Embracing the Church as a Living Temple

 

Summary

The essence of our spiritual journey as Christians is deeply rooted in the understanding of the Church as a living, dynamic entity. The Apostle Paul presents a profound metaphor of the Church as a building, not just any building, but a holy temple where God dwells. This imagery is not merely architectural but deeply spiritual, emphasizing the unity and privilege we have as members of this divine structure. The Church is not a static institution; it is a living organism, growing and evolving as God continues to add to it through His divine plan.

The unity of the Church is likened to the unity of a building, where each stone is essential for the structure's integrity. However, unlike a mere physical building, the Church is a spiritual edifice, where each believer is a living stone, contributing to the growth and vitality of the whole. This unity is not just organizational but deeply spiritual, rooted in the indwelling presence of God through the Holy Spirit. The Church's true nature is revealed in its holiness, a characteristic that should be its defining feature, setting it apart from worldly institutions.

In our contemporary context, there is a tendency to view church growth in mechanical or statistical terms, focusing on numbers and organizational strength. However, true growth is spiritual, marked by the holiness and vitality of its members. The Church's mission is not to plead with people to join but to embody the holiness and presence of God, drawing others through its divine nature. This understanding challenges us to prioritize spiritual growth and holiness over mere numerical expansion.

The Church's unity and growth are not achieved through human efforts alone but through the divine work of the Holy Spirit. As we align ourselves with this divine purpose, we become part of a glorious edifice, a living temple where God dwells. This is the highest privilege and calling for any believer, to be part of this divine construction, contributing to its growth and holiness.

Key Takeaways:

1. Unity in Diversity: The Church is a unified body, much like a building where each stone is essential. This unity is spiritual, not just organizational, and is rooted in the indwelling presence of God. Our differences should not divide us but rather enrich the Church as we each play our unique role in this divine structure. [14:35]

2. The Privilege of Intimacy: As members of the Church, we have a unique privilege of intimacy with God, akin to a child’s relationship with a parent. This intimacy goes beyond mere access; it is about God dwelling within us, making us His holy temple. This profound relationship is the essence of our faith journey. [15:56]

3. A Living Temple: The Church is not a static institution but a living, growing temple. This growth is spiritual and vital, not mechanical or statistical. Each believer is a living stone, contributing to the Church's vitality and holiness. Our focus should be on spiritual growth and holiness, not just numerical expansion. [30:58]

4. Holiness as the Church's Hallmark: The defining characteristic of the Church should be its holiness. This holiness sets the Church apart and is the foundation for true unity. In our pursuit of growth and influence, we must prioritize holiness, for it is the dwelling place of God. [37:58]

5. Divine Construction: The Church is a divine construction, a process orchestrated by God. Each believer is chosen and placed in this building, contributing to its completion. This understanding challenges us to see ourselves as part of a greater divine plan, with the highest privilege of being part of God's holy temple. [29:43]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [13:31] - The Principle of Unity
- [14:55] - Intimacy and Privilege
- [15:56] - The Church as a Holy Temple
- [17:18] - The Indwelling Presence of God
- [18:32] - Inclusion of the Ephesians
- [19:15] - Importance of Church Doctrine
- [20:31] - The Church as a Building
- [21:23] - The Temple of the Living God
- [22:42] - The Holy Spirit's Indwelling
- [23:36] - The Church as the Pillar of Truth
- [24:36] - Unity and Privilege in the Church
- [25:49] - The Church as a Growing Building
- [27:32] - God's Divine Plan
- [30:06] - The Vital Process of Growth
- [33:50] - Holiness as the Church's Hallmark

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:

1. Ephesians 2:19-22
2. 1 Peter 2:5
3. 1 Corinthians 3:9-17

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Observation Questions:

1. According to Ephesians 2:19-22, how does Paul describe the Church, and what is its significance as a holy temple? [15:56]

2. In 1 Peter 2:5, what metaphor does Peter use to describe believers, and how does this relate to the concept of the Church as a living temple?

