I was reading 1 Corinthians this morning, Paul says, "Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s spirit dwells in you? If any one destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him. For God’s temple is holy, and that temple you are" (1 Cor 3:16,17).
These two lines are fascinating and so important for the time we now live.
Keep in mind that Paul was writing this letter when the Temple in Jerusalem was still standing and would be for another 15 to 20 years. Therefore, Paul is not saying, ‘well the old temple is gone you need to take its place.’
No…Paul is saying, what the temple is, you are, but in an even more powerful way.
What was the Temple?
- The Temple was the only place to offer sacrifice to the Lord. It was the place to worship the God of the Universe.
- The Temple was the overwhelming sign of God’s presence amongst the people of Israel. It was His throne or footstool, God dwelt with the people in the Temple.
- If you would travel to Jerusalem, the Temple would be the first thing you saw. It towered above the walls and the white stone and gold would have drawn your eyes from miles away.
But Paul is saying "that you are God’s temple."
- Because the Spirit dwells in us, we can offer true worship to God. We can offer our sacrifices up with the High Priest Jesus Christ.
- We…you and I…are meant to be the overwhelming sign of God’s presence amongst His people.
- We…you and I…are meant to be the first thing that others see that introduces them to the reality of God’s love and mercy.
There are other scripture passages that speak to this concept, like we are be light, salt, or a city on the hill, but the Temple is such a strong image.
Everyone today is looking around, looking at the news, looking at social media, and all they see is fear, anxiety, hate, division, and despair.
But when people see us what is that they need to see??? They need to see God’s Temple! His presence among them, His everlasting Throne!
Let us pray to be just that…because "that temple you are"!!!
Blog by:
Casting Nets Ministries