This chapter division is rather unfortunate. The word “for” indicates that Paul is about to give another reason in support of the reason why God’s people are able to bear with the arduous nature of the opposition they encounter. 

Paul was an example of the victorious Christian. Though alway delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake and though his outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. 

That by which he so lived was what he saw as he fixed his eye on heavenly things. He was thus provided with a fountain of consolation that sustained him amidst the fiercest storms and which bore him above the billows and waves of affliction which attended his earthly pilgrimage.

Paul had a reason for his joyful confidence. The word FOR reminds us that his confidence is based on solid reason, it was founded on truth.

I. THE CHILD OF GOD HAS A BLESSED KNOWLEDGE

1. They know that they will die. Their earthly dwelling is a tabernacle, a temporary building and it will dissolve — “Come apart.” It was something that could happen at any moment. How calmly Paul could speak of it. He does not consider his body to be himself but a mere dwelling, a tent.

It is a clear reference to the eternal nature of the soul. We are not annihilated or destroyed.

The IF reminds us that there is a generation of believers who will not pass through death, 1 Thess 4:15.

2. They know that they have a house in heaven. It is eternal.

3. They know that it is made by God. It is not like man’s handiwork either in appearance or duration.

4. They know that it is reserved in heaven for us and we are reserved on earth for it. 1 Peter 1:3-5. Reserved=attended carefully. Kept=guarded by a garrison. This is what the patriarchs looked for, Hebs 11:10.