as causes of eternal life and happiness, to which the saints will be adjudged; but will be produced in open court as fruits of grace, and as evidences of the truth of faith, which will justify the Judge in proceeding according to what he himself, as a Saviour, has said, he that believeth shall be saved, he that believeth not shall be damned. The reward of bad works will be in strict and just proportion, according to the nature and demerit of them. The Jews say (f), that "all the works which a man does in this world, "in the body", and spirit, he must give an account of in body and spirit before he goes out of the world.'' And again (g), all the works of men are written in a book, , "whether good or evil", and for them all they must give account. (f) Zohar in Gen. fol. 57. 3. (g) Midrash Hanneelim in Zohar in Gen. fol. 75. 4.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:9-10 The goal of the present life is to please him (see also Rom 12:1-2; 14:18; Col 1:10; 1 Thes 4:1). This ambition will be tested when we stand before Christ to be judged. The judge is also our advocate, so we are confident of acquittal (Rom 8:1, 33-34). Yet actions done in this earthly body will be assessed and called to account (Acts 17:31).
2 Corinthians 5:9
Our Eternal Dwelling
8We are confident, then, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.9So we aspire to please Him, whether we are here in this body or away from it.10For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive his due for the things done in the body, whether good or bad.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
They That Love the Lord Shall Be as the Sun
By Hans R. Waldvogel2.0K29:51RelationshipEXO 32:10JHN 14:231CO 15:312CO 5:9GAL 2:20EPH 1:17PHP 3:14In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the simplicity and power of the Apostle Paul's teachings. He highlights Paul's focus on dying to oneself and being united with Jesus Christ. The speaker also emphasizes the importance of love and obedience in the Christian life, contrasting it with the pride and self-centeredness of humanity. The sermon concludes with a call to humbly pursue a deeper relationship with Jesus and to forget the past in order to pursue the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Christian Assurance: Its Author and Behaviour
By J. Glyn Owen1.7K57:19AssuranceEXO 20:12CO 5:9In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of living a life that pleases God, as there will be a judgment day when we will have to answer for our actions. The preacher emphasizes that our ultimate goal should be to bring pleasure to God, rather than seeking our own pleasure in this life. He highlights the fact that God is just and holy, and on the day of judgment, we will be rewarded or held accountable for our actions. The preacher encourages the audience to treat their hope in eternal and unseen things genuinely and realistically, keeping in mind the judgment that awaits them.
Exposing Your Soul to the Holy Spirit
By Major Ian Thomas1.5K1:14:59Holy SpiritMAT 6:331CO 15:582CO 5:22CO 5:91TH 5:231PE 3:15In this sermon, the preacher discusses the threefold nature of the soul in both humans and animals. The will, which is influenced by the mind and emotions, governs behavior. The preacher emphasizes that whoever controls the mind and emotions ultimately controls the will and therefore governs behavior. Examples are given, such as commercials and political campaigns, which aim to capture the mind and stir emotions in order to influence behavior. The preacher also warns against destructive behavior driven solely by emotion or cold calculation, and highlights the importance of considering the impact of our actions on others.
An Ambition to Please God
By Zac Poonen1.3K59:12DEU 28:47JHN 1:472CO 5:9This sermon emphasizes the importance of having an ambition as Christians, focusing on pleasing God whether in heaven or on earth. It highlights the need to prioritize pleasing God above all else, to be driven by one ambition of pleasing Him in heaven, and to experience the joy and excitement of living for God. The speaker encourages honesty and gratitude, urging listeners to seek God's kingdom first, do good, and share with others as sacrifices that please God.
How Jesus Pleased the Father
By Zac Poonen6541:05:56MAT 5:45MAT 12:322CO 5:9GAL 2:20HEB 4:15This sermon emphasizes the importance of having the mind of Christ, focusing on the need to deny oneself, follow Jesus, and seek to please God above all else. It highlights the example of Paul and Jesus in living a life dedicated to pleasing the Father, through prayer, humility, and forgiveness. The speaker challenges listeners to examine their hearts, prioritize obedience to God's will, and cultivate a mindset that reflects the character of Christ.
Redemption
By Michael Koulianos2640:43RedemptionJudgment Seat Of Christ2CO 5:9Michael Koulianos emphasizes the significance of redemption and the necessity of appearing before the judgment seat of Christ, where believers will be rewarded for their deeds, whether good or bad. He warns against the misconception that grace exempts the church from judgment, urging the congregation to value scripture and the teachings of church history. Koulianos highlights that our lives and actions on earth matter, as they determine our eternal rewards and proximity to the Lord in heaven. He encourages believers to live righteously and engage in good works, reflecting the grace of Jesus, who redeemed us from our sins. Ultimately, he reassures the congregation of their secure salvation and the hope of eternal life with Christ.
Is Your Aim to Please God?
