Destined for Eternity

OPENING THOUGHT

Every civilization throughout history has wondered about life after death. Why do you think this is so?

THE READING (2 Corinthians 4:16-5:10)

As one who was well acquainted with affliction, the apostle Paul knew how hard life could be. Therefore he was in a good position to offer his readers hope. This he did in his second letter to the Corinthians, speaking of the fading life without, the burning life within, and the eternal life to come.

EXPLORE

Discuss these questions to get a better understanding of the text.

• What does Paul mean when he says the “outer self is wasting away”? How does this compare to the “tent” he speaks of in 5:1-2?

• How is the Christian’s inner self “renewed day by day”? (see Rom. 12:1-2; Eph. 4:23; Col. 3:10; Titus 3:5).

• How does Paul view affliction in this life?

• What is the “house not made with hands” or the “heavenly dwelling” with which we hope to be clothed? (see 1 Cor. 15:53; Phil. 3:21).

• What does it mean to “walk by faith, not by sight”?

• What will Christ judge after we die according to 5:10?

APPLY

Discuss these questions to envision what it would be like to practically live out this passage.

• Life gets harder as we get older, but Paul encourages us with the idea of inner renewal despite the breakdown of our physical bodies. How can his words help us stay strong in old age?

• Paul says the key to not losing heart is where you look (4:18). Is it hard to stay focused on unseen, eternal things? Why?

• The language describing our earthly bodies as “tents” is reminiscent of the Israelites during the wilderness wanderings and reminds us that this world is not our true home (cf. 1 Pet. 2:11). What influences pull us toward settling down in this world? How can we combat them?

• How will living for the unseen, eternal world change our perspective, choices, behavior, and lives?