OUR HEAVENLY DWELLING

OUR HEAVENLY DWELLING

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 2 Corinthians 5:1-4

Key Verse: 2 Corinthians 5:1
“For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.”

Supporting Texts: John 14:1-3; Philippians 3:20-21; 1 Corinthians 15:42-44; Hebrews 11:13-16; 1 Peter 1:3-4; Revelation 21:1-4; Romans 8:18-23

Description: Our heavenly dwelling is the eternal home God has prepared for His people, giving believers hope beyond the limitations, sufferings and temporary nature of this present earthly life.

INTRODUCTION

Paul's words in 2 Corinthians 5:1-4 reveal the confidence of a believer who understands that this present earthly existence is not the final destination. He describes our present body as an earthly house or tabernacle; a temporary dwelling that will eventually give way to something eternal. The believer's hope is not centred on this temporary body but on the eternal dwelling prepared by God.

Our earthly bodies are subject to weakness, ageing, suffering and death. Yet Scripture gives us a glorious assurance: when this earthly tabernacle is dissolved, we have a building from God, eternal in the heavens. This does not mean that believers despise their present lives; rather, it means that we understand that our ultimate hope is beyond this present world.

This eternal perspective gives courage in difficult times. We can endure present affliction because we know that something far greater awaits us. We can face the limitations of this earthly body without losing hope because our future is secured in Christ. Our heavenly dwelling reminds us that what God has prepared for His children is permanent, glorious and eternal.

1. OUR PRESENT EARTHLY DWELLING IS TEMPORARY

Paul compares our present body to a tabernacle, a temporary dwelling. This reminds us not to place our ultimate hope in things that cannot last forever.

a. Our Earthly Body Is Fragile (2 Corinthians 4:7) — Human life is precious but physically fragile, and we must depend upon God.

b. Our Present Life Is Temporary (James 4:14) — Our earthly existence is brief compared with eternity.

c. Earthly Conditions Will Change (1 Corinthians 7:31) — The present form of this world is passing away.

d. We Must Prepare For Eternity (Amos 4:12) — Life should be lived with our eternal destiny in view.

Biblical Example: Abraham lived in tents because he understood that his ultimate inheritance was not merely an earthly possession but a city whose builder and maker is God (Hebrews 11:9-10).

2. GOD HAS PREPARED AN ETERNAL DWELLING FOR US

Our future dwelling is not the product of human construction. Paul says it is a building “of God,” demonstrating that our eternal hope rests upon divine preparation.

a. It Is A Building Of God (2 Corinthians 5:1) — Our eternal home comes from God Himself.

b. It Is Not Made With Human Hands (Mark 14:58) — God's eternal dwelling is superior to anything human beings can construct.

c. It Is Eternal (2 Corinthians 5:1) — Unlike earthly structures, our heavenly dwelling will never decay or disappear.

d. It Is In The Heavens (2 Corinthians 5:1) — Our ultimate home is connected with the eternal presence and kingdom of God.

Biblical Example: Jesus promised His disciples that He was going to prepare a place for them and would return to receive them to Himself (John 14:2-3).

3. OUR HEAVENLY HOPE GIVES US CONFIDENCE

Paul says, “we know.” Christian hope is not wishful thinking; it is grounded in the promises and faithfulness of God.

a. We Have A Sure Hope (2 Corinthians 5:1) — The believer's confidence rests upon what God has promised.

b. Christ Secures Our Future (John 11:25-26) — Jesus is the resurrection and the life, giving believers hope beyond death.

c. Our Inheritance Is Reserved (1 Peter 1:3-4) — Our heavenly inheritance cannot perish, become polluted or fade away.

d. Our Citizenship Is In Heaven (Philippians 3:20) — Believers belong ultimately to a heavenly kingdom.

Biblical Example: Stephen faced death with confidence because he saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God (Acts 7:54-60).

4. WE SHOULD LONG FOR WHAT GOD HAS PREPARED

Paul describes believers as those who groan, longing to be clothed with their heavenly dwelling. This is not hopelessness but a deep desire for the fullness of God's redemptive work.

a. We Long For Redemption (Romans 8:23) — The Holy Spirit within us creates anticipation for the complete redemption of our bodies.

b. We Desire To Be With Christ (Philippians 1:23) — Being with Christ is the ultimate hope of the believer.

c. We Look Forward To Resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:52-53) — God will transform mortal bodies into immortal ones.

d. We Await The Fulness Of God's Promise (Romans 8:18) — The coming glory is greater than present suffering.

Biblical Example: Simeon waited faithfully for the consolation of Israel and rejoiced when he finally saw the promised Messiah (Luke 2:25-32).

