Rebuilding the Temple of Worship in Our Hearts
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound theme of rebuilding the temple of worship in our hearts, drawing inspiration from the book of Ezra. As we begin a new year, it's a time for reflection and renewal, a time to assess our spiritual lives and make intentional decisions to deepen our relationship with God. The story of Israel's return from exile and their efforts to rebuild the temple serves as a powerful metaphor for our own spiritual journeys.
The Israelites, after years of neglecting their covenant with God, found themselves in exile, their temple destroyed, and their identity shattered. Yet, even in exile, God's goodness and faithfulness remained. The book of Ezra reminds us that God's promises never return void, and His desire is always to restore and rebuild. As the Israelites responded to the call to rebuild the temple, they prioritized the altar over the temple, emphasizing the importance of inner transformation over outward appearances. This is a call for us to focus on the heart of worship, ensuring that our relationship with God is genuine and not just a facade.
Furthermore, the rebuilding process was generational, involving both the young and the old. This highlights the importance of unity and collaboration across generations in the church. The older generation provides wisdom and experience, while the younger generation brings energy and new perspectives. Together, they create a rhythm of revival that is both powerful and enduring.
However, the journey of rebuilding is not without challenges. Opposition and fear can easily derail our efforts, but we are reminded to protect the work of God in our lives with courage and determination. The enemy seeks to sow apathy and fear, but we must stand firm, trusting in God's plan and His victory over darkness.
As we embark on this journey of rebuilding, let us be encouraged by the story of Ezra and the Israelites. Let us choose to rebuild the altar of our hearts, prioritize genuine worship, and unite across generations to see God's promises fulfilled in our lives.
Key Takeaways:
1. Prioritize Inner Transformation: The Israelites chose to rebuild the altar before the temple, emphasizing the importance of inner transformation over outward appearances. True worship begins in the heart, and when we focus on our relationship with God, the external aspects of our lives will naturally align with His will. [57:21]
2. Generational Unity in Rebuilding: The rebuilding process in Ezra involved both the young and the old, highlighting the importance of generational unity. The wisdom of the older generation and the energy of the younger generation create a powerful synergy that fuels revival and spiritual growth. [01:03:45]
3. Protect the Work of God: Rebuilding the temple of worship in our hearts requires vigilance and protection against opposition. The enemy seeks to sow fear and apathy, but we must stand firm, trusting in God's promises and His victory over darkness. [01:08:00]
4. Courage in the Face of Opposition: The story of Ezra teaches us that courage is essential in the face of opposition. Fear can cloud our minds and hinder our progress, but with faith and determination, we can overcome obstacles and see God's work fulfilled in our lives. [01:09:56]
5. God's Faithfulness in Exile: Even in exile, God's faithfulness and goodness remain. The book of Ezra reminds us that God's promises never return void, and His desire is always to restore and rebuild. No matter our circumstances, we can trust in His unwavering love and grace. [51:39]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [44:43] - Introduction and Personal Story
- [49:42] - Israel's History and Exile
- [51:39] - God's Faithfulness in Exile
- [53:07] - The Call to Rebuild
- [55:44] - Lessons from Ezra
- [57:21] - Choosing Altar Over Temple
- [01:03:45] - Generational Unity in Rebuilding
- [01:06:03] - Protecting the Work of God
- [01:08:00] - Opposition and Fear
- [01:09:56] - Courage in the Face of Opposition
- [01:13:38] - Story of Dennings
- [01:15:50] - Encouragement and Call to Action
- [01:17:10] - Invitation to Rebuild and Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Rebuilding the Temple of Worship in Our Hearts
Bible Reading:
- Ezra 1:1-5
- Ezra 3:1-3
- Matthew 23:25-26
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Observation Questions:
1. In Ezra 1:1-5, what was the role of King Cyrus in the rebuilding of the temple, and how did God influence his actions? [53:07]
2. According to Ezra 3:1-3, why did the Israelites prioritize rebuilding the altar before the temple, and what significance did this have for their worship? [57:21]
3. How does the sermon describe the emotional reactions of the older generation when the foundation of the temple was laid, and what might this reveal about their perspective? [01:03:45]
4. What does Matthew 23:25-26 suggest about the importance of inner transformation compared to outward appearances, and how does this relate to the Israelites' rebuilding efforts?