3. How does 1 Corinthians 3:9-17 illustrate the idea of the Church as a building, and what warnings does Paul give about how it should be built?

4. In the sermon, what is the significance of the Church being described as a "living organism" rather than a "static institution"? [30:58]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. What does it mean for the Church to be a "holy temple" where God dwells, and how does this impact the way believers should view their role within the Church? [16:57]

2. How does the metaphor of believers as "living stones" challenge the common perception of church growth as merely numerical or organizational? [30:58]

3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the unity of the Church is both a spiritual and organizational reality, and how does this unity reflect the presence of God? [14:35]

4. How does the sermon address the tendency to prioritize numerical growth over spiritual growth, and what implications does this have for the mission of the Church? [34:12]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your personal contribution to the Church as a "living stone." How can you actively participate in the spiritual growth and vitality of your church community? [30:58]

2. Consider the idea of the Church as a "holy temple." What steps can you take to cultivate holiness in your own life, and how might this influence your church community? [37:58]

3. How can you foster unity within your church, especially in light of the diversity of its members? What practical actions can you take to ensure that differences enrich rather than divide the Church? [14:35]

4. In what ways can you shift your focus from numerical growth to spiritual growth in your church involvement? How can you encourage others to do the same? [34:12]

5. Reflect on the privilege of intimacy with God as described in the sermon. How can you deepen your relationship with God, and how might this intimacy impact your interactions with others in your church? [15:56]

6. How can you ensure that your church remains a place where God's presence is evident and holiness is prioritized? What role can you play in maintaining this focus? [37:58]

7. Identify one area in your church where you see a need for growth or improvement. What specific actions can you take to contribute to positive change in that area? [30:58]

Devotional

Day 1: Unity in Diversity
The Church is a unified body, much like a building where each stone is essential. This unity is spiritual, not just organizational, and is rooted in the indwelling presence of God. Our differences should not divide us but rather enrich the Church as we each play our unique role in this divine structure. The Apostle Paul uses the metaphor of a building to illustrate how each believer is a living stone, contributing to the integrity and growth of the Church. This unity is not achieved through human efforts alone but through the divine work of the Holy Spirit. As we align ourselves with this divine purpose, we become part of a glorious edifice, a living temple where God dwells. [14:35]

1 Peter 2:4-5 (ESV): "As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ."

Reflection: Think of a person in your church community who is different from you. How can you celebrate and learn from their unique contribution to the body of Christ today?


Day 2: The Privilege of Intimacy
As members of the Church, we have a unique privilege of intimacy with God, akin to a child’s relationship with a parent. This intimacy goes beyond mere access; it is about God dwelling within us, making us His holy temple. This profound relationship is the essence of our faith journey. The Church is not just a gathering of people but a sacred space where God’s presence is felt and experienced. This privilege calls us to a deeper relationship with God, where we are not just participants but active members of His divine family. [15:56]

Ephesians 3:16-17 (ESV): "That according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love."

Reflection: Reflect on your personal relationship with God. What steps can you take today to deepen your intimacy with Him, acknowledging His presence within you?


Day 3: A Living Temple
The Church is not a static institution but a living, growing temple. This growth is spiritual and vital, not mechanical or statistical. Each believer is a living stone, contributing to the Church's vitality and holiness. Our focus should be on spiritual growth and holiness, not just numerical expansion. The true measure of the Church’s growth is seen in the holiness and vitality of its members, as they embody the presence of God in their lives. This understanding challenges us to prioritize spiritual growth over mere numbers, recognizing that true growth is marked by the transformation of lives. [30:58]

1 Corinthians 3:16-17 (ESV): "Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him. For God's temple is holy, and you are that temple."

Reflection: Consider one area of your spiritual life that needs growth. What practical steps can you take today to nurture this area and contribute to the Church's vitality?