By Erlo Stegen0Pleasing GodChristian AmbitionMAT 10:372CO 5:9Erlo Stegen emphasizes the importance of making it our primary aim to please God in every aspect of our lives, rather than prioritizing the approval of others or our personal ambitions. He challenges listeners to examine their lives and ambitions, urging them to seek God's pleasure above all else, including family and personal desires. Stegen highlights that a true Christian should constantly evaluate their alignment with God's plans and live a life that is a pleasing fragrance to Him. He warns against the dangers of being complacent and encourages a moment-by-moment commitment to God's will, reminding us that our love for God must surpass all other attachments. Ultimately, he calls for unity among believers, as a collective aim to please God can lead to a powerful witness to the world.
God Knows My Prayer
By A.W. Tozer0PrayerLiving RighteouslyPSA 37:4PRO 3:5ECC 12:13MAT 6:33ROM 12:12CO 5:9PHP 1:21COL 3:2JAS 4:31PE 5:8A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of sincere prayer and the desire for a life that glorifies God rather than being complacent with earthly comforts. He shares his practice of writing earnest prayers, expressing a deep longing to live righteously and to prioritize spiritual integrity over mere existence. Tozer's heartfelt plea is that he would rather die than live a life that does not honor God, highlighting the urgency of living a purposeful life in alignment with divine will.
Diverse Kinds of Conscience.
By Horatius Bonar0ConscienceFear Of GodGEN 42:18NEH 5:15PSA 119:9PRO 1:7ROM 14:122CO 5:9EPH 6:7COL 3:23HEB 13:181PE 2:19Horatius Bonar emphasizes the significance of a God-fearing conscience in various aspects of life, drawing from the examples of Nehemiah and Joseph, who acted righteously out of their fear of God. He outlines the importance of conscientiousness in religious, secular, commercial, family, private, and local contexts, urging believers to let the fear of God guide their actions and decisions. Bonar warns against the dangers of a blunted conscience and encourages cultivating a tender and sensitive conscience that seeks God's approval in all things. He stresses that true conscientiousness is not merely about duty but about a heartfelt desire to please God in every area of life. Ultimately, Bonar calls for a life regulated by the fear of God, which serves as a powerful motivator for righteousness.
Part 9: Amillennial Eschatology
By John F. Walvoord0EZK 20:33MAT 25:312CO 5:92PE 2:4REV 20:4REV 20:11John F. Walvoord delves into the influence of amillennialism on eschatology, highlighting the stark contrast it poses to premillennial eschatology. He discusses the diverse systems within amillennialism, such as modern liberal theology, Roman Catholic theology, and conservative Reformed theology, emphasizing the lack of unity within amillennialism on major issues. Walvoord explores modern liberal eschatology's rejection of a future millennial kingdom on earth and its spiritualizing approach to Scripture, contrasting it with Roman Catholic eschatology's more literal interpretation of judgment, resurrection, and ultimate bliss for the saints.
Pleasing God
By James Smith0PSA 147:11PRO 16:7ROM 8:82CO 5:9EPH 5:10PHP 2:13COL 1:101TH 4:1HEB 10:22HEB 13:16James Smith preaches on the concept of pleasing God, emphasizing that while sinners cannot please God, believers in Christ who have received His grace and salvation can indeed bring delight to God by living a sanctified life and seeking to honor Him in all they do. The sermon highlights that God takes pleasure in the prayers, praises, and consistent walking of His people, as well as in their obedience to His commands and participation in sacraments like baptism and the Lord's Supper. Pleasing God should be the ultimate aim of every Christian, as it leads to personal satisfaction and harmony within the body of Christ.
The Way to Please God
By James Smith0PRO 16:7ROM 8:81CO 7:322CO 5:9PHP 2:13COL 1:101TH 4:1HEB 11:6HEB 13:161JN 3:22James Smith preaches on the importance of living a life that pleases the Lord, emphasizing the need to detach from worldly desires and focus on seeking to please God above all else. He highlights key principles such as having right views of God, being reconciled to Him through Christ, exercising filial confidence, keeping our eyes on Him, and cheerfully acquiescing to His will. Smith also stresses the significance of honoring Jesus, striving against sin, being zealous for God's cause, avoiding what displeases Him, and aiming at His glory in all aspects of life.
The Proper Aim of a Christian's Life
By James Smith0PRO 16:7MAT 5:161CO 10:312CO 5:9EPH 5:10COL 1:10COL 3:231TH 4:1HEB 13:161JN 3:22James Smith preaches on the importance of aiming to please God in every aspect of our lives, emphasizing that as Christians, our daily goal should be to seek God's approval in all that we think, say, and do. He highlights the need for believers to constantly ask themselves if their actions align with pleasing God, reminding them of the significance of glorifying God in all areas of life. Smith urges listeners to prioritize pleasing God above all else, emphasizing that God's approval should be the primary focus in decision-making, relationships, and daily activities.
(Through the Needle's Eye) 7 - a Worthless Slave
By David Servant0MAT 12:36MAT 25:14MAT 25:31JHN 5:282CO 5:91JN 3:14REV 20:12David Servant preaches about the importance of being faithful stewards of the resources and gifts that God has entrusted to us, emphasizing the need to use them for His glory and to help those in need. He highlights the dangers of being unfaithful like the one-talent servant in the Parable of the Talents, who was cast into outer darkness for not using his talent wisely. David challenges believers to examine their hearts and actions, reminding them that true faith is evidenced by works of love and compassion towards others, especially the needy and marginalized.
