The Earthly Tent and Eternal House
Paul contrasts our temporary earthly bodies with the eternal dwelling God has prepared for us. For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is dismantled, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands (2 Corinthians 5:1).

Living by Faith, Not by Sight
The call to live by faith is emphasized, as believers are to focus on the unseen eternal realities rather than the visible, temporary world. For we walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7).

The Judgment Seat of Christ
Paul reminds us that all believers will appear before Christ to receive what is due for their actions. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive his due for the things done in the body, whether good or bad (2 Corinthians 5:10).

New Creation in Christ
The transformative power of being in Christ is highlighted, as believers are made new. Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come! (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Ministry of Reconciliation
Paul speaks of the ministry entrusted to us, to reconcile others to God through Christ. All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18).Embrace Eternal Perspective
Live with the awareness that our true home is in heaven, which should influence our priorities and decisions on earth.

Cultivate Faith Over Sight
Practice trusting God in all circumstances, even when the path is unclear, knowing that He is faithful.

Prepare for Accountability
Reflect on your life and actions, understanding that you will give an account to Christ for how you lived.

Live as a New Creation
Let go of past sins and embrace your identity in Christ, allowing His Spirit to transform your life.

Engage in Reconciliation
Actively participate in sharing the message of reconciliation, seeking to bring others into a relationship with God through Christ.1. Paul
The apostle and author of the letter, who is writing to the Corinthians. He discusses themes of reconciliation, the new creation in Christ, and the ministry of reconciliation.

2. Christ
Referred to as the one who died for all and was raised again, making it possible for believers to become a new creation. Paul emphasizes Christ's role in reconciling the world to God.

3. God
The one who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation. God is portrayed as the initiator of reconciliation and the one who does not count people's sins against them.

4. Believers/Us
Referring to Paul and his companions, as well as the broader community of believers who have been given the ministry of reconciliation. They are described as ambassadors for Christ.

5. The World
Implied as those who are being reconciled to God through Christ. The world is the object of God's reconciliation efforts.

In the original Greek, key terms such as "καταλλάσσω" (katallassō) meaning "to reconcile" and "πρεσβεύω" (presbeuō) meaning "to be an ambassador" are significant in understanding the roles and relationships described in this chapter.1. Earthly Tent
This term refers to our physical bodies. In 2 Corinthians 5:1, Paul uses the metaphor of an "earthly tent" to describe the temporary nature of our physical existence. The Greek word used here is "σκῆνος" (skēnos), which means a tent or tabernacle, emphasizing the transient and impermanent nature of our earthly life.

2. Heavenly Dwelling
Contrasted with the earthly tent, the "heavenly dwelling" represents the eternal, glorified bodies believers will receive. In 2 Corinthians 5:1-2, Paul speaks of a "building from God, an eternal house in heaven," highlighting the permanence and divine origin of our future state.

3. Home in the Body
This phrase refers to our current life on earth. In 2 Corinthians 5:6, Paul mentions being "at home in the body," which signifies living in our present physical form, with its limitations and separation from the Lord.

4. Away from the Body and at Home with the Lord
This concept describes the believer's state after death. In 2 Corinthians 5:8, Paul expresses a preference to be "away from the body and at home with the Lord," indicating the believer's ultimate desire to be in the presence of Christ, free from earthly constraints.1. The Earthly Tent and Heavenly Dwelling
Paul begins by contrasting our earthly bodies with a heavenly dwelling: "For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is dismantled, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands" (2 Corinthians 5:1). The Greek word for "tent" (σκῆνος, skēnos) emphasizes the temporary nature of our physical bodies.

2. Longing for Immortality
Paul expresses a longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling: "Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling" (2 Corinthians 5:2). The Greek verb "groan" (στενάζω, stenazō) conveys a deep yearning for the eternal.

