Three Homes

Introduction: The Hope Beyond This Life

Paul writes to the Corinthians about a hope that goes beyond the temporary realities of earthly life.

“For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.”

— 2 Corinthians 5:1 (ESV)

Paul uses the metaphor of earthly life as a “tent”; temporary, fragile, and passing. Yet, for the believer, there is an assurance: we have an eternal home, secure and everlasting, “not made with hands.” This “groaning” in our present bodies (v. 2, 4) reflects both the burdens of mortality and the longing for something more—our heavenly dwelling. God, Paul assures, has prepared us for this very purpose and “has given us the Spirit as a guarantee” (v. 5).

This longing, and the certainty it offers, should influence every aspect of our lives. From this hope flow three essential “homes” that every Christian should desire and work to attain:

A Heavenly Home (our eternal hope and salvation)

A Christian Home (our family life and witness)

A Church Home (our place in the body of Christ)

Let us view these “homes” not as optional extras but as essential to a life that pleases God and overflows with joy.

I. A Happy Heart

The first “home” isn’t a location but a condition—the condition of the redeemed heart. The psalmist declares:

“Blessed are the people to whom such blessings fall! Blessed are the people whose God is the LORD!”

— Psalm 144:15 (ESV)

True happiness is rooted in our relationship with God, and several elements nourish this joyful heart:

A. Salvation is Imperative

Without the assurance of salvation, true peace escapes us. The fear of eternal loss—what Jesus described as “the outer darkness” (Matthew 8:12) or “the lake of fire” (Revelation 20:15)—clouds every pleasure. But in Christ, we find peace because “the Holy Spirit dwells within us” (Romans 8:9).

B. Surrender is Important

Paul was well aware of the inner battle in the Christian life. He says:

“…for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.”

— Philippians 4:11 (ESV)

Contentment arrives as we daily surrender to Christ, disciplining our bodies and minds so that the new nature rules.

“But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.”

— 1 Corinthians 9:27 (ESV)

C. Sacrifice is Integral

Paradoxically, happiness is discovered not through self-indulgence, but through self-giving.

“For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”

— Matthew 16:25 (ESV)

D. Separation is Necessary

Who we walk with influences the direction of our hearts. Scripture urges us:

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind…”

— Romans 12:2 (ESV)

A joyful heart is one where Jesus rules, where sacrifice and surrender are embraced, and where separation from the world’s corruptions is lovingly sought.

II. A Harmonious Home

The second “home” is our earthly household—our families, where faith is to be most tangibly expressed.

A. Family Devotions

A father who gathers his family for daily prayer and scripture reading “lays up treasure in heaven” (Matthew 6:20). A mother’s prayers, often unseen, are precious in God’s sight. Children, honoring their parents, fulfill the commandment “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land” (Ephesians 6:3).

B. Fatherly Discipline

While society may scorn discipline, the Bible values it.

“Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.”

— Proverbs 13:24 (ESV)

A home’s harmony is disrupted by rebellion but maintained through loving, consistent correction.

C. Faithful Dedication

A Christ-centered home requires commitment from everyone: fathers leading, mothers nurturing, and children obeying. This unity makes the home a refuge—a place we long to return to, no matter what storms rage outside.

III. A Healthy Church

Our third “home” is the local church—a spiritual family where we live out our faith together.

A. Plain Preaching

The early church was characterized by strong, biblical preaching.

“Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season…”

— 2 Timothy 4:2 (ESV)

Sound doctrine, grounded in the Word, the blood of Christ, and the blessed hope, is essential. Preaching may be uncomfortable at times, but it is always vital for spiritual well-being.

B. Praying People

Your church home should be a praying church. Members, our Christian brothers and sisters, should lift up in prayer the pastor, his family, the mission of the church as it aligns with God’s Will, and for each other—praying the Holy Spirit strengthens each of us to resist the temptations hurled at us, and for the lost, that they realize their need for a Savior.