Holiness is the architectural plan upon which God buildeth up His living temple.
– Charles Spurgeon.
Temples in the Old Testament were created as a place of worship. Not only do the Jewish people had it but also the pagan worshippers around them. In the New Testament, Jesus taught His disciples that the temple of the Spirit of God was with those who believe in Him. Therefore, His followers were God’s living temples.
Bible Reading
Today’s devotional reading is from the 2nd Letter to the Corinthians 6:15-16. Please, read our recent devotional from the Letters to the Hebrews 13:15-16: As Priests, Let Us Offer Our Sacrifices Of Thanksgiving
The living temple versus idolatry
Paul explained to the Corinthians that the living temple is contrary to the idol worshippers. It has been mentioned in the Bible that our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:15-20). Moreover, that we are God’s living temple (1 Corinthians 3:16). Thus, our acts should be congruent to what God has designed for us.
Traditions are important to a degree. But not as essential as the word of God. As the living temple of the Holy Spirit, we should not be preoccupied with traditions and ceremonials when worshipping God. Rather, we should be praising God for His Son, Jesus Christ, and the fulfilment of His words through Him.
What should the living temples do?
The question now is what should we do as the living temples of Christ? First and foremost, we should repent from our sins and wicked ways. Furthermore, place our faith in Jesus Christ, who saves. Luke wrote, received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so (Acts 17:11).
Once we have repented from our sins and surrendered to Jesus, the Holy Spirit will dwell in us to help and guide us as we live our lives in obedience to the Father. Additionally, as living temples, we should spread the Gospel of Christ and do good works for His glorification, not ours.
Reflection
This is the time for your journaling. Reflect on these questions. Ask the Holy Spirit to test your faith and your walk with Christ.
Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? — 2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV.
- Do you consider your body as the temple of the Holy Spirit?
- Have you accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior? Accept Jesus Now.
- How do you act as a living temple of God?
- What else should one do in obedience to God?
- Why do others do not give importance to their bodies?
- Read more about how we are God’s temple.
Related Posts
- The Temple of God
- Worshipping According To One’s Eyes
- Thankful for the Beatings and Imprisonments
- The Humility Of Jesus Christ Despite The Troubled Soul
Prayer
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer: Matthew 6:9-13