3. The Spirit as a Guarantee
The Holy Spirit is given as a guarantee of what is to come: "Now it is God who has prepared us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a pledge of what is to come" (2 Corinthians 5:5). The term "pledge" (ἀρραβών, arrabōn) refers to a deposit or down payment, assuring believers of their future inheritance.

4. Living by Faith, Not by Sight
Paul emphasizes living by faith: "For we walk by faith, not by sight" (2 Corinthians 5:7). The Greek word for "walk" (περιπατέω, peripateō) implies a continuous way of life guided by faith.

5. Confidence and the Desire to Please God
Paul expresses confidence and the desire to please God: "So we aspire to please Him, whether we are here in this body or away from it" (2 Corinthians 5:9). The Greek word "aspire" (φιλοτιμέομαι, philotimeomai) suggests an earnest ambition or goal.

6. The Judgment Seat of Christ
Paul speaks of appearing before Christ's judgment seat: "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive his due for the things done in the body, whether good or bad" (2 Corinthians 5:10). The term "judgment seat" (βῆμα, bēma) refers to a tribunal or place of judgment.

7. The Ministry of Reconciliation
Paul describes the ministry of reconciliation: "All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation" (2 Corinthians 5:18). The Greek word for "reconcile" (καταλλάσσω, katallassō) means to restore a relationship to harmony.

8. Ambassadors for Christ
Believers are called ambassadors for Christ: "Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us" (2 Corinthians 5:20). The term "ambassador" (πρεσβεύω, presbeuō) indicates a representative or envoy.

9. The Righteousness of God in Christ
Paul concludes with the message of righteousness through Christ: "God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God" (2 Corinthians 5:21). The Greek word for "righteousness" (δικαιοσύνη, dikaiosynē) signifies a state of being right with God. Eternal Perspective
Philippians 3:20-21 - Our citizenship is in heaven.

Faith Over Sight
Hebrews 11:1 - Faith is the assurance of things hoped for.

Accountability
Romans 14:10-12 - We will all stand before God's judgment seat.

New Creation
Galatians 6:15 - What counts is the new creation.

Reconciliation
Colossians 1:20 - Christ reconciled all things to Himself. Thanksgiving for Eternal Hope
Thank God for the promise of eternal life and the home He has prepared for us.

Strength to Walk by Faith
Pray for the strength to trust God in all circumstances and to live by faith.

Readiness for Christ's Judgment
Ask for a heart that is ready and willing to be accountable to Christ for your actions.

Transformation as a New Creation
Seek the Holy Spirit's help in living out your new identity in Christ.

Boldness in Reconciliation
Pray for opportunities and courage to share the message of reconciliation with others.

1. How does Paul describe our earthly and heavenly bodies?

2. How can Paul’s longing for his heavenly dwelling inspire your own perspective on life and death?

3. What does it mean to appear before the judgment seat of Christ?

4. What does Christ’s death mean for the lives we lead according to verses 14-15?

5. How does Christ’s love compel us in our actions and attitudes?

6. What is the "ministry of reconciliation," and what role do we play in it?

7. How does becoming a new creation in Christ affect our interactions and relationships with others?

8. What does it mean to no longer regard anyone from a worldly point of view?

9. How does understanding that we are Christ's ambassadors affect our sense of purpose and responsibility?

10. What does it mean that God made Christ, who had no sin, to be sin for us?

11. How does the reality of becoming the righteousness of God in Christ inspire you?

12. How can you practically apply the truths of reconciliation and the new creation in your everyday life?

13. How can you exhibit courage in the face of trials as Paul described in this chapter?

14. How does the reality of Christ’s sacrificial love affect your understanding of love in general?

15. How does understanding our future heavenly dwelling influence how we live today?

16. How does the promise of a heavenly dwelling give hope in times of struggle?

17. How should the concept of the judgment seat of Christ affect our actions?

18. How can you live your life in a way that reflects you are a new creation?

19. In what ways can you be an ambassador for Christ in your community?

20. How can this chapter affect your understanding of the Gospel's role in your life?