Serving God with a Clear Conscience - Lessons from 2 Corinthians 5:9-11

SERVING GOD WITH A CLEAR CONSCIENCE: LESSONS FROM 2 CORINTHIANS 5:9-11

By Ezekiel Kimosop

INTRODUCTION

Today, we continue with our series through Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians. 

During my previous series, I picked some excerpts in the preceding chapters which I found to be of interest in conveying some moral lessons to our Christian community.

In the above passage, Paul continues with the thoughts that he had earlier commenced in 2 Corinthians 5:1-6 concerning the assurance of resurrection for believers.

Paul was calming the fears that hard pervaded the Corinthians concerning the hope of resurrection. 

We examined this passage in our previous article.

In the passage of 2 Corinthians 5:9-11, the writer introduces a new trajectory to the exhortation. He reminds believers of the importance of serving God with a clear conscience, knowing that God will judge our works and reward each of us in accordance with the diligence of our service.

PASSAGE ANALYSIS

Here's the text of 2 Corinthians 5:9-11:

"Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. 11 Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences." (NKJV). 

COMMENTARY

Notice that the first statement in 2 Cor. 5:9 is part of Paul's concluding remarks to his long exhortation that can be traced back to 2 Cor. 4. This brief passage should in fact be read together with 2 Cor 5:6-8 for the sake of context and flow of thought. 

Paul was initially describing the significance of the new life in Christ for those who have a covenant relationship with Him. 

One of the outstanding attributes of a faithful Christian is their consistency and persistence in the faith and in the service of God in pleasant and unpleasant circumstances, in season or out of season (cf. 2 Timothy 4:2).

It is instructive that on several occasions described in Scripture, Paul and his ministry associates contended for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints (cf. Jude 1:3). They never gave up on their missionary calling despite the many afflictions they endured in soldiering for Christ. These afflictions and perils are listed in 2 Cor. 11:22-33).

Paul reminds us in 2 Cor. 5:9 that effective service to God is actuated by a clear and godly conscience towards God. Whether we are present or away from our Christian communities, we ought to seek God's approval in our walk of faith and this should be uppermost in our hearts. 

In 2 Cor 5:10, Paul explains the reason for his previous statement. He declares that all believers will one day appear before God's throne where their works shall be tested. This assessment is described in greater detail in 1 Corinthians 3:9-15 which says in part "... each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. 14 If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. 15 If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire..." 

This passage definitely contemplates a different Day of judgment that is distinct from the one described in Revelation 20:11-15. 

The Revelation 20 judgment concerns the rest of the dead after the resurrection of believers described in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. The latter group primarily consists of the wicked and those who are later martyred during the great tribulation (cf. Rev 13:11:18). 

The Bible is explicit on the justification of believers as a basis for their being sealed in Christ (cf. Ephesians 4:30). 

Romans 8:1 says "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit." 

Our condemnation in Adam was discharged on account of our faith in Christ Jesus and the atonement in His blood. 

Paul's appeal for a clear conscience is therefore informed by his burning desire to please Christ at all times no matter where he was. 

Being well known to God and to men [2 Corinthians 5:11] is evidence of a clear conscience. Scripture elsewhere says "Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God" (1 John 3:20-21).

Paul later reveals that there was a group of preachers who were hypocritical. They never served God in truth [see 2 Cor 5:13]. These preachers were probably part of the radical Jews who were opposed to Paul's apostolic ministry. They appear to have questioned the faithfulness of Paul's preaching (2 Cor 5:12) and the validity of his apostolic calling. 

Notice Paul's spirited defense in 1 Corinthians 9:1-2: "Am I not an apostle? Am I not free? Have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? Are you not my work in the Lord? 2 If I am not an apostle to others, yet doubtless I am to you. For you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord."

Paul was possibly responding to the same or similar group of opponents in 2 Cor 5:13-15. Notice the closing statement in 5:15.

Paul's defense of his apostolic ministry appears to run through the rest of the passage of 5:16-21. 

ILLUSTRATION

In one congregation where I happened to worship nearly three decades ago, a negative report was received concerning one church elder. 

The man happened to be one of my principal mentors in that congregation. He was a humble and down to earth believer whose spiritual maturity was beyond reproach.

A certain woman who lived in the same court with him claimed that he had made advances towards her. She was not a member of that church but she conveyed the report through a church member.

