It Starts Small

This renowned chapter continues without interruption from the end of chapter 4. Scripture was originally written without chapter or verse divisions, so Paul’s thoughts flow without pause from the earlier text. This passage begins with Paul’s honest description of the experience of life on this side of eternity. 

5 For we know that if our earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal dwelling in the heavens, not made with hands. ² Indeed, we groan in this tent, desiring to put on our heavenly dwelling, ³ since, when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. ⁴ Indeed, we groan while we are in this tent, burdened as we are, because we do not want to be unclothed but clothed, so that mortality 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 a down payment.

2 Corinthians 5:1-5

The tent that is our earthly home

In this passage Paul uses a tent as a metaphor for the human body. Tents were something many people at that time were familiar with. There were many nomadic dwellers who lived in tents. Paul himself was a tent maker.

A tent embodies striking parallels to our physical bodies. Firstly, a tent is a testament to our transience. Unlike the sturdy houses that stand strong through the ages, tents succumb to the relentless wear of harsh conditions. Reflect on the Old Testament tabernacle—a humble tent—intended for a sacred purpose. It was only in the splendid reign of Solomon that a permanent edifice, the temple, arose. Similarly, our bodies, too, are fleeting vessels. They undergo a never-ending wear and tear from the brutal realities of this world, reminding us of our delicate existence.

Secondly, a tent is a place of residence, a dwelling. Our body is also a dwelling place for our souls.

Our earthly bodies will be destroyed one day when we face death.

Paul fervently urges us to detach from our mere physical bodies. He reminds us that lavishing effort on our transient tent makes little sense. Upgrading a tent pales in comparison to pouring our hearts into a lasting home. We must not isolate our focus on physical health while neglecting our spiritual well-being. Countless individuals squander their resources on plastic surgeries, luxurious spa treatments, and vain attempts to defy aging. Yes, physical fitness and a nutritious diet hold their significance, yet our soul reigns supreme! Too often, people cling to the idea of extending their earthly existence out of fear of death. Instead, let us passionately invest in God’s kingdom. Let’s prepare for eternity and redeem our fleeting time on this earth. We should embrace life without the shackles of fear!

We have a building from God

This “building from God” does not refer to the home in heaven Jesus is preparing for us.

14 “Don’t let your heart be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. ² In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? ³ If I go away and prepare a place for you, I will come again and take you to myself, so that where I am you may be also.

John 14:1-3

Rather it refers to our resurrected glorified bodies. Our resurrected bodies are not made from hands. They are eternal.

Look forward with hope to that day!

Your new body will not wear out. Version 2.0 will last forever. Everything we see around us is in a state of decline. The second law of thermodynamics (entropy) influences our surroundings. This means that things are descending from order to chaos. They are losing energy and wearing out. In the eternal state, the laws of this world will not apply. God is going to do something new. It will be spectacular.

What aspect of You 2.0 do you most look forward to?

In this tent we groan

In this passage, Paul continues his thoughts from the preceding section in chapter 4. He explains that “the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”

In our current physical bodies, we groan. If you have experienced significant pain or sickness, you know what Paul is talking about. During those moments of extreme pain, believers long for relief. They yearn for the time in heaven when there will be no more discomfort.

⁴ He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; grief, crying, and pain will be no more, because the previous things have passed away.

Revelation 21:4

You may not have faced this reality yourself, and if that’s the case, thank the heavens for your good health! But even if you haven’t felt the weight of chronic pain, you surely know someone who bears that burden daily. Understand that behind their smiles, they are groaning in agony. For those who believe, there is a flicker of hope as they anticipate their new, glorious bodies. Yet for the unbelievers, despair looms large. They cling to the false notion that death might offer solace. It will not provide solace. The torment of judgment that awaits them is infinitely worse than anything they currently endure.

How can we apply this to our every day?

Show unwavering compassion to those who are enduring pain. If they have yet to find salvation, seize the opportunity to share the gospel with them. Ignite a flicker of hope in their hearts. If they are already saved, lift them up in prayer. Be a source of encouragement. Remind them that they possess a magnificent future beyond their current struggles. Do you know someone battling chronic pain? Consider how you can profoundly show compassion to them this week; your kindness could make all the difference!

That we may not be found naked

Paul says “but it on we may not be found naked.” “It” refers to the resurrected body. In other words, we are not doomed to an eternity as a disembodied soul. God made people very unique. He made people with a soul and a body.

• Animals = Body but no soul
• Angels = Spirit but no body
• God = Eternal self-existent spirit
• People = Spirit/Soul plus body
• Jesus = Eternal spirit (He is God) plus a body (He is man.) Jesus satisfies both conditions and is therefore completely unique being 100% God and 100% man.

We will not be ghosts floating around in some vast void somewhere. Instead the eternal state will be even better than our temporary state now.

