What happens when the tent comes down? In this study of 2 Corinthians 4:16-5:10, Paul draws a vivid contrast between the outward man that is perishing and the inward man that is being renewed day by day. We examine what he means by “light affliction” — a term that covered beatings, shipwrecks, and constant threat of death — and how those momentary sufferings are producing an eternal weight of glory beyond comparison. Paul then shifts to the imagery of clothing: our earthly body is a temporary tent, but God has prepared a permanent building — a heavenly dwelling not made with hands. We explore the Holy Spirit as the guarantee of this promise, what it means to walk by faith and not by sight, and the sobering reality that every one of us will appear before the judgment seat of Christ to receive according to what we have done in the body.
