God's Desire to Dwell: Transformative Faith in Christ
Summary
In today's sermon, I explored the profound transformation that occurs when we place our trust in Christ, the significance of Easter, the best aspect of heaven, and the relevance of the tabernacle as described in the book of Leviticus. I began by posing four questions that intertwine these themes, leading us to a singular, powerful conclusion: God's desire to dwell with His people.
At the heart of our discussion was the book of Leviticus, often perceived as distant and confusing. However, I emphasized that Leviticus is not a destination but a signpost pointing to Jesus. It prefigures the necessity of sacrifice, the importance of blood for atonement, and the ultimate tearing of the veil, allowing us direct access to God. These Old Testament rituals and symbols foreshadow the life mission of Jesus, who explained to His followers that all scriptures concern Him.
I shared the story of the tabernacle, the ornate and movable structure at the center of the Israelite camp, which symbolized God's presence among His people. The tabernacle was a physical manifestation of God's desire to be close to us, a theme that runs throughout the Bible. The cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night over the tabernacle were tangible signs of God's presence.
The New Testament reveals that God no longer dwells in buildings but in us. Through Jesus' sacrifice, we have become the tabernacle of God. The Holy Spirit resides in those who trust in Christ, transforming us into living temples. This indwelling changes our perspective on life, relationships, and our daily walk with God.
I recounted the story of my wife, Mary, who shared her testimony with a friend named Sue. Mary's journey from trying to fill an emptiness with achievements to finding her identity in Christ illustrates the transformative power of inviting Jesus into one's life. Authentic Christianity is not about adhering to a set of rules but about Christ living in and through us.
Finally, I touched on the ultimate hope we have in heaven, where God's home is among His people, and we will experience eternal fellowship with Him. The best part of heaven is not the absence of pain or the presence of luxury but the unbroken presence of God with us.
Key Takeaways:
- The book of Leviticus serves as a signpost to Christ, revealing the necessity of sacrifice and atonement, which Jesus fulfilled on the cross. Understanding this helps us see our Christian walk not as a repayment of debt but as a response to God's grace. [49:33]
- Our identity as the tabernacle of God underscores the profound truth that the Creator of the universe dwells within us. This reality should inspire us to live with a sense of purpose and honor God with our bodies, recognizing that we are not our own but have been bought at a price. [54:51]
- The indwelling of the Holy Spirit transforms us into living temples, changing how we view ourselves and others. We are called to see each person as a potential dwelling place for God's Spirit, which can revolutionize our relationships and outreach. [56:01]
- The presence of God in our lives means we are never alone, regardless of our circumstances. This assurance provides comfort and strength, especially during times of trial, reminding us that God is intimately involved in every aspect of our lives. [58:12]
- The anticipation of heaven is not merely about escaping the troubles of this world but about entering into an eternal, unbroken fellowship with God. This hope should shape our priorities and give us a foretaste of the joy that awaits us in God's presence. [58:56]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Leviticus 26:11-12 (NLT)
- "I will live among you, and I will not despise you. I will walk among you; I will be your God, and you will be my people."
2. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NIV)
- "Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies."
3. Revelation 21:3-4 (NIV)
- "And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Leviticus 26:11-12 reveal about God's desire for His relationship with His people?
2. According to 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, what is the significance of our bodies being temples of the Holy Spirit?
3. In Revelation 21:3-4, what are the key aspects of the new reality described in heaven?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of the tabernacle in Leviticus point forward to Jesus and His mission? ([33:34])
2. What does it mean for believers today to be the "tabernacle of God"? How should this impact our daily lives? ([52:12])
3. How does the story of Mary’s transformation illustrate the sermon’s message about finding identity and fulfillment in Christ rather than in achievements? ([01:04:00])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the idea that God desires to dwell among His people. How does this change your perspective on your daily walk with God? ([43:05])
2. Considering that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, what specific actions can you take to honor God with your body this week? ([53:19])
3. How can the understanding that you are never alone, because God dwells within you, provide comfort and strength during challenging times? ([57:00])
4. Think about a relationship in your life that needs transformation. How can viewing the other person as a potential dwelling place for God's Spirit change your approach to that relationship? ([56:01])
5. The sermon mentioned the ultimate hope of heaven being the unbroken presence of God. How can this hope shape your priorities and decisions in your current life? ([59:02])
6. Mary’s story highlighted the emptiness of achievements without Christ. Identify an area in your life where you might be seeking fulfillment outside of Christ. What steps can you take to invite Jesus into that area? ([01:04:00])
7. How can you share the message of God’s desire to dwell with His people with someone who might be feeling alone or distant from God? What practical steps can you take to reach out to them this week? ([01:05:01])
Devotional
Day 1: Christ, Our Atonement and Fulfillment
Leviticus points us to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, who fulfilled the need for atonement once and for all. This Old Testament book, with its detailed rituals and sacrifices, serves as a precursor to the New Testament revelation of Jesus as the Lamb of God. The sacrifices of Leviticus were never an end in themselves but were designed to prepare the hearts of God's people for the coming of the true and perfect sacrifice. Understanding this deepens one's appreciation for the grace extended through the cross, where Jesus took upon Himself the sins of the world. It is not about repaying a debt but responding to the profound love and mercy that God has shown. This realization should transform the way one lives, moving from a life of obligation to one of gratitude and worship. [07:40]
"For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. Consequently, when Christ came into the world, he said, 'Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired, but a body have you prepared for me; in burnt offerings and sin offerings you have taken no pleasure. Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come to do your will, O God, as it is written of me in the scroll of the book.’'" (Hebrews 10:4-7 ESV)
Reflection: How does understanding Christ as the fulfillment of Levitical sacrifices change your perspective on the significance of His death and resurrection?