The Law of Renunciation
By T. Austin-Sparks0GEN 22:18JHN 13:82CO 5:9PHP 2:5PHP 3:8HEB 11:24T. Austin-Sparks preaches on the importance of renunciation and selflessness in following the example of Christ, who humbly emptied Himself and became obedient unto death for the glory of God and the redemption of mankind. The sermon emphasizes the need for believers to renounce self-interest, ambition, and possessions in order to be vessels for God's work and blessings. Through the law of renunciation, illustrated by the lives of Christ, Paul, and Moses, believers are called to let go of personal desires and ambitions, allowing God to work through them for His glory and the benefit of others.
The Judgment
By Martin Knapp0ACT 17:30ROM 14:122CO 5:92PE 3:11Martin Knapp emphasizes the importance of being prepared for the final Judgment day, where each individual will be held accountable before God for their actions and decisions. He warns of the consequences of rejecting Jesus and His salvation, leading to eternal punishment, while accepting Jesus secures a place in Heaven. Knapp urges listeners to repent and seek forgiveness, as the final Judgment is inevitable and inescapable, with every detail of our lives laid bare before God and the universe.
Prayer - 2 Peter 1:2, 3
By A.W. Pink0DEU 10:171SA 16:72CH 19:7PSA 62:12ACT 10:34ROM 2:111CO 3:132CO 5:9HEB 12:5REV 20:11The preacher delves into the concept of impartiality, explaining that God does not show favoritism based on outward appearances or worldly standards. Various Bible verses are explored to highlight God's attribute of impartiality, emphasizing that He judges everyone based on their character and deeds, without partiality. The sermon also touches on the future judgment of believers and unbelievers, underscoring the importance of living a life that pleases God and striving for rewards in heaven through good works.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Wherefore we labor - Φιλοτιμουμεθα· from φιλος, loving, and τιμη, honor; we act at all times on the principles of honor; we are, in the proper sense of the word, ambitious to do and say every thing consistently with our high vocation: and, as we claim kindred to the inhabitants of heaven, to act as they do. We may be accepted of him - Ευαρεστοι αυτῳ ειναι To be pleasing to him. Through the love we have to God, we study and labor to please him. This is and will be our heaven, to study to love, please, and serve him from whom we have received both our being and its blessings.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Wherefore--with such a sure "confidence" of being blessed, whether we die before, or be found alive at Christ's coming. we labour--literally, "make it our ambition"; the only lawful ambition. whether present or absent--whether we be found at His coming present in the body, or absent from it. accepted--Greek, "well-pleasing."
John Gill Bible Commentary
For we must all appear,.... This is a reason why the saints are so diligent and laborious, so earnest and intent upon it, to be accepted of the Lord, because they must stand before the judgment seat of Christ; who is appointed Judge of the whole earth, who is every way qualified for it, being God omnipotent and omniscient; and when he comes a second time will sit upon his great white throne, a symbol of purity and integrity, and will enter on this work, and finish it with the strictest justice and equity: and before him "we must all appear"; all the saints as well as others, ministers and people, persons of all ranks and conditions, of every nation, age, and sex; there will be no avoiding this judgment, all "must appear", or "be made manifest"; they will be set in open view, before angels and men; their persons, characters, and actions, even the most secret will be: that everyone may receive the things done in his body; which he has performed by the members of the body as instruments thereof, or whatsoever he has done whilst in the body; and so this not only reaches to words and actions, but includes all the secret thoughts of the mind, and counsels of the heart, which will be made manifest: and when it is said, that "everyone shall receive" these; the meaning is, that he shall receive the reward of them, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad; the reward of good works will be of grace, and not of merit: good works will be considered at the last judgment, not as causes of eternal life and happiness, to which the saints will be adjudged; but will be produced in open court as fruits of grace, and as evidences of the truth of faith, which will justify the Judge in proceeding according to what he himself, as a Saviour, has said, he that believeth shall be saved, he that believeth not shall be damned. The reward of bad works will be in strict and just proportion, according to the nature and demerit of them. The Jews say (f), that "all the works which a man does in this world, "in the body", and spirit, he must give an account of in body and spirit before he goes out of the world.'' And again (g), all the works of men are written in a book, , "whether good or evil", and for them all they must give account. (f) Zohar in Gen. fol. 57. 3. (g) Midrash Hanneelim in Zohar in Gen. fol. 75. 4.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:9-10 The goal of the present life is to please him (see also Rom 12:1-2; 14:18; Col 1:10; 1 Thes 4:1). This ambition will be tested when we stand before Christ to be judged. The judge is also our advocate, so we are confident of acquittal (Rom 8:1, 33-34). Yet actions done in this earthly body will be assessed and called to account (Acts 17:31).