2 Corinthians 5: Group Study Handout

How to use: read 2 Corinthians 5 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Paul describes the earthly body as a temporary tent. He expresses a longing for a permanent dwelling from God in heaven (vv. 1-2). This desire leads to groaning, not for being unclothed, but for being clothed with eternal life (vv. 3-4). God has made believers for this purpose and has given them the Spirit as a guarantee (v. 5).

Key verse

“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old things have passed away. Behold, all things have become new.”
2 Corinthians 5:17 (WEB)

Outline

2 Corinthians 5:1–5 Earthly Tents and Heavenly Dwellings
2 Corinthians 5:6–10 Confidence and Judgment
2 Corinthians 5:11–15 The Love of Christ and New Life
2 Corinthians 5:16–21 New Creation and Reconciliation

Discussion questions

In v1, what metaphor does Paul use to describe our earthly bodies?
What does Paul mean by 'the judgment seat of Christ' in v10?
In v14, what does Paul imply about the love of Christ and its impact on believers?
Why does Paul state in v17 that 'the old things have passed away'?
When have you felt 'burdened' in your life, as Paul describes in v4?

Go deeper

Passages that echo 2 Corinthians 5: Romans 8, John 3, Romans 12.

Before next time: read 2 Corinthians 6.