Day 4: Holiness as the Church's Hallmark
The defining characteristic of the Church should be its holiness. This holiness sets the Church apart and is the foundation for true unity. In our pursuit of growth and influence, we must prioritize holiness, for it is the dwelling place of God. Holiness is not just a personal attribute but a communal one, reflecting the Church’s identity as a holy temple where God resides. This calls us to live lives that are set apart, embodying the values and character of Christ in all that we do. [37:58]

Hebrews 12:14 (ESV): "Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord."

Reflection: Identify one habit or behavior that does not reflect the holiness of God. How can you begin to change this today to better reflect the Church's calling to holiness?


Day 5: Divine Construction
The Church is a divine construction, a process orchestrated by God. Each believer is chosen and placed in this building, contributing to its completion. This understanding challenges us to see ourselves as part of a greater divine plan, with the highest privilege of being part of God's holy temple. As living stones, we are called to align ourselves with God’s purpose, recognizing that our lives are part of a larger narrative that God is writing. This perspective invites us to embrace our role in the Church with humility and gratitude. [29:43]

Ephesians 2:19-22 (ESV): "So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit."

Reflection: Reflect on your role within the Church. How can you actively contribute to God’s divine construction today, using your unique gifts and talents?

Quotes


The Apostle's conception of the Church here is that the church is the holy temple of the Lord, built together for an habitation of God through the spirit. Now the child has access to the Father, but the child is still outside the Father. The whole idea that he gives us here is God dwelling within us, taking up his abode within us. [00:15:56]

The final mystery and glory of the church is this: that God dwells within. She is the temple, the holy temple of the Lord. As he dwelt in that in a century in the old temple amongst the children of Israel, so now he dwells in the church amongst his people. [00:16:40]

The Apostle says that he is a master builder and he's got this whole conception of the churches are building. Other foundation can no man lay than that which is laid, which is Christ Jesus. And there are all sorts of people who are building upon this foundation, says the Apostle, but they're not all building in a true way. [00:20:36]

The whole trouble in the church at Corinth was that they had forgotten this and so they were dividing up. I am of Paul, I am of Apollo's, I am of Cephas and so on. He says don't you realize you are the Temple of the Living God? You mustn't destroy God's temple in that way. [00:21:18]

God is erecting a building and that building is the church. It's a process that is going on now. The Apostle suggested here in this world and are built upon the foundation being built upon. It's there in that idea. It's here in another word you normal the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord. [00:26:17]

The Apostle I say was so afraid that people might misunderstand it in that way that he brings in a word like this word growth in whom all the building fitly framed together growth. Can a building grow? Can something that is material and mechanical grow? Well it can says Paul. [00:30:51]

The increase of the church is vital, not mechanical. Men can add to the increase of the membership of a church, but God alone can build through the holy spirit into the building of the church this growth into an holy temple. It's a vital process, my friends. [00:34:43]

The main impression that this building gives is an impression of holy. He doesn't say a word about the Shires. He doesn't say anything about its ornate character. He doesn't say there's anything flashy about it, but he does say this: it's holy. That's its great characteristic. [00:37:18]

The church today can make neither of the statements. She is got silver and gold, she's become great and powerful, she's become wonderful, but she's forgotten holiness. But this is the characteristic of the temple: holy people, a place meet for God the dwelling. That's the characteristic. [00:39:37]

Believe me, there's only one way to get unity in the church and that is the unity of holiness, the unity of holy people. When holiness is put as the main characteristic, the unity looks after itself because when this is put at the center, much has to go before much can come. [00:40:11]

You start with holiness and then you add to the number. You try to add to the number without the holiness, you won't have a temple in the Lord. You'll have a great organization, you'll have a flourishing business concern, you'll have a marvelous organization and institution, but it won't be the place where God dwells. [00:40:43]

It may be a place of entertainment, but it will not be the Church of the Living God. [00:41:06]

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Transcript
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