The report was restricted to the elders in accordance with the authority of 1 Timothy 5:19.

When confronted with the accusations, the man vehemently denied having approached the woman or dealt with her in an inappropriate manner. 

He reported that the woman had made advances towards him on several occasions which he flatly rejected on the basis of his Christian convictions.

The man was deeply shaken by the development and he immediately chose to step aside from his position as an elder. He also declined to partake of the Lord's Table until the matter was investigated and determined.

Some elders were tasked with carrying out investigations into the matter in order to establish the truth.

The woman however refused to appear and testify before the elders despite several attempts to get her to do so. 

It later emerged that the woman had falsely filed accusations against the elder after he rejected her advances. The man's family lived far out of Town and the woman sought to take advantage of the man who lived in a single room next to hers during the week and would join his family over the weekend. 

One Christian woman who lived in the same court and who knew both parties testified before the elders that the woman had trained her eyes on the man for some time and had once sworn to "fix" him if he persisted in ignoring her.

The elders council finally resolved to unanimously absolve the man of any blame. They had no basis for disciplining him without substantiation and corroboration of facts from the woman and any reliable witnesses. 

Besides, this was the first accusation they had received on him. 

The elder however insisted that he  remains in self imposed restriction to allow for a further opportunity for the woman to show up...

He sought a clear conscience...

The woman never showed up in the end and the matter was closed.

CONCLUSION

Every believer has an obligation to hold a clear conscience in their walk with God and in the fear of Him and to relate with men with this truth in mind. 

No matter how faithful we are in the walk of faith, we must bear in mind that there is a Sanballat and a Tobias who will arise and attempt to place our spiritual integrity in doubt.

What is significant though is to hold a clear conscience before God. This is the seal of our sincerity in walking with Christ and serving Him in truth.

This is not to suggest that believers are to attain spiritual perfection on earth. This is impossible. Christ alone was without sin (2 Corinthians 5:21). 

We are sinful vessels by reason of our fallenness in Adam and only God's grace in Christ Jesus protects us from God's righteous condemnation. 

We should therefore not make a show of our achievements or boast of our wisdom but ascribe all things to God's enabling grace. 

Pleasing Christ is a life long preoccupation for every child of God. Whenever we are unable to reconcile our consciences on any matter, we ought to go to the cross of Calvary and receive the cleansing of the sinless blood of Jesus Christ (cf. Hebrews 4:16). 

Where we have inadvertently offended others in our walk of faith or in our service to God, we ought to acknowledge the offense promptly and seek forgiveness and reconciliation with them in the fear of God.

Do you have a clear conscience?

© Ezekiel Kimosop 2021

What if Christ Returns Today?

 WHAT IF CHRIST RETURNS TODAY? 

By Ezekiel Kimosop

One of the most terrifying things that people in this world are unable to comprehend is perhaps the impact of Christ's sudden coming. Some of us perhaps imagine that it is an event that is centuries away or at best, an incomprehensible mystery that should be relegated to the periphery! 

Far be it! The coming of Christ is a divine calendar event that God has slated for His covenant people! It is as real as Christ's death on the cross that occurred about 2000 years ago! Every believer should be prepared for Christ's coming. It should not take us by surprise. 

Scripture says in Mark 13:32-33 "But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33 Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is."

Our responsibility as God's covenant people is to heed the teaching of Scripture and to prepare for that day so that we are ready to meet with our Saviour when He is revealed upon the sounding of the last trumpet.  We should earnestly look forward to Christ's coming and long for our eternal union with Him in heaven (cf. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). 

No promise of Scripture perhaps brings more eagerness on the Christian community than the glorious hope of Christ's coming (Titus 2:11-14). 

I was recently preaching in one of my two primary congregations and I reminded believers that one of the marks of a biblically centred Christian community is their longing for Christ's soon return. We cannot be in Christ on the one hand and on the other, hold the things of this passing world at a greater esteem than the things of God. 

I recalled that some of our youth were planning for weddings and I could imagine how such a possibility would be processed in their minds! The imminence of Christ's return should not be a source of fear or uncertainty. It should be a motivating climax that concludes our journey of faith. Paul longed for his union with Christ, knowing too well that his martyrdom was fast approaching (2 Timothy 4:7-8). We too ought to be ready to meet our Lord. 

