2 Cor 5-9

Chapter 5 deals with how we view life differently as a Christian. We are instructed to set our eyes on the eternal, not the temporal (what we can see and touch). What we face here is temporary. What we face spiritually is forever. This earthly life was given to us in order to gain a heavenly dwelling place by having a life - giving relationship with the giver life. Rather than to develop ourselves spiritually, we have a tendency to go back and concentrate on this physical body we live in and our present battles in life. As others see us win the spiritual battles they get a glimmer of faith and hope through a surrendered life that fears God. Then Christ will take care of our earthly battles. We are sometimes so worried about our physical body that we forget the spiritual. Satan's plan is to take our eyes off the eternal (God) and concentrate physical (ourselves). 5:9"So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. 10For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad." (NIV)

We are to live not for ourselves but for Him who gave His life for us. We have a message of reconciliation to share with the world. This is our message: 5:20We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. 21God made him who had no sin to be sin[a] for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

In chapter 6 we see how being yoked with unbelievers can cause us to do the things discussed earlier because they do not walk by the spirit but by sight. We are to be set apart from the world in a way that will draw the world to Him. As we live a consecrated life Christ draws all men to Him through us. That's how the Holy Spirit works through us.

Chapter 7 deals with Paul's joy in the Corinthians responding to God by examining themselves and having Godly repentance after getting Paul's last letter. 7:10"Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death." (NIV) We should examine our thoughts, actions, and attitudes periodically and through humility take what is revealed to the throne of grace and God lovingly forgives and completely restores us.

Then in chapters 8&9 Paul talks about the giving. Some gave out of their poverty, some out of their abundance. Paul had been telling others about the Corinthian church and was excited about their progress. He wanted them to put some aside every week so when they came to collect for the churches they would have shown diligence in their giving.
9:6"Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 9As it is written: "He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever." 10Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God."