Day 2: Our Bodies, God's Temple
The profound truth that believers are the tabernacle of God emphasizes that the Creator of the universe has chosen to dwell within us. This incredible honor comes with the responsibility to honor God with our bodies and lives. Recognizing that we are not our own, for we have been bought with a price, should inspire a life of purpose and purity. As temples of the Holy Spirit, every action, thought, and intention should reflect the holiness of the God who resides in us. This identity as God's dwelling place is not just a theological concept but a practical reality that should influence every aspect of one's life. [54:51]
"Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body." (1 Corinthians 6:19-20 ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you honor God with your body this week, recognizing it as a temple of the Holy Spirit?
Day 3: Living Temples of the Spirit
The indwelling of the Holy Spirit transforms believers into living temples, altering how they view themselves and others. This transformation is not just an inward change but one that should be evident in relationships and interactions with others. Seeing each person as a potential dwelling place for God's Spirit can revolutionize the way one approaches evangelism, discipleship, and community. It is a call to view others through the lens of God's love and potential for their lives, encouraging a deeper connection and more meaningful engagement with those around us. [56:01]
"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." (1 Peter 2:9 ESV)
Reflection: How can the knowledge that you are a living temple of the Holy Spirit change the way you interact with someone you will meet today?
Day 4: God's Presence in Our Lives
The assurance that God's presence is with us at all times provides comfort and strength, especially during trials. This presence is not a distant or abstract concept but a very real and intimate involvement in every aspect of our lives. The knowledge that one is never alone because of God's indwelling should be a source of peace and courage, no matter the circumstances. It is a reminder that God is not only watching over us but is actively participating in our journey, guiding, and sustaining us through every moment. [58:12]
"Behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:20b ESV)
Reflection: Can you identify a situation in your life where you need to be more aware of God's presence and draw strength from it?
Day 5: Anticipating Eternal Fellowship
The hope of heaven is centered on the promise of eternal fellowship with God. It is not merely an escape from the troubles of this world but a transition into an unbroken presence with the Creator. This anticipation should influence one's priorities and provide a foretaste of the joy that awaits in God's presence. The best part of heaven is not the absence of pain or the presence of luxury but the reality of living in the fullness of God's glory and love, without any barriers or limitations. [58:56]
"And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.'" (Revelation 21:3 ESV)
Reflection: What is one way you can live today with the eternal perspective of being in God's presence forever?
Quotes
Friends, the story of the Bible, the story of God is this, that God has moved into our neighborhood and he wants to live in you and in me and that changes everything. That you're never alone, never alone. Can you see why this for me was so transforming to say, wow, like he actually doesn't just send me off to go do something for him, he invites me to come and do life with him and Jesus is saying, Jonathan, I wanna do life together and you'll never be alone. [01:05:55]
Christianity is Christ in you. It's not a series of moral principles, it's not jump through the hoops, it's not, Christianity is a close relationship with Jesus Christ. It's an amazing gift that all of us can receive, that God is on the move and he the almighty, the all-sufficient one, the great I am, the line of Judah and the lamb of God. [56:01]
Mary realized that she would become a tabernacle, a temple of God. And in our temple, our body is empty. We're sort of like, we've got this empty place until Jesus comes and fills us and that's how you and I were created. We were created to have the fullness of God. So what is the Christian faith? It's not about keeping a list of rules like the Ten Commandments, it's not jumping through a bunch of religious hoops, it's not what I thought early on, like he did all this for me, like I knew about Jesus and now my life is doing my best for him and trying harder and doing more and all the rest. [01:05:21]
You are a tabernacle of God. If you are a follower of Jesus Christ you are a tabernacle of God. You look at your neighbor and just tell him you are a tabernacle of God. Those of you online type into the chat room you are a tabernacle of God. But where's his tabernacle you are the tabernacle of God. [54:51]
Listen to Revelation chapter 21, verse three. John writes, I heard a loud shout from the throne saying, look, God's home, his home is now among his people. He will live with them and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All of these things are gone for how long? Forever, and God's people said. [58:56]
God wants to be with his people. It's all about that. He wants the relationship to be restored. He loves us that much. That was a tabernacle this tent of meeting it was a place where God lived among his people if we zoom out you'll see what it looked like in the middle of the camp. [01:00:57]
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Mar 24, 2024. Do you have any questions about it?