Living to Please Christ — Walking by Faith Toward Eternity 2 Corinthians 5:6-10

Context and Background

Paul continues his teaching from 2 Corinthians 4:16–18 and 5:1–5, where he contrasts the temporary, decaying earthly body (“tent”) with the eternal, heavenly dwelling prepared by God. The apostle encourages believers to endure suffering and live with hope, knowing that death is not defeat but a transition into God’s eternal presence. These verses (vv. 6–10) reveal the believer’s confidence, motivation, and ultimate accountability before Christ.

1. Confidence in Our Present Condition (v. 6)

“So we are always confident and know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord.”

Key Idea:Paul expresses courageous assurance (“always confident” – Greek tharréo, meaning “to be of good courage, bold”). Though believers live “in the body,” they are physically separated from the immediate presence of Christ.

Cross References:

• Philippians 1:23 — “I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.”

• John 14:2–3 — Jesus prepares a place for His followers.

• Romans 8:24–25 — Hope in what we do not yet see.

Reflection:Our faith gives us confidence even in separation; though we cannot yet see Christ face-to-face, His Spirit assures us that this distance is temporary.

Personal Application:When you feel the tension between earthly struggles and heavenly hope, remember: being “away from the Lord” is only for a season. Live with courage and trust that this life is just a prelude to His presence.

2. Walking by Faith, Not by Sight (v. 7)

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.”

Key Idea:The Christian life is a journey (peripateō — “to walk, live, conduct oneself”) that is governed by trust in God’s promises rather than visible circumstances. Faith is the lens through which believers interpret reality.

Cross References:

• Hebrews 11:1 — “Faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen.”

• Romans 8:24 — Hope is unseen but certain.

• 1 Peter 1:8–9 — We love and believe in Christ though we do not see Him.

Reflection:Faith doesn’t deny reality—it interprets it through God’s truth. To “walk by faith” is to rely on God’s character, not just on what our eyes can perceive.

Personal Application:Ask yourself daily: Am I living by faith in God’s promises, or am I reacting to what I see? Real faith acts with confidence in the unseen hand of God.

3. The Desire for Our True Home (v. 8)

“In fact, we are confident, and we would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.”

Key Idea:Paul repeats his confidence and reveals his longing—he would rather leave this temporary tent to be “at home” (endēmeō) with the Lord. Death for a believer is not loss but homecoming.

Cross References:

• Philippians 1:21 — “To live is Christ and to die is gain.”

• Luke 23:43 — “Today you will be with me in paradise.”

• 1 Thessalonians 4:17 — “We will always be with the Lord.”

Reflection:The longing to be “home with the Lord” flows not from escapism but from deep affection. The closer we walk with Christ, the more we long for His presence.

Personal Application:Let your eternal home shape your earthly priorities. If heaven is your destination, live like someone preparing for it daily—with love, faithfulness, and hope.

4. Living to Please Him (v. 9)

“Therefore, whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to be pleasing to Him.”

Key Idea:Our ultimate purpose is to please Christ, whether in this body or in eternity. “Aim” (philotimeomai) literally means “to be ambitious” — to strive eagerly. Pleasing Christ becomes the believer’s holy ambition.

Cross References:

• Colossians 1:10 — “Walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him.”

• Romans 12:1 — Present your bodies as living sacrifices.

• Ephesians 5:8–10 — Seek what is pleasing to the Lord.

Reflection:Paul’s ambition was not for worldly success but for divine approval. To please God is the true measure of success. Do our lives please the Lord? Are we more concerned with the world and what man thinks? When our eyes are fixed upon the Lord and His kingdom, the truth of God’s word becomes a daily reality in our lives. We will live for Him, and the fruit of the Holy Spirit will be evident in us. We have been called to be living sacrifices, meaning every part of us is consecrated to the Lord and His glory.

Personal Application:Ask daily: “Lord, are You pleased with how I’m living today?” Make your ambitions—career, family, ministry—centered on His pleasure, not public opinion.

5. Accountability Before Christ (v. 10)

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each may be repaid for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.”

Key Idea:Every believer will stand before Christ’s bēma (Greek for “judgment seat”), not for condemnation (Romans 8:1) but for reward and evaluation (1 Corinthians 3:10–15). This judgment concerns faithfulness, not salvation.

Cross References:

• Romans 14:10–12 — “We will all stand before the judgment seat of God.”

• 1 Corinthians 3:12–15 — Works tested by fire.

• Matthew 25:21 — “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Reflection:This is not a moment of fear but of accountability and reward. Knowing we will see Christ face-to-face should inspire diligence, holiness, and integrity. All of us will stand before the judgment seat of Christ. Everything we have done in this life will be examined and pass through the fire. That which remains and survives will be rewarded. That which is destroyed will be lost. We must examine our hearts and motivations. Why do I do the things I do for the kingdom of God? Am I doing these things to bring glory and honor to my name or am I doing them to glorify and honor Jesus Christ? We will never go wrong when we choose to honor Christ in all things.

Personal Application:Live with eternity in mind. Each decision, word, and action has eternal weight. Let the reality of standing before Christ shape the way you serve Him today.

Summary

Paul teaches that believers live with confidence, faith, longing, purpose, and accountability. Our temporary bodies remind us we’re not yet home, but we live with faith-filled vision, making it our ambition to please the One before whom we’ll one day stand.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, help me to walk by faith and not by sight. Teach me to live courageously, with eternity in view. Let every thought, word, and deed be pleasing to You. Strengthen my heart with the hope of being “at home” in Your presence, and prepare me to stand before You with joy and confidence. Amen.