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the story of Israel's exile and return in the book of Ezra serve as a metaphor for personal spiritual renewal and rebuilding one's relationship with God? [49:42]
2. What lessons can be drawn from the Israelites' decision to rebuild the altar first, and how does this reflect the sermon’s emphasis on prioritizing inner transformation over external appearances? [57:21]
3. In what ways does the sermon highlight the importance of generational unity in the rebuilding process, and how can this be applied to modern church communities? [01:03:45]
4. How does the sermon address the challenges of opposition and fear during the rebuilding process, and what strategies are suggested for overcoming these obstacles? [01:08:00]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current spiritual state. Are there areas in your life where you have become desensitized to spiritual neglect, similar to the concept of habituation mentioned in the sermon? How can you address these areas? [44:43]
2. The Israelites prioritized rebuilding the altar as a symbol of inner transformation. What specific steps can you take this week to focus on your inner spiritual life rather than external appearances? [57:21]
3. Consider the generational dynamics within your church or community. How can you actively contribute to fostering unity and collaboration between different age groups? [01:03:45]
4. The sermon emphasizes the need to protect the work of God in our lives. Identify a specific area where you feel opposition or fear. What practical steps can you take to stand firm and trust in God's promises? [01:08:00]
5. Reflect on a time when fear clouded your judgment or hindered your spiritual progress. How can you cultivate courage and faith to overcome similar challenges in the future? [01:09:56]
6. The sermon encourages returning to the moments where God first touched your life. What practices or disciplines can you implement to regularly remind yourself of your spiritual journey and God's faithfulness? [57:21]
7. How can you actively engage with and support the younger generation in your church, sharing your experiences and wisdom to help them grow in their faith? [01:06:03]
Devotional
Day 1: Inner Transformation Over Outward Appearances
The Israelites' decision to rebuild the altar before the temple underscores the significance of inner transformation over mere outward appearances. This choice reflects a profound understanding that true worship begins in the heart. When individuals prioritize their relationship with God, the external aspects of their lives naturally align with His will. The story of Israel's return from exile serves as a powerful metaphor for personal spiritual journeys. Just as the Israelites focused on the altar, believers today are called to focus on the heart of worship, ensuring that their relationship with God is genuine and not just a facade. This inner transformation is essential for a life that truly reflects God's love and grace. [57:21]
"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me." (Psalm 51:10, ESV)
Reflection: What specific area of your heart needs transformation today, and how can you invite God to begin this work in you?
Day 2: Generational Unity Fuels Revival
The rebuilding process in the book of Ezra involved both the young and the old, highlighting the importance of generational unity. This collaboration between generations creates a powerful synergy that fuels revival and spiritual growth. The older generation provides wisdom and experience, while the younger generation brings energy and new perspectives. Together, they create a rhythm of revival that is both powerful and enduring. This unity is essential for the church to thrive and fulfill its mission. By embracing the strengths of each generation, the church can move forward with a renewed sense of purpose and vision. [01:03:45]
"One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts." (Psalm 145:4, ESV)
Reflection: How can you actively engage with someone from a different generation in your church community this week to foster unity and growth?
Day 3: Vigilance Against Opposition
Rebuilding the temple of worship in our hearts requires vigilance and protection against opposition. The enemy seeks to sow fear and apathy, but believers are called to stand firm, trusting in God's promises and His victory over darkness. The story of Ezra teaches that courage is essential in the face of opposition. Fear can cloud minds and hinder progress, but with faith and determination, obstacles can be overcome, and God's work can be fulfilled in our lives. This vigilance is crucial for maintaining a strong and vibrant spiritual life. [01:08:00]
"Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong." (1 Corinthians 16:13, ESV)
Reflection: What specific fears or oppositions are you facing in your spiritual journey, and how can you stand firm in faith today?
