Bringing People to God

Topic: Judgment
Passage: 2 Corinthians 5:10–13

May 4, 2022

Commentary

It appears that Paul is trying to persuade men of his own sincerity. He has no doubt whatever that in the sight of God his hands are clean and his motives pure, but his enemies have cast suspicion on them. This is not from any selfish desire to vindicate himself. It is from the knowledge that, if his sincerity is questioned, the impact of his message will be injured. A person’s eternal destiny will not be determined at the judgment seat of Christ. As a born-again Christian our entrance into heaven was settled at Calvary (John 5:24). However, all believers must one day stand before the “judgment seat of Christ,” which will follow the rapture of the church (v. 10). This “judgment seat” must not be confused with the great white throne judgment which will take place after the millennium and is where Christ will judge the wicked (Revelation 20:11-15). At the “judgment seat of Christ” believers will not have to face their sins but will have to give an account of their works and service for the Lord. Paul now gives three ways that a Christian may prepare for the judgment seat of Christ:

 

1.     He must maintain a clear conscience (v. 11). As we live and work here on earth, it is easy for us to hide things and pretend, but at the “judgement seat” all things will be revealed. Our motives, as well as our works will be exposed. 

2.     He must not depend on the praise of men (v. 12). The Judaizers in Paul’s day loved the praise of men. If we live only for the praise of men, we will not win the praise of God.

3.     He must ignore the criticism of men (v. 13). Paul was willing to be thought of as a fool. Who would be crazy enough to walk back into a city where he had just been stoned and dragged out, except a person who was utterly devoted to Christ (Acts 14:19-20)? 

 

Application

The day is coming when I will stand before the “judgment seat of Christ.” Lord, help me to be able to not be ashamed as I give an answer for what I have done in this body.

2 Corinthians 5:10–13 (NET)

10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be paid back according to what he has done while in the body, whether good or evil.

11 Therefore, because we know the fear of the Lord, we try to persuade people, but we are well known to God, and I hope we are well known to your consciences too. 12 We are not trying to commend ourselves to you again, but are giving you an opportunity to be proud of us, so that you may be able to answer those who take pride in outward appearance and not in what is in the heart. 13 For if we are out of our minds, it is for God; if we are of sound mind, it is for you.

Ian Paisley – “Teeth Will be Provided"

It was F.B. Meyer, I believe, who once said that when we see a brother or sister in sin, there are two things we do not know: First, we do not know how hard he or she tried not to sin. And second, we do not know the power of the forces that assail … Continue

Bringing People to God

Topic: Judgment
Passage: 2 Corinthians 5:10–13

May 6, 2021

Commentary

It appears that Paul is trying to persuade men of his own sincerity. He has no doubt whatever that in the sight of God his hands are clean and his motives pure, but his enemies have cast suspicion on them. This is not from any selfish desire to vindicate himself. It is from the knowledge that, if his sincerity is questioned, the impact of his message will be injured. A person’s eternal destiny will not be determined at the judgment seat of Christ. As a born-again Christian our entrance into heaven was settled at Calvary (John 5:24). However, all believers must one day stand before the “judgment seat of Christ,” which will follow the rapture of the church (v. 10). This “judgment seat” must not be confused with the great white throne judgment which will take place after the millennium and is where Christ will judge the wicked (Revelation 20:11-15). At the “judgment seat of Christ” believers will not have to face their sins but will have to give an account of their works and service for the Lord. Paul now gives three ways that a Christian may prepare for the judgment seat of Christ:

 

1.     He must maintain a clear conscience (v. 11). As we live and work here on earth, it is easy for us to hide things and pretend, but at the “judgement seat” all things will be revealed. Our motives, as well as our works will be exposed. 

2.     He must not depend on the praise of men (v. 12). The Judaizers in Paul’s day loved the praise of men. If we live only for the praise of men, we will not win the praise of God.

3.     He must ignore the criticism of men (v. 13). Paul was willing to be thought of as a fool. Who would be crazy enough to walk back into a city where he had just been stoned and dragged out, except a person who was utterly devoted to Christ (Acts 14:19-20)? 

 

Application

The day is coming when I will stand before the “judgment seat of Christ.” Lord, help me to be able to not be ashamed as I give an answer for what I have done in this body.

2 Corinthians 5:10–13 (NET)

10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be paid back according to what he has done while in the body, whether good or evil.

11 Therefore, because we know the fear of the Lord, we try to persuade people, but we are well known to God, and I hope we are well known to your consciences too. 12 We are not trying to commend ourselves to you again, but are giving you an opportunity to be proud of us, so that you may be able to answer those who take pride in outward appearance and not in what is in the heart. 13 For if we are out of our minds, it is for God; if we are of sound mind, it is for you.