Bible Study 2 Corinthians 4:16-5:8

“Living With Eternal Eyes”

Text: 2 Corinthians 4:16–5:8

2 Corinthians 4:16–5:8 NKJV

16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, 18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. 1 For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed with our habitation which is from heaven, 3 if indeed, having been clothed, we shall not be found naked. 4 For we who are in this tent groan, being burdened, not because we want to be unclothed, but further clothed, that mortality may be swallowed up by life. 5 Now He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who also has given us the Spirit as a guarantee. 6 So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. 7 For we walk by faith, not by sight. 8 We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.

Message

Last week, we looked at Paul’s reminder that we are like fragile clay jars carrying a priceless treasure—the gospel of Christ. And how sad a commentary if we leave that treasure in the jar.

Luke 11:33 “33 “No one, when he has lit a lamp, puts it in a secret place or under a basket, but on a lampstand, that those who come in may see the light.”

Paul told us that though life pressed him down, God’s power kept him from being destroyed. Paul knew something about being pressed down:

2 Corinthians 11:22–28 “22 Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? So am I. 23 Are they ministers of Christ?—I speak as a fool—I am more: in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, in deaths often. 24 From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; 26 in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; 27 in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness—28 besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches.”

When you consider Paul’s journey and he calls it in tonight’s text “light affliction.” Does that give you some perspective with your struggles?

His weakness made Christ’s strength shine brighter. Tonight, Paul carries that thought forward—showing us why we can keep going, even when life feels like it’s pressing in.”

“Think about training for something hard. Maybe boot camp for soldiers, grueling practices for athletes, or even rehab after a major surgery. Those are not fun experiences. But the pain is endured because the soldier thinks about the battlefield victory, the athlete thinks about the medal, and the patient thinks about walking again. Paul is writing to believers going through affliction. And he’s saying: don’t just look at the pain—look at the prize.”

1. Our Outward Decline vs. Inward Renewal (4:16)

2 Corinthians 4:16 “16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.”

“Therefore”-there for a reason. He admitted hardship in the past section. He does not run or hide reality.

“Our outward man is perishing.”

Toby Keith sang the song “I am as good once as I ever was.” I do not even know if that is true. Dearly beloved, we are dying from the day we are born.

Most studies show that the human body reaches its physical peak between ages 25–30

Athletes know there’s a peak. By the time you hit 30, you’re no longer getting faster, you’re just fighting to keep what you’ve got. But spiritually, Paul flips the script—while the body declines, the soul can grow stronger every single day.

Paul was very aware of his failing body—persecution, aging, health. Yet he saw something deeper: his spirit was growing stronger in Christ.

Illustration: Compare to a battery-powered flashlight. The outside case may get scratched, dented, or worn out—but if the batteries inside are strong, the light still shines.

“Our light affliction”-Can you say that? Are you able to keep your aging, your health, your decline in perspective?

“yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.” Therein lies the secret of keeping your affliction light and your Lord heavy. Renewing everyday.

How do we renew our inward man everyday?

Isaiah 40:29–31 “29 He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength. 30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall utterly fall, 31 But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.”

Colossians 3:10 “10 and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him,”

Think about men like Chuck Swindoll, Charles Stanley, Billy Graham, Dr. David Jeremiah.

In what ways do you feel your ‘outer self’ is wasting away?” (aging, stress, weakness, pain, health issues)

Then I would ask...where have you seen God renewing your inner self in spite of that?”

Practical Ways to Renew the Inward Man (with Scripture)

A. Daily Surrender to God’s Presence

Renewal begins with giving God space each day.

Romans 12:1–2 — “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice… be transformed by the renewal of your mind.”

James 4:8 — “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.”

Application: Begin each day in prayer and Scripture—even if only a few minutes—realigning heart and mind to God’s will.

B. Feeding on God’s Word

The inward man grows strong as the outer man grows weak when nourished by truth.

Matthew 4:4 — “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”

Psalm 119:105 — “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

Application: Make Scripture intake as regular as eating. Read, listen, or memorize—it renews your perspective.

C. Prayer and Communion with God

Paul renewed himself in constant prayer, pouring out weakness and receiving strength.

Philippians 4:6–7 — Prayer replaces anxiety with peace that guards the heart and mind.

1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 — “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances.”

Application: Pray throughout the day—short prayers in the car, at work, or when anxious. Renewal comes in the ongoing dialogue.

D. Fellowship with God’s People

Isolation wears us down, but Christian community strengthens us.

Hebrews 10:24–25 — “Let us consider how to stir up one another… not neglecting to meet together, but encouraging one another.”

Acts 2:42 — The early church devoted themselves to teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer.

Application: Participate in worship and small group fellowship. Encouragement, accountability, and shared burdens renew the soul.

E. Fixing Our Eyes on Eternity

Renewal happens when we look past the temporary and set our gaze on eternal hope.

Colossians 3:1–2 — “Set your minds on things above, not on things that are on earth.”

Hebrews 12:2 — “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith…”

Application: When discouraged, lift your eyes. Heaven’s promises reframe earth’s pain.

F. Serving Others in Christ’s Name

Self-focus drains us; serving others for Christ renews us.

Galatians 6:9–10 — “Let us not grow weary of doing good… as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone.”

