JUST TENTING

This week, we're moving into chapter 5, specifically verses 1-10. While some of our previous texts have been perhaps a little obscure, this one feels pretty straightforward - with three major metaphors to keep in mind, so let's study together:

2 Cor 5:1-6

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. 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.

• "THE TENT" - Three times in 4 verses, Paul refers to a tent (see "this tent" in v 2 and 4). From just a simple reading of the text, what does it seem that "tent" refers to?

• "PUT ON" - Paul shifts in the middle of this paragraph and seems to describe this reality as a garment. How many times can you count in the paragraph where he uses this kind of covering language?

• "HOME and AWAY ..." - Finally, Paul uses language of dwelling to describe the reality. Again, there are a few different ways that he refers to this concept.  What specific words point towards the idea of a dwelling with God?

• "THIS VERY THING" - In verse 5, we read that God has prepared us for "this very thing" - which, apparently, is this process of transformation that involves a shift from being "at home" in this tent (or clothing) to later being "at home" with God. But if we're honest, this is scary. What else has God given to us so that we can be (as Paul says in verse 6) "always of good courage"?

2 COR 5:7-8

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. 

• "WE WALK" - If you thought this was merely an academic discussion, Paul turns up the heat. What are three impacts that this doctrine (from v 1-6)should have on how we live our lives?

• "OF GOOD COURAGE" - Here now is the second reference to being "of good courage." Why do you think that courage is a leading result Paul encourages? What might the church be facing that would call for courage?

• HOW ABOUT YOU? - Since Paul links courage to the certainty of our future transition to a new home, it's likely still true for us today as well. In what ways does God's promise to secure your eternal dwelling give you courage amidst the uncertainties of your life?

2 COR 5:9-10

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.

• "SO ... " - Just like last week, so is one of the words we use to translate Paul's "so what" concept. Here - the word "so" reminds us that more than just having courage, we are also compelled towards a current "aim". What is our goal today then?

• "MUST ALL APPEAR" - Paul uses what sounds like a court summons to describe another aspect of our final end. What is this new location that we are also anticipating?

• SO ... WAIT ... BOTH?  Without being inconsistent, Paul then tells us that we can anticipate both a home with God and a courtroom of examination. So, clearly whether we belong to Christ isn't what's being determined at this judgment. (In fact, perhaps we could say that our confidence in Christ isn't that we will never answer to Christ, but that we will answer to Christ as one who already belongs to Him.) How does this square up with your understanding of what God wants from us today? ... and how does it simultaneously motivate and assure you?

Grateful for our Heavenly Father,

Pastor Darren