That what is mortal may be swallowed up by life

Death may seem like a final farewell, yet Paul reveals a profound truth: our earthly existence is merely a chapter. The conclusion of our mortal journey marks the dawn of an extraordinary new life! A life in heaven that pulses with intensity, radiates vibrancy, and overflows with abundance—eternal and unyielding! It is not a diminished existence; rather, it ascends to unparalleled heights, surpassing our wildest dreams in every conceivable way!

He has prepared us for this very thing

Our life in this world is preparation for eternity. God is molding you to be the kind of person He wants you to be. He is sanctifying you. He is helping you to grow in godliness and Christian character. Many of the trials and challenges we face in this present age are designed for this purpose.

When you face trials, look for the lessons God wants you to teach from them. Pray that God will use them to grow your character and increase your faith and reliance on Him.

He has given the Spirit as a guarantee

The Holy Spirit is a reminder of God’s promise to resurrect His followers to eternal life. He is a pledge or a deposit. God has marked us as His own.

Thank God for the security we have in Him. Remember that the Spirit is with you. Pray that God will fill you with the Holy Spirit. Ask Him to guide you and increase the fruit of the Spirit in your life.

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Cross References:

• Ecclesiastes 3:11
• John 14:2-3
• Romans 14:8
• Ecclesiastes 12:7
• 1 John 3:2
• Philippians

Reflective Questions:

• What is the earthly tent Paul refers to in verse 1? Why does Paul call it a tent?
• How would it be destroyed?
• What does the eternal house in heaven refer to?
• What are the differences between the tent and the building from God?
• What does the phrase “we groan” show us about the attitude we should have toward this world?
• What does verse 3 mean?
• How can we understand Paul’s use of the metaphors “clothed” and “unclothed” and “naked?”
• What purpose did God fashion us for (verse 5)?
• How does the Spirit guarantee what is to come? Why is this important?

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⁶ So 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. ⁸ In fact, we are confident, and we would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. ⁹ Therefore, whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to be pleasing to him. ¹⁰ For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each may be repaid for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.

2 Corinthians 5:6-10

Paul then shares with us a profound truth! Absent from the body and present with the Lord.

While we are home in the body we are away from the Lord

We will not finally step into the glorious presence of God until we depart from this earthly vessel. We certainly experience moments of connection with Him. The Spirit dwells within us and ignites our spirits. Our prayers lift us towards His throne. However, it cannot compare to the breathtaking intimacy of being face to face with our Creator. Paul fervently reminds us of this vital truth: do not cling too tightly to your mortal body! For as long as we inhabit this fragile shell, we are distanced from the Lord. We yearn for the glorious reunion that awaits us.

We walk by faith not by sight

These promises are not merely whispers in the air; they are vibrant truths that ignite our spirits! Look around—every material possession pales in comparison to the profound realities of existence. Just think about it: you see your body, this exquisite vessel, more than anything else in the universe. However, it is just a fleeting moment in time. We cling to the powerful hope of resurrection, a hope that pulses with life and purpose! This belief fuels our very souls, urging us to passionately live for God and zealously build His kingdom!

Faith is an intangible thing which you cannot see or touch. Are there any tangible ways to increase your faith?

We are of good courage

Faith in the Lord ignites a fierce courage within us! This courage empowers us specifically to confront the shadow of death itself—the most daunting specter of our existence. Many tremble in fear when faced with the ominous approach of that dark curtain. We, as believers, embrace a different reality. Our leader, Jesus, boldly faced death, conquering it once and for all. For us, death is not an end. It is a magnificent unveiling. It is a curtain that opens wide to an extraordinary eternity beyond. God holds the power over life and death in His hands. Faith in God’s goodness and salvation emboldens us.

Away from the body and at home with the Lord

When a person dies, leaving his physical body, his soul will immediately go to the presence of God.

⁴³ And he said to him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

Luke 23:43

We make it our aim to please Him

Just living life takes precedence. After all, if what happens after death is true, then all people will face Him one day. This is explained further in verse 10. He created us. He gives us principles to live by. And He will hold us accountable.

Your boss will inspect your work in a week. You won’t simply brush it off, thinking, “it doesn’t matter; it is the future.” The very anticipation of that inspection ignites a fire within you, transforming how you approach your tasks today. You will strive to impress him. You pour your heart and soul into your work. You deeply desire him to be thrilled with the outcome.

The same is true with us. Because we know that we will face God one day after death, it changes everything for us. It makes our current life full of meaning and purpose. We should do all to please Him because that day is coming closer and closer.

What is Paul encouraging us to do?

Sometimes when we think of pleasing God, we focus on sharing the gospel. We also think about planting churches or doing other great things. These are very good. But how can you please God in the simple things of life? How can you please God in how you communicate with your family?

The motive of pleasing Him

Paul says that our chief goal is to please Him.