We all have things planned for accomplishment and that's a godly thing to do. We cannot ignore our primary things of life for as long as we are under the sun. 

Paul cautioned the Thessalonian believers to focus on their issues of daily life and avoid idleness. The Bible says in 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 "For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. 11 For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies. 12 Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread." 

One writer once said that we should plan as though Christ will tarry for a millennium but live as though he is coming today. How true!

In other words, we should not ignore our earthly chores simply because we consider that they no longer matter, given the imminence of Christ's return. One of my burning preoccupations today is the writing of academic papers as I look forward to completing my theological studies in due course, if Christ shall tarry. 

Now here's the million dollar question...

What if Christ shows up today? Would we be ready to meet Him in the air or would we rather that He tarries longer? 

This question is important for every believer and our response to it may largely depend on our philosophy on Christ's return. Some believers would perhaps wish that Christ tarries as they focus on certain things that they consider pertinent. I am aware that Christ's tarrying provides a window for our continued proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Matthew 24:14 says "And the gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come."

This end has to be consistent with God's divine calendar. If Christ therefore appears today or even as you read this article, God's divine calendar and clock will have struck the day and the hour, respectively, and no excuse whatsoever will be admissible for our unpreparedness.

Think about that...

© Ezekiel Kimosop 2021

Why Was Aaron Not Punished by God in Numbers 12?

WHY WAS AARON NOT PUNISHED BY GOD YET HE AND MIRIAM SPOKE AGAINST MOSES IN NUMBERS 12? 

By Ezekiel Kimosop 

We learn from Numbers 12, that Miriam and Aaron confronted their brother Moses over his decision to marry an Ethiopian woman. No explanation was given for the reaction but we can guess at first instance that the decision went against the cultural norms of the Jewish people. 

There was a heated exchange which resulted in an emotional outburst with Miriam questioning the prophetic authority of Moses. God was monitoring the exchange and was apparently angered by the manner in which the two siblings ridiculed and humiliated their younger brother who was God's chosen leader over Israel. 

Make no mistake here: God does not condone sin and punishes the erring without partiality or favor. 

The Bible records that God came down to the tent of meeting and summoned the two to appear before His presence where He rebuked and judged them.  

Miriam immediately suffered leprosy as a punishment for her deplorable conduct in questioning the authority of Moses. Surprisingly Aaron escaped punishment by a whisker! Why was he not punished yet he had apparently conspired with Miriam in confronting Moses? 

This is the mystery question that we need to examine with care. 

The Bible records that Aaron cried to Moses when he noticed that his sister was struck with leprosy, perhaps fearing that the worst would hit him too! 

Yes, both Miriam and Aaron were guilty by conspiracy and connivance in confronting and humiliating their younger brother Moses who was undoubtedly their spiritual leader! 

The two had crossed the Rubicon line when they questioned Moses' prophetic authority and asked if God spoke only through him!

While it is true that God spoke through the three siblings in diverse ways as prophet, Judge, priest and prophetess, respectively, God had divinely designated Moses as His principal representative and judge over Israel. 

No matter how much we find fault in a leader, rest assured that God was aware of his shortcomings even as He called him to ministry! No leader is perfect. 

Moses was therefore the undisputed community patriarch who doubled up as prophet and judge in Israel. He was far above his elder siblings in spiritual authority and therefore deserved to be honored as God's servant. 

Miriam and Aaron possibly took advantage of the great humility of Moses (Numbers 12:3). The fact he was their last born brother may have made things worse for him! He was Mama's boy, so to speak! 

The pecking order in sibling rivalry always plays out even in later years of life whenever family conflicts arise. However, God's divine order is greater and preeminent above our family or community order. 

Moses was three years younger than Aaron (Exodus 7:7) and if the girl mentioned in the birth of Moses in Exodus 2:1-10 is assumed to have been Miriam, then she was definitely the senior of the three siblings in terms of age. 

The three siblings from a Levite family were privileged to serve in influential leadership capacities among the children of Israel. What a great honor before God! This is the reason they should have been most humbled and grateful to God. However they were human as we are, who are often ungrateful for what God has done for us. 

Were these siblings justified in confronting Moses?

In a way, yes. Of course Moses broke the Jewish law by marrying an Ethiopian [heathen] woman and his siblings may have been justified in confronting him over that matter. 

