In the first four verses of this chapter, Paul talked about
how Christians look forward to the immortal existence and new bodies we will
one day have. In verse 5 of this chapter, Paul reveals that God actually made
us for this purpose! Although we can live in very purposeful ways now, our
ultimate purpose will not be fulfilled until after this life. Our sense of hope
should not be fixated on what our lives might be on earth. We are meant to
place our hope in what God is preparing us for that comes after this life.
Paul also says in verse 5 that God has given us the Holy
Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what he has promised to us. So how exactly
does the Holy Spirit act as a source of assurance to us? What does he do that
gives us hope that God is really faithful and will genuinely give us an eternal
life worth putting hope in?
The Holy Spirit is the source of spiritual gifts used by
believers. (1 Corinthians 12:11) The “fruit” that the Holy Spirit produces in
the life of a Christian (Galatians 5:22-23) is evidence of his presence. As
believers change and grow to become a little more like Jesus as time passes,
this isn’t because of the strength of their own efforts. It is because the Holy
Spirit is working on them, changing from the inside out. (2 Corinthians 3:18)
It’s vital to point out that if you don’t perceive continual
change for the better in your character, this doesn’t mean your faith is not
real. But ask God to help you grow in the “fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians
5:22-23) so that you can gain the assurance that the Holy Spirit is present
with you and that God’s future promises are real. These kind of changes in our
character serve as a reminder that God is real and his power is real.
Paul saw the reality of what the Holy Spirit was doing in
his life and in the lives of others. This filled him with confidence in God and
gave him an “eternal perspective”. He didn’t fixate on what he could gain from
this life. He knew that every moment in this life is just another moment he had
to spend away from the direct presence of God that he would experience after
his bodily death. (v.6) He chose to be guided by what he believed, not only by
what he could see. (And keep in mind that the Biblical us of the words “faith”
and “belief” is not irrational, as we often assume today. These words were used
by the Bible authors in a manner that was based on the “trustworthiness” of the
subject of faith or belief.) (v. 7)
His confidence was so great that Paul’s preference was to be
away from his physical body and with God instead. (v. 8) He knew his future in
eternity with God involved more excitement and fulfillment than anything he
could have on earth. So instead of living from thrill to thrill, he spent his
time investing in God’s agenda. (v.9)
But why? Why not make having fun our number one priority now
and then have even more fun in eternity? Why spend time and energy on loving
others, investing in relationships, learning more about God and finding new
ways to express love to him? If heaven is free, why put so much effort into
pleasing God before we get there?
We’ll take a look at verse 10 and beyond and endeavor to
answer that question next week!
Next Time-
If it’s all free, why pay anything?
Coffee House Question-
What change has God brought about in your character and what
change would you still like to see him bring about?
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