Why?

In verse ten, a compelling motive emerges: “We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ.” This profound truth ignites a fervor within us to please God above all else. Imagine this moment. No parents, no spouse, no boss evaluates our worth. Solely Jesus occupies that throne, holding each of us accountable. This reality compels us to respond with unwavering dedication, pouring every ounce of our effort into pleasing Him.

Whenever people are pressuring you to do something contrary to God’s Word, remember this truth. You will face Christ’s judgment seat, not another person’s.

We must all appear

Several powerful truths resonate in this verse. Firstly, the word “must” leaps forth with an undeniable urgency; it is not a mere option but a compelling necessity. There is no choice to flee from this call. Secondly, the emphasis on “all” sends shivers down the spine. Every single individual is bound to this inevitable encounter, regardless of stature. No one, whether mighty or humble, can escape this destined appearance. Even believers will stand in judgment! Thirdly, the term “appear” ignites conviction; it signifies to “make manifest,” to “illuminate,” and to “reveal” that which is hidden.

Your life will be unveiled. Every motive, thought, action, and pretense will be stripped bare before Christ who sees.

¹³ No creature is hidden from him, but all things are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give an account.

Hebrews 4:13

God, in His infinite wisdom, perceives every intricate detail of our lives. The judgment seat holds no secrets for Him; nothing can hide from His gaze. Others may be absorbed in their superficial façades. However, this moment’s true essence involves each individual revealing their motives and heart to themselves. You will stand before the full revelation of who you are. The entirety of your being, flaws and all, will be vividly unveiled for His scrutiny.

Will believers be judged for their sins?

Look closely at the second part of verse 10.

¹⁰ For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each may be repaid for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.

2 Corinthians 5:10
(Bold for Emphasis)

Whenever we interpret a passage we must first do so in light of the whole Bible. And Scripture’s teaching is clear that once a person comes to Christ His sin is forgiven and He will not come into condemnation.

Galatians 3:13 – Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law.

1 Peter 2:23 – He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross.

Hebrews 10:12 – He…offered one sacrifice for sins for all time.

Romans 8:1 – There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

John 5:24 – Whoever believes in me… will not come into judgment.

This is not a judgment to decide who is going to hell or to condemn a person there. That is the Great White Throne Judgment (Revelation 20:11-12, 15).

Instead it is a judgment to determine your rewards (recompense). It is to see how much fruit you had as a follower of Christ. It lays bare your works for God’s kingdom.

Did you have many?
Did you serve Him faithfully?
What was your motives for what you did?

The word used which is translated “bad” here is “phaulos.” It means “worthless” or “useless.” It speaks to deeds which are meaningless for building God’s kingdom, not necessarily sin.

Sins may be brought up at this judgment seat to show the price Christ has paid to take our sins. But the focus is not on that. Rather it is on your faithfulness in service.

This is described in more detail in 1 Corinthians 3:11-15.

¹¹ For no one can lay any foundation other than what has been laid down. That foundation is Jesus Christ. ¹² If anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, or straw, ¹³ each one’s work will become obvious. For the day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire; the fire will test the quality of each one’s work. ¹⁴ If anyone’s work that he has built survives, he will receive a reward. ¹⁵ If anyone’s work is burned up, he will experience loss, but he himself will be saved—but only as through fire.

1 Corinthians 3:11-15

No one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, or costly stones, their work will be shown for what it is. The Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss. Yet, they will be saved even though it will be like one escaping through the flames.

Your deeds either have value for the kingdom or they don’t. If they are worthless (wood, hay, stubble) they will be burned up. But if they are useful, then you will receive a reward. You can then cast that reward at the feet of Jesus. He is worthy, and it is all because of Him and for Him.

It is utterly foolish to enter a final exam unprepared! True students challenge themselves beforehand, igniting their potential. You must fervently reflect on your actions and assess how many truly contribute to God’s kingdom. Will most of your deeds simply turn to ash? Consider the aspects of your life that resemble wood, hay, or stubble! What bold action can you take this week to passionately advance God’s kingdom?

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Cross-References

• 1 Thessalonians 4:14
• John 11:26
• Matthew 10:28
• Matthew 16:27 atthew 25:21
• 2 Timothy 4:8
• Revelation 20:11-12

Reflective Questions:

• Why are they always confident?
• From this passage what can we learn about death? After death? Judgment?
• How can you apply the statement “we live by faith and not by sight?”
• How does knowing we will face God after death affect our lives in the world now?
• What is the judgment seat of Christ?
• What will happen there?
• Will Christians be judged?
• How can we reconcile this verse with the knowledge that believers in Jesus are forgiven from their sins and that he took our punishment already?
• What kind of rewards might believers receive?
• How much should heavenly rewards motivate believers? Is being motivated by heavenly rewards selfish?

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