2 Corinthians 5:1-10
Paul in this passage contrasts our earthly bodies with the resurrection bodies we will someday have. These will be eternal bodies which will never grow tired and worn but will be perfect and forever new. Actually, God is already preparing us for this by giving us His Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is God's guarantee of what's to come. His work in our lives assures us that God's Word is true. We will have eternal life in new bodies. Each time the Holy Spirit reminds you of Scripture, convicts you of sin, restrains you from selfish behavior, or prompts you to right living, He is reminding you that He is present with you and that God will keep His promises. vv. 1-5
These truths and the Holy Spirit living within us give us confidence. After all, we live by faith (believing) and not by sight (seeing). And so our goal, whether in this life or the next, is to please God because we will all be judged. Now it's VERY IMPORTANT to remember that salvation is a gift, and we will not be judged for our sin. Jesus was already judged in our place, and God has pronounced our sin debt "paid in full." However, this passage teaches us that we will be judged for how we have lived on this earth. As we remember this, we are encouraged to live our lives in full dedication and obedience to the Lord.
Psalm 38
This is one of the penitential psalms in which the psalmist (in this case David) confesses his sin. Though he asks for mercy, he does not deny that he deserves punishment. He says that his sin has caused health problems as well as separation from God and from His family and friends. He is truly miserable! But he confesses his sin in v. 18, "But I confess my sins; I am deeply sorry for what I have done." It's true confession when we agree with God that our attitudes or actions are indeed sin and to be deeply sorry for our sin. If we are truly sorry for our sins, we will not plan to repeat them. David prayed in faith that God would hear his prayer and help him. We should do the same.
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