Day 4: Courage in the Face of Fear
The story of Ezra emphasizes the importance of courage in the face of fear. Opposition and fear can easily derail efforts to rebuild the temple of worship in our hearts. However, with faith and determination, believers can overcome these obstacles and see God's work fulfilled in their lives. Courage is essential for moving forward in the face of adversity. By trusting in God's plan and His victory over darkness, believers can find the strength to persevere and continue on their spiritual journey. [01:09:56]
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9, ESV)
Reflection: What is one fear that is holding you back from fully embracing God's plan for your life, and how can you take a step of courage today?
Day 5: Trusting in God's Faithfulness
Even in exile, God's faithfulness and goodness remain. The book of Ezra reminds believers that God's promises never return void, and His desire is always to restore and rebuild. No matter the circumstances, individuals can trust in His unwavering love and grace. This trust is essential for navigating the challenges of life and maintaining a strong relationship with God. By focusing on His faithfulness, believers can find hope and strength in the midst of difficult times. [51:39]
"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." (Lamentations 3:22-23, ESV)
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to trust in God's faithfulness today, and how can you remind yourself of His promises?
Quotes
"Listen, this morning, you need to know that the theme of the Old Testament and the theme of the entire Bible is that God is good, that he's gracious, that he's kind, that he's forgiving, that his faithfulness lasts from generation to generation." [00:52:24] (14 seconds)
"Can I encourage you today, when you are not living in the promises of God, and you are not creating the temple of God, you as well will be a person without identity. You will be a person that walks around, that stumbles around." [00:51:18] (12 seconds)
"And the theme of the book of Ezra is that even in exile, God is still good. That even when it seems like there's brokenness all around, God is still good. And this morning, on this January Sunday, you need to understand that." [00:52:37] (15 seconds)
"Can I encourage you this morning? God is moving all around you. His spirit is active in the Phoenix Valley. His spirit is active in your life and in your workplace. But when he begins to speak, only you can decide if you will go rebuild." [00:54:52] (14 seconds)
"So something really specific has just happened in the way that these people choose to rebuild. And it's the way that we are called to rebuild as well. My first point for you, the lessons that we learn from Ezra, is that when we rebuild, we choose altar over temple." [00:57:21] (15 seconds)
"And isn't this the temptation of our lives? We are not absent from this that it's easier and more desirable for me to build the outside than actually to clean the inside we've all had moments like that right some of you are in here in church and you know you walked in here with a smile on your face but in the car you were rebuking demons out of your children as you came in like they started today choosing violence but you're like how you do i'm i'm blessed pastor blessed and highly favored it's good to see you this morning this morning your small group leader came up to say how you doing and you know the reality is your wife and you have been fighting all week and there's chaos and you made some mistakes and there's this human tendency to say that well the outside looks good but the inside i'm not as concerned about and i want to tell you today the theme of dead religion is wanting to clean the outside without cleaning the inside and this is what jesus his critique of the pharisees his critique of religious church people us is this in matthew chapter 25 or 23 he makes it so clear verse 25 he says woe to you scribes and pharisees you're hypocrites for you clean the outside of the cup and the plate but inside you're full of greed and self -indulgence you blind pharisee first clean the inside of the cup and the plate that the outside may also be clean see the theme of the kingdom of god is this is that when you get right on the inside the outside will change but if you are only concerned about the outside the inside will not change and so zerubbabel and jeshua they make this specific point to say hey we've got to learn from what happened and we do not want to just make this temple look beautiful but we will begin with the altar where worship is actually supposed to go on and in chapter 3 verse 3 we just read over it something really specific is said it says that they built the altar in the place that it was supposed to be built what they're saying is that hey we want to go back to where this worship took place some of you today as i was praying for you i prayed i even prayed this prayer at our youth leaders summit this weekend some of you need to enact the daily discipline