2 Corinthians 5:9

“Wherefore we labour, that whether present or absent, etc..] This may be understood either of the ministers of the Gospel in particular, who labour in the word and doctrine, are ambitious, as the word here used signifies, and strive to preach the Gospel, not to please men, but their Lord and master; or of saints in general, who are intent upon this, and whose highest ambition is, that whether living or dying they may be accepted of him; both persons and services: such who are born again, who are believers in Christ, and truly love him, are earnestly desirous of doing those things which are pleasing to him; and do in the strength of Christ endeavour to perform them. Faith is a diligent,…”

“Wherefore--with such a sure "confidence" of being blessed, whether we die before, or be found alive at Christ's coming. we labour--literally, "make it our ambition"; the only lawful ambition. whether present or absent--whether we be found at His coming present in the body, or absent from it. accepted--Greek, "well-pleasing."”

“Wherefore - (Διὸ Dio). In view of the facts stated above. Since we have the prospect of a resurrection and of future glory; since we have the assurance that there is a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens; and since God has given to us this hope, and has granted to us the earnest of the Spirit, we make it our great object so to live as to be accepted by him. We labor - The word used here (φιλοτιμούμεθα philotimoumetha, from φίλος philos and τιμὴ timē, loving honor) means properly to love honor; to be ambitious. This is its usual Classical signification. In the New Testament, it means to be ambitious to do anything; to exert oneself; to strive, as if from a love or sense of…”

“Therefore we are ambitious - The only ambition which has place in a Christian. Whether present - In the body. Or absent - From it. 2 Corinthians 5:10”

“5:9-10 The goal of the present life is to please him (see also Rom 12:1-2; 14:18; Col 1:10; 1 Thes 4:1). This ambition will be tested when we stand before Christ to be judged. The judge is also our advocate, so we are confident of acquittal (Rom 8:1, 33-34). Yet actions done in this earthly body will be assessed and called to account (Acts 17:31).”

“we labour: or, we endeavour, Joh 6:27; Rom 15:20; Co1 9:26, Co1 9:27, Co1 15:58; Col 1:29; Th1 4:11 \*Gr: Ti1 4:10; Heb 4:11; Pe2 1:10, Pe2 1:11, Pe2 3:14 whether: Co2 5:6, Co2 5:8; Rom 14:8 accepted: Gen 4:7; Isa 56:7; Act 10:35; Eph 1:6; Heb 12:28 2 Corinthians 5:10”