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What is a temple?
Dictionary.com: 1. an edifice or place dedicated to the service or worship of a deity or deities.
read I Cor. 3:16 - 17
That’s the plural form of “you” there. Like “ya’ll” – not “you” as an individual. We, the believers, are the temple of God. Not individually, but as the group – the citizens of the Kingdom of God, the church.
read 2 Cor. 6:14-18 – here he says “we.”
We have become the new temple of God.
How does that relate to the old temple? Remember that the Old Testament exists as an example to us.
read 2 Chronicles 6, 7 note especially -
6: 13 – Solomon – on his knees – humility. We the temple are to be humble.
6:18 – Solomon did not presume upon God. He did all this work, then asked God if he was OK with it. We are not to presume upon God that our church body is where God is comfortable, but constantly seeking his will and his approval.
7:1-3 – the glory of the Lord is awesome – inspiring fear.
7:4 – These are sacrifices of dedication = not sacrifices to atone for sin. Jesus is our once-for-all sacrifice for sin. But here we see that a sacrifice of dedication is required in the temple. – What is our sacrifice of dedication?
Application
Romans 12 – together we are the temple and individually (“everyone” v3) we are the sacrifice of dedication to our God.
That works itself out in:
- Humility v. 3
- Serving using our spiritual gifts vv 4-8
- Genuine love v9-10
- Zeal for God v11
- Hopeful, patient, prayerful v12
- Generous v13
- Bless those who persecute you v14 (love your enemies)
- Compassionate v15
- Peaceful at all costs vv 16- 21
Be the sacrifice. |
