DEEPER LIFE BIBLE CHURCH Welcome to DEEPER LIFE BIBLE CHURCH SUNDAY SERVICE Year of Full Restoration 10 SEPTEMBER, 2017

PAUL’S HOPE AND LABOUR FOR ETERNAL GLORY SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES LESSON 659: PAUL’S HOPE AND LABOUR FOR ETERNAL GLORY

LESSON 659: PAUL’S HOPE AND LABOUR FOR ETERNAL GLORY MEMORY VERSE: “Wherefore we labour that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him” (2 Corinthians 5:9) TEXT: 2 Corinthians 5:1-21

SUMMARY (1) Our previous study dealt with the character of Christ’s servants during trial: A servant handle God’s word with constancy and sincerity; not with dishonesty. Christ’s servants should depend on Him continually in the exercise of their duty. Behind every trial of faith, there is a divinely designed purpose to be accomplished in the life of the afflicted believer. The hope of resurrection and the prospect of living in eternity with Jesus will sustain His servant in all earthly suffering The study of today focuses on three points: Believers’ hope of future glory Believers’ endeavour to please and serve God Believers’ ministry as Christ’s ambassadors

SUMMARY (2) Believers’ hope of future glory (2 Corinthians 5:1-8) When we focus on the hope of eternal glory, we will serve the Lord fervently and faithfully (2 Cor. 5:1). We should always remember that physical death is a gateway to our eternal home (Phil. 3:21). Believers’ endeavour to please and serve the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:9-13) The desire to meet the Lord after death or rapture should encourage all believers to serve the Lord acceptably. Divine and acceptable service requires a life of holiness (1 John 3:3).  Believers’ ministry as Christ’s ambassadors(2 Corinthians 5:14-21) We should labour in the field of harvest knowing there is a reward for soul-winning as well impending doom awaiting sinners. Before we can witness for Christ, we must be saved and live in holiness.

DISCUSSION

QUESTION 1 What is the relationship between our hope and labor for God? 2 Corinthians 5:1 John 14:2-3 Titus 2:13-14

QUESTION 2 What will qualify an individual for the rapture? 2 Peter 3:14 1 John 3:2-3 Philipians 2:12

QUESTION 3 Why should believers aspire to maintain holy lifestyle at all times? 2 Corinthians 5:10 2 Corinthians 5:9

QUESTION 4 Mention and discuss the reasons believers must go out to persuade sinners to repent. Matthew 28: 19,20 2 Corinthians 5:11 1 Corinthians 2:9

QUESTION 5 Enumerate some prerequisites for engaging in the ministry of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:17-20 Romans 12:1 Acts 1:8 1 Corinthians 1:10

QUESTION 6 What are our duties as Christ’s ambassadors on earth? 2 Timothy 4:1,2

CONCLUSION The hope of eternal glory should be our focus while serving the Lord on earth. Believers are called not to fear death but consider it as a passage into a glorious reunion with Christ at God’s appointed time. Only believers who live a life of purity will see God after death or the rapture. We are therefore called to live a life pleasing to the Lord at all times. Believers have a duty to go into the field of harvest and win souls for the Lord. This has eternal consequences and reward. Any one intending to represent Christ on earth must purify himself and live a holy life to qualify for ministry.

TIME TO PRAY!