5. ETERNAL HOPE CHANGES HOW WE HANDLE SUFFERING

The knowledge that our present dwelling is temporary helps us endure suffering without losing heart. Our pain is real, but it is not the end of the story.

a. Present Suffering Is Temporary (2 Corinthians 4:17) — Affliction belongs to the present age, while glory is eternal.

b. God Will Strengthen His People (1 Peter 5:10) — After suffering, God promises to establish, strengthen and settle His people.

c. Our Future Glory Is Greater (Romans 8:18) — Present suffering cannot compare with the glory that shall be revealed.

d. Do Not Lose Heart (2 Corinthians 4:16) — The inner person can be renewed even when the outward person is perishing.

Biblical Example: Job endured severe suffering while maintaining his confidence that his Redeemer lived and that he would ultimately see God (Job 19:25-27).

6. WE MUST NOT CLING TO THE TEMPORARY AT THE EXPENSE OF THE ETERNAL

Because this world is temporary, believers must guard against allowing earthly possessions, achievements and pleasures to become their ultimate focus.

a. Seek Things Above (Colossians 3:1-2) — Our hearts should be directed towards eternal realities.

b. Store Up Heavenly Treasure (Matthew 6:19-21) — Eternal investment is more valuable than earthly accumulation.

c. Do Not Love The Passing World (1 John 2:15-17) — Worldly desires are temporary, but God's will endures forever.

d. Live As Pilgrims (1 Peter 2:11) — Believers should remember that this world is not their ultimate home.

Biblical Example: Moses rejected the temporary treasures and pleasures of Egypt because he valued God's eternal reward more highly (Hebrews 11:24-26).

7. GOD WILL TRANSFORM OUR MORTAL BODIES

The heavenly dwelling points towards God's ultimate work of redemption. He will not leave His people in the condition of mortality and corruption.

a. Mortality Will Put On Immortality (1 Corinthians 15:53) — God will transform what is mortal into what is immortal.

b. Corruption Will Give Way To Incorruption (1 Corinthians 15:42-44) — The resurrection body will be suited for eternal life.

c. Christ Will Transform Us (Philippians 3:21) — Jesus has power to transform our lowly bodies to be like His glorious body.

d. Death Will Be Defeated (1 Corinthians 15:54-55) — The final victory belongs to Christ.

Biblical Example: Lazarus was raised from the dead by Jesus, providing a powerful demonstration of Christ's authority over death (John 11:38-44).

8. OUR HEAVENLY DWELLING GIVES US A REASON TO LIVE FAITHFULLY

Knowing that eternity awaits us should not make us careless about the present. Instead, it should motivate us to serve God faithfully while we are on earth.

a. Be Steadfast In God's Work (1 Corinthians 15:58) — Eternal hope gives strength to remain committed to God's work.

b. Live To Please God (2 Corinthians 5:9) — Since our future is with God, our present life should seek to please Him.

c. Labour For Eternal Reward (Matthew 25:21) — Faithful service has eternal significance.

d. Finish Your Race Well (2 Timothy 4:7-8) — The believer must remain faithful until the end.

Biblical Example: Paul continued preaching and serving despite tremendous suffering because he knew that an eternal crown awaited him (2 Timothy 4:7-8).

CONCLUSION

Our earthly dwelling is temporary, but our heavenly dwelling is eternal. This present body may experience weakness, ageing, suffering and ultimately death, but none of these can cancel the glorious future God has prepared for those who belong to Christ. We therefore do not live without hope. We know that we have a building from God, eternal in the heavens.

Let this truth strengthen your heart. Do not allow temporary troubles to make you abandon eternal hope. Do not allow earthly possessions to become more important than heavenly treasures. Keep your eyes on Christ, remain faithful in your service and live with eternity in view. One day, the temporary will give way to the eternal, and we shall dwell with the Lord forever.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, establish my heart firmly in the hope of my heavenly dwelling, in Jesus name.

2. Lord, help me not to become overly attached to temporary things, in Jesus name.

3. Father, strengthen me whenever I face weakness, suffering or difficult circumstances, in Jesus name.

4. Lord, help me to keep my eyes fixed on eternal realities, in Jesus name.

5. Father, preserve my faith and confidence in Your promises concerning my eternal future, in Jesus name.

6. Lord, give me grace to live as a faithful pilgrim on this earth, in Jesus name.

7. Father, let the hope of eternal glory strengthen me in every season of life, in Jesus name.

8. Lord, help me to store up treasures in heaven and invest my life in things of eternal value, in Jesus name.

9. Father, give me grace to serve You faithfully until the end of my earthly journey, in Jesus name.

10. Lord, keep me faithful to Christ and prepare me for the eternal dwelling You have prepared for Your children, in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You shall not lose your eternal hope because of temporary circumstances.

2. God shall strengthen you through every weakness and difficult season.

3. Your heart shall remain fixed on the eternal promises of God.

4. You shall not exchange heavenly treasures for temporary pleasures.

5. The hope of eternal glory shall sustain you through every trial.

6. You shall walk faithfully with God throughout your earthly journey.

7. Your labour in the Lord shall not be in vain.

8. You shall finish your earthly assignment with faithfulness and courage.

9. You shall inherit the eternal dwelling prepared by God for His people.

10. You shall dwell with the Lord in glory and rejoice in His presence forever.