2 Corinthians 5-6

It is nearly impossible to blog a couple of chapters. There are so many gold nuggets of truth in each chapter that picking one out and commenting on it is a trifle difficult. You should see all of my notes in these two chapters! I don't see much white space in my Bible. I have a lot to say on these two chapters. Therefore, I am going to condense my words here and expound on them on an article that I am currently writing: Transformation by Renewal is Real!

Let's jump back a chapter before I continue:

2 Corinthians 4:16 Amplified Bible ...Though our outer man is [progressively] decaying and wasting away, yet our inner self is being [progressively] renewed day after day.

Not by our power, but by the Power of the Holy Spirit Who has taken up residence within us. But I honestly believe that there has to be a desire to be renewed day after day. If I am content to remain the way I am for the rest of my life, then renewal is going to be nearly impossible! Our hearts must be opened to God for Him to refine us like silver. If the door to our hearts is closed to that, then God, being the Gentleman that He is, will not come in and rearrange the room.

Notice how Paul operates in order to be renewed:

2 Corinthians 5:7 NIV We live by faith, not by sight.

God has said that without faith it is impossible to please Him. (Hebrews 11:6)

Paul continues with:

2 Corinthians 5:9 NIV So we make it our goal to please Him whether we are at home in the body or away from it.

Paul lives his life with pleasing God as his main objective. He knows that when he stands before God, his works will be judged and he will be rewarded. Please note that this is not works for salvation, these are works that we do regardless of salvation, and a reward is awaiting us for what we have done with our time here on earth.

Paul then tells the Corinthians to not be yoked with unbelievers. There is a certain gravity that largely operates in this world: we gravitate towards decay. I have taught my children that it is harder for a person walking with God to maintain that walk if they are constantly surrounded by unbelievers. It is easier to succumb to temptation because our flesh is weak.

Romans 7:19 NIV For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do - this I keep on doing.

You can just imagine him pulling his hair out in frustration over his flesh. I know I do sometimes!

The Lord has asked us to come out from unbelievers and to not touch any unclean thing.

2 Corinthians 6:17 Amplified Bible So, come out from among [unbelievers], and separate (sever) yourselves from them, says the Lord, and touch not [any] unclean thing; then I will receive you kindly and treat you with favor. [Isaiah 52:11]

Please note well! I am not saying, "do not talk to unbelievers" (those who refuse a relationship with God)! How else can they be reached for God? I'm saying do not have a close and constant relationship with them to the point that your flesh succumbs to temptation. There has to be a separateness that defines that relationship. We are to love unbelievers, minister to them, teach them, help them to see that God is waiting for a reconciliation with them - but we are not to be intimately connected with them.

And:

1 Corinthians 15:33 Amplified Do not be so deceived and misled! Evil companionships (communion, associations) corrupt and deprave good manners and morals and character.

Ahem! Back to the renewal thingy.

1. God wants to continually renew us, day after day.

2 Corinthians 3:18 Amplified Bible And all of us, as with unveiled face, [because we] continued to behold [in the Word of God] as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are constantly being transfigured into His very own image in ever increasing splendor and from one degree of glory to another; [for this comes] from the Lord [Who is] the Spirit.

2. He wants us transformed into His likeness , so that others will see His Light shining through this broken vessel we call our flesh.

2 Corinthians 4:7 Amplified However, we possess this precious treasure [the divine Light of the Gospel] in [frail, human] vessels of earth, that the grandeur and exceeding greatness of the power may be shown to be from God and not from ourselves.

3. Let us lead a life pleasing unto God, and not unto men.

Galatians 1:10 KJV For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.

4. We must be careful not to become of the world while we are out there shining His Light for others to desire that same Light.

5. Be transformed by the renewing of your mind! (Romans 12:2) How? Read the Word, pray, be purposeful in what you allow into your mind, and enjoy that precious relationship that God has for you.

6. Go out and be that Light! So many broken, sad souls are looking for it - you have it through the power of the Holy Spirit Who has confirmed it in your spirit. Share it!

Blessings of peace and grace to you!