Temple Of God
Temple Of God
1 Cor.3:16-17
1 Corinthians 3:16-17 Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are.
In general terms, a temple is a structure dedicated for worship. In ancient Biblical parlance, a temple is a holy and sacred dwelling of God among His people where He is to be worshipped. However, in the New Testament church, the desirable place where God wants to dwell and have His worship is in our hearts. Acts 7:48 & 2 Corinthians 6:16 However, the Most High does not dwell in temples made with hands, as the prophet says: ‘Heaven is My throne, And earth is My footstool. What house will you build for Me? says the Lord, Or what is the place of My rest? …For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they shall be My people.”
Having established the truth of God’s readiness to inhabit our hearts as His temple, we need to fulfil the pre-requisite condition of holiness. Psalm 15:1,2 & 1 Corinthians 3:17 . Lord, who may abide in Your tabernacle? Who may dwell in Your holy hill? He who walks uprightly, And works righteousness … For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are. Our lives must be rid of all iniquities and all fleshly encumbrances that may hinder the presence of the Almighty. Then, we must daily strive to maintain and keep our hearts from godless and impure thoughts whilst we live and worship God in all sincerity and truth.
In addition, the pre-occupation of the ancient temple was the offering of prayer-worship: Isaiah 56:7 Even them I will bring to My holy mountain, And make them joyful in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and their sacrifices Will be accepted on My altar; For My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations. Therefore, our hearts are expected to daily produce sweet incense of prayers to God at all times.
Meditation: What is the position of my heart? Psalm 139: 23,24. Can God really dwell and make me His sanctuary? Will you be ready to make HIM dwell in you and be a mobile carrier of His presence?
Author: Sis Grace Elegbeleye
