Earthly Tent but Heavenly Dwelling

Announcements

This Month's Topic:

Scripture Reference: 2 Corinthians 4:16 - 5:10

Discussion Objective:

Opening

Last week we looked at we are jars of clay - easily broken. Paul's letter to the church at Corinth continues as we are challenged to think of things above and recognize that this life is fleeting.

What causes you to "lose heart"? The death of a loved one? When something catastrophic happens to or around you?

16. So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.
17. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison,
18. as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

V4:16-18: "the things that are seen are transient" what does this mean to you?

Paul was a tentmaker by trade so this analogy comes natural for him. Many still lived in tents, it was the place everyone would go to if their permanent dwelling was destroyed. Discuss verse 4.

  1. For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
  2. For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling,
  3. if indeed by putting it on we may not be found naked.
  4. For while we are still in this tent, we groan, being burdened — not that we would be unclothed, but that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life.
  5. He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.

V5:1-5: Comments and/or follow up questions

Verses 6 & 7 are a reality gut check - all of our questions will not be answered or revealed while in this body - "for we walk by faith, not by sight." How does a complete reliance upon faith in God help you endure life's troubles?

6. So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord,
7. for we walk by faith, not by sight.
8. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.
9. So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him.
10. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.

V6-10: Comments and/or follow up questions

What are the next gaps you need to fill in the basics of being a disciple that will help you endure tough times?

Pastor Notes

Notes from same book of the bible

File Chapter Resource
1_Luke Overview - Bible Book Overview
The Miracle of Christmas Shepherd Evangelism 2 Teaching
Simeon Waiting for Jesus 2
  • Discussion
Jesus Tempted 4 Discussion
Jesus Call the Disciples Fishers of Men and Their Response in Following 5
  • Discussion
Unpacking the Parables Specks and Planks 6 Teaching
Disabled Woman 13 Teaching
Persistent Widow 18 Discussion
Jesus Saves Zacchaeus and His Response in Giving 19
  • Discussion
A Biblical Leader is One Who Serves 22 Discussion
Jesus' Personal Prayer Time 22 Discussion
Proclaim His Name to All Nations 24 Discussion
Telling Plainly What Happened 24 Discussion