John 13:14–15 — Jesus renewed His disciples’ hearts by teaching them to serve.

Application: Find ways to bless others. Service refreshes you as much as those you help.

Paul’s body was breaking down, but his spirit was being built up because every day he leaned on God’s presence, God’s Word, God’s people, and God’s promises. Renewal wasn’t a one-time event—it was a daily rhythm.

2. Our Light Troubles vs. Eternal Weight (4:17–18)

2 Corinthians 4:17–18 “17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, 18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.”

Paul calls suffering “light and momentary affliction”—not because it feels light, but compared to eternity, it is.

“Weight of glory” – the word Paul uses (Greek baros) means “heaviness” or “substance.” Heaven’s glory is heavier, weightier, more lasting than any suffering.

Illustration: Imagine holding a small pebble in one hand and a heavy rock in the other. The pebble seems weighty until you feel the rock. Trials feel crushing until compared to eternity’s glory.

Story: Joni Eareckson Tada often says her wheelchair is a “little pebble” compared to the eternal glory awaiting her.

Matthew 5:12 “12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

Romans 8:18 “18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”

1 Peter 1:6 “6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials,”

Interactive Question:

What are some things in your life right now that feel heavy? How does viewing them against eternity change perspective?

Application: Look at trouble through the lens of eternity. If you can’t change the circumstance, change your perspective.

Let me ask you a question. How has your perspective changed in view of your conditions over time. I am blessed because:

-a home, no pain when I’m still, I’m cool, I’m dry, I have food, I have peace in my home, I have beautiful creation to absorb. I have my church family. I have a place to go and be involved, to be apart. I have a home in heaven. I will have a new body. I will be present with the Lord.

Romans 8:24 “24 For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees?”

What do you hope for? Do you still have dreams?

2 Corinthians 5:7 “7 For we walk by faith, not by sight.”

The Walk of Faith in Hebrews 11.

Hebrews 11:1 “1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

Hebrews 11:13 “13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.”

3. Our Earthly Tent vs. Eternal Home (5:1–8)

Paul shifts metaphors: our bodies are “tents”—temporary, fragile, wearing out. But God has prepared an eternal “building”—a permanent home.

“We walk by faith, not by sight” (5:7) is the anchor.

Illustration:

A tent is fine for a camping trip—but no one wants to live in one forever. Storms leak in, poles break. Our bodies are tents, but heaven is the sturdy home God has built.

Example: Military families often live in temporary quarters but long for the home they’ll one day settle in.

Interactive Question:

“Why do you think Paul used the image of a tent? How does that help you picture your own life?”

Application: Live courageously, longing more for heaven than clinging to earth. Faith isn’t ignoring reality—it’s trusting God’s promises beyond what we see.

A. It is Permanent, Not Temporary

Paul calls our current body a “tent”—fragile, temporary, wearing out. But he contrasts it with “a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens” (5:1).

John 14:2–3 — Jesus said, “In My Father’s house are many rooms… I go to prepare a place for you… that where I am you may be also.”

Hebrews 11:10 — Abraham looked forward to “the city with foundations, whose designer and builder is God.”

Application: Unlike tents that tear in the storm, our heavenly home is a fortress, built by God Himself.

B. It is a Place of God’s Presence

Paul longs to be “at home with the Lord” (5:8). Heaven is defined not just by what’s there but Who is there.

Revelation 21:3 — “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be His people.”

Psalm 16:11 — “In Your presence there is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

Application: Heaven is not just about golden streets—it’s about perfect fellowship with God Himself.

C. It is Free from Suffering and Death

In this life, we “groan” in our earthly tent (5:2, 4), but in the next life we are clothed with immortality.

Revelation 21:4 — “He will wipe away every tear… death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore.”

1 Corinthians 15:53–54 — “This perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality.”

Application: Every sorrow, pain, and limitation we carry will be exchanged for eternal health, joy, and peace.

D. It is a Place of Reward and Rest

Paul connects courage with future accountability (2 Cor. 5:9–10). Heaven is a place where faithfulness is rewarded.

Matthew 25:21 — “Well done, good and faithful servant… enter into the joy of your master.”

Hebrews 4:9 — “There remains a rest for the people of God.”

Application: Our labor and suffering for Christ here is not wasted—it is credited in eternity.

E. It is a Place of Reunion

Heaven is where believers are gathered together.

1 Thessalonians 4:16–17 — “The dead in Christ will rise first… and so we will always be with the Lord.”

Hebrews 12:23 — Describes heaven as the gathering of “the spirits of the righteous made perfect.”

Application: In heaven, we not only see the Lord, but we are reunited with God’s family through the ages.

✅ Summary for Point #3 Paul’s imagery of tents vs. buildings paints heaven as:

Permanent – built by God, eternal.

Personal – fellowship with Christ forever.

Peaceful – free of pain, death, and decay.

Purposeful – rest and reward await the faithful.

People-filled – reunion with the saints in glory.

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Closing Challenge

Paul doesn’t sugarcoat life. He admits weakness, decline, and affliction. But he says: this is not the end.

Challenge the group:

“If you truly believed heaven is more real than earth, how would that change the way you face trials this week?”

End with 5:8: “We are of good courage… we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.”