The conflict was initially a family affair until the matter blew out of its natural tangent and God was drawn into the conflict as He sought to defend His servant from humiliation. The two siblings had no authority to question Moses' prophetic mantle. Neither of them had conferred it upon him! God alone had called Moses to serve Him. 

The Bible goes on to reveal that the anger of the LORD was kindled against them as God departed from the tabernacle after rebuking them (Numbers 12:9-11)

Notice also that Aaron showed remorse and pleaded with Moses to pray for them and this is perhaps what held back the wrath of God from hitting him! Notice his words in Numbers 12:11 where he pleads with Moses saying ".... Oh my lord! Please do not lay this sin on us, in which we have done foolishly and in which we have sinned." (NKJV) 

Some have dispute this conclusion by arguing that Aaron was a priest and leprosy could not have defiled him! I disagree. He was not immune to God's chastisement. One of the sons of Abinadab was later struck dead after he mishandled the Ark of the LORD (2 Samuel 6:3). He too was no doubt a priest! 

There can be no better explanation for Aaron being spared punishment than the fact that he was remorseful for the sinful conduct and that God graciously preserved him. 

While Aaron was guilty as charged there is strong evidence from Scripture that he may have been saved by the prayer of Moses and his remorseful heart! 

There were obvious consequences too... 

Miriam had to stay out of the camp for the period prescribed by Levitical law for a leprosy. The children of Israel were therefore forced to wait for her to recover before moving on into the wilderness of Paran (Numbers 12:15-16). 

This sinful conduct cost them seven days of their journey through the wilderness! Some transgressions are too costly and their impact is cumulative in scope. 

One may also argue that Miriam took moral responsibility as the eldest of the three siblings. As a prophetess in her own right, she should have better understood the mind of God and refrained from attacking her brother in the manner she did. 

The order in which their names appear (Numbers 12:1) has been suggested by some as indicative of Miriam's greater responsibility for the conspiracy but this is difficult to prove from the passage because God dealt with them collectively (Numbers 12:5-9).

MORAL LESSONS

There are several moral lessons we can draw from this incident regarding the appropriate manner of dealing with acts and omissions of our spiritual leaders. 

Here are four of them: 

1) Sin is contagious and ruins relationships and affects innocent people who were not originally party to it. 

This is a warning to God's people. We should realize that our actions have wider ramifications than we may care to imagine. 

2) God is foremost responsible for reprimanding spiritual leaders who are divinely under his oversight charge. Spiritual leaders are primarily answerable to God for their dereliction of duty and moral excesses. 

This however does not imply that church tribunals or any disciplinary organs would be acting unbiblically in addressing the moral excesses of spiritual leaders and even defrocking them where this is legitimate. They too are divinely charged with plenary oversight of God's ministry, provided that their mandate is exercised in good faith and within the authority of God's word. 

3) We should never ridicule or demean our spiritual leaders or bring them into disrepute even where we are convinced that they are wrong or may have sinned. God expects us to handle them with diligence knowing that they carry His mantle over His people. 

This is not to suggest that we should condone the moral excesses of church ministers or look the other way where they have sinned. An erring Christian leader should receive sanctions that are consistent with the gravity of his transgression.  

Remember that the house of Eli was judged by God for his dereliction of duty and God finally cut them off from the priesthood.

Abiathar the priest was the last to serve under the lineage of Eli until he was defrocked by Solomon for his role in the Adonijah rebellion (1 Kings 2:26-27). 

How should we handle moral conflicts touching on church leaders? 

We should apply the rule established in 1Timothy 5:19 which says "Do not receive an accusation against an elder [overseer] except from two or three witnesses."

4) We should repent immediately we are convicted of our sinful conduct. 

Remember that we are sinful people who fail the divine standards of God. There is no other cure for sin other than repentance from a broken and remorseful heart that touches the heart of God (see Psalm 51:10-17).

Aaron cried to Moses asking him to pray for them. He recognized that they had sinned against God and was deeply remorseful for the transgression. 

As a priest, Aaron knew the gravity of sinful disobedience and that God alone had the cure for the transgressions of those who stood before a priest. 

Are you remorseful whenever you sin against God or offend others or do you justify and defend your actions? 

© Ezekiel Kimosop 2021