Living by Faith, Longing for Home

After Life: Living by Faith, Longing for Home

  1. A ___________________ tent and an _______________ dwelling.

Now we know [οἶδα (oi-da)] that if the tent [σκῆνος (skā-nos)] that is our earthly home is destroyed [καταλύω (ka-ta-loo-ō)], we have a building from God, an eternal home in heaven, which is not made by human hands. (2 Co 5:1)
The Lutheran Study Bible (LCMS): tent. The temporal body. a building from God. A permanent dwelling. The resurrected body is redeemed for eternity, restored and transformed by God Himself (cf. 1Co 15; 1Jn 3:2).
The People’s Bible (WELS): … it appears preferable to see these words as applying to all the glories of the life to come. The “building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands” is another way of saying heaven. The temporary nature of this tent-house will be replaced by the eternal glories of heaven.
2 In fact, the reason we groan is that we long to be clothed with our dwelling from heaven. 3 If we do indeed put it on, we will certainly not be found naked. 4 To be sure, while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not want to be unclothed, but to be clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. (2 Co 5:2–4)
2 In my Father’s house are many mansions. If it were not so, I would have told you. I am going to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and take you to be with me, so that you may also be where I am. (Jn 14:2–3)
… your eyes saw my unfinished body. In your book all of them were written. Days were determined, before any of them existed. (Ps 139:16)
21 After they preached the good news in that city and had gathered many disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, 22 strengthening the souls of the disciples and encouraging them to continue in the faith. They told them, “We must go through many troubles on our way to the kingdom of God.” (Ac 14:21–22)
We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose, (Ro 8:28)
21 Yes, for me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 But if I am to go on living in the flesh, that will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet which should I prefer? I do not know. 23 I am pulled in two directions, because I have the desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far. 24 But, it is more necessary for your sake that I remain in the flesh. 25 And since I am convinced of this, I know that I will remain and will continue with all of you, for your progress and joy in the faith. 26 And so by my coming to you again, my goal is to give you even more reason to boast in Christ Jesus. (Php 1:21–26)
12 I give thanks to the one who empowered me, namely, Christ Jesus our Lord, that he treated me as trustworthy, appointing me into his ministry. 13 He did this even though formerly I was a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a violent man. But I was shown mercy, because I acted ignorantly in unbelief. 14 The grace of our Lord overflowed on me along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. (1 Ti 1:12–14)
4b … so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. 5 Now the one who prepared us for this very purpose is God, who gave us the Spirit as the down payment. (2 Co 5:4b-5)

  1. ____________________ in the _________________.

6 Therefore we are always confident and 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. (2 Co 5:6–7)
But we are confident and would much prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. (2 Co 5:8)
And for this reason we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home or away. (2 Co 5:9)
So whether you eat or drink, or do anything else, do everything to the glory of God. (1 Co 10:31)
Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. (Php 1:20b)
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he did while in the body, whether good or bad. (2 Co 5:10)
34 Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me food to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger and you welcomed me. 36 I was lacking clothes and you clothed me. I was sick and you took care of me. I was in prison and you visited me.’ (Mt 25:34–36)
… all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Ro 3:23)
5 I am the Vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me and I in him is the one who bears much fruit, because without me you can do nothing. … 8 My Father is glorified by this: that you continue to bear much fruit and prove to be my disciples. (Jn 15:5, 8)

Points to Ponder 

  1. What is one thing that stood out for you from this week’s message?
  2. Have you ever lived in or traveled with a tent, camper, or temporary shelter? What did that experience teach you about the difference between something temporary and something permanent?
  3. How does the promise of an eternal, God-built dwelling shape the way you think about aging, suffering, or death?
  4. Verse 5 says God has given us the Spirit as a guarantee. How does the Spirit give you confidence in the face of life’s uncertainty?
  5. Paul says, "we walk by faith, not by sight." What are some practical ways this truth can guide your daily decisions and outlook?
  6. What does it mean to be "at home with the Lord" (v. 8), and how does that give courage while we are still "away from the Lord"?
  7. Verse 10 speaks of appearing before the judgment seat of Christ. How can this truth encourage us, rather than frighten us, as believers in Christ?
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Homework: 1 Corinthian 15