In our study of the previous verses we considered the confidence of a home in heaven that the believer enjoys. The source of that confidence is, of course, the Holy Spirit Who has been given us as an earnest (or down payment) of the glory that  most assured awaits the child of God.

I want us to consider five other consequences of having this blessed assurance within our soul.

PERSISTENT CHEERFULNESS

The word confidence in verses 6 and 8, means a cheerful courageousness. 

1. It is a cheerfulness that does not desert us easily. It is bold. It did not flee at the approach of trouble, affliction or trial. Paul patiently, cheerfully bore up under trial at all times, always, verse 6.

2. It is a cheerful confidence fed by knowledge. Knowing our rightful place is with Christ. Absent= means to be abroad, to be an emigrant, an alien. Oh! to live as a stranger, Hebs 11:13; 1 Peter 1:1, 2:11.

HOLY CONDUCT 

For we walk by faith, not by sight, 7.

1. What is our faith? It is our believing acceptance of the record God has given us of Himself and His purpose and will in the Bible.

2. To walk by faith is to conduct our affairs in the certainty of what the Bible says is true. There is a God, there is a hell and a heaven. We act accordingly.

3. Most live by sight. The Christian differs from the world. What made Noah enter the Ark, Lot leave Sodom, Hebrews daub their doors frames with blood, Rahab put a scarlet cord out of her window? Faith in God's Word. What made the Christian repent and call on Christ for mercy? Faith in God's Word.

What prompts the believer to observe the Sabbath, to be honest and upright. Faith in God's Word.