of returning to the moments where god got a hold of your life we prayed this morning in our intercessors prayer meeting over these seats remembering the day of our salvation psalm 51 10 says god created us to be a clean heart restore unto me the joy of my salvation and this is what the people are doing they're saying god we're going to put the altar back exactly where it used to be i'm honestly guys i'm just a grown -up church kid and there's something about the altar even this morning i told pastor brad and becky this feels like my home church this feels like what i grew up in and there's just something about it where i'm like god i just want to go back to the simple religion that simple worship with you the outside is going to be a clean heart restore unto me the joy of my life i'm just a grown -up church kid and there's just something about it where i'm like god i just got to go back to when i first started following you when i first started hearing your voice when i first responded to the call some of you today that's what god's asking you to do build the altar where it was once built we choose altar over temple the outside will get beautiful your life will get better that's the way jesus works but if we'll focus on the inside to start 2025 god's going to take care of the outside so the goal of my relationship with jesus and i tell people this all the time i told the youth leaders this weekend the goal of my relationship with jesus is that what you see when i stand on stages like this is the most insignificant part of my faith that i'm not looking for you to be like man that preacher was awesome this weekend i want jesus at the end of my life to say well done my good and faithful servant i know you i love you you responded to my voice that's what it means to choose altar over temple that's the first lesson we learned from them we go on in this story and it says this in 310 now when the builders had laid the foundation of the temple because like we said you're not always going to focus on the inside only outside begins to get built again it says they laid the foundation of the temple the lord the priests and their vestments came forward with trumpets the levi's with cymbals to praise the lord according the direction of david king of israel they sang responsibly praising and giving thanks to the lord for he is good his steadfast love endures forever and all the people shouted with a great shout when they praised the lord because the foundation of the house the lord was laid but then something really interesting happens and it says this but many of the priests and levites and heads of fathers houses old men who had seen the first house wept with a loud voice when they saw the foundation of the house being laid though many shouted aloud for joy can i tell you when the rebuild of the temple is done right in your heart my second point today the rebuild is generated so think about this moment that happens that's supposed to be a moment of joy. All these people that likely were born in Babylon and are there building it, I've only heard stories of the temple and they're like, guys, they're shouting with joy. They're praising like, can you believe that we rebuilt this thing? But it says the people who had seen the temple before, they start weeping and scholars think there's different reasons for that. But one of them is that they're looking at it and they're like, man, we really messed up that this thing even got torn down. And secondly, they're saying, even if we rebuild it, it's not going to be what it was. Can I tell you something today? When revival is happening in churches the way that God intended it to be, it is not a young versus old thing. It is not an adversarial thing. The rhythm of revival is generational. It's hand in hand. And so I coach our youth pastors all the time. I'm like, hey, you guys do not know enough church history. Like you do not know enough of what God has done. Because when you know what God has done, it gives you faith for what God will do. And on the other hand, I'll push back on older people in our church. The young people that God is moving in their youth, they're not your enemies. In fact, the goal of the church, the goal of revival is that those two things would go hand in hand. That people who have more experience on earth would say, hey, are you aware what God has done in Arizona? Are you aware of what God has done in Arizona? Are you aware of what God has done in Arizona? Are you aware of what the Holy Spirit has been doing through this movement? Are you aware that you stand on the shoulders of giants? And young people are saying, yes, we are aware. And because we are aware, we will see what God is doing in this next generation. This is Joel chapter two. This is the prophecy of Pentecost, that old men will dream dreams and see visions, and the young men will do the same. It's not one versus the other. It's not, hey, the youth kids are being too loud, or hey, the older people in the church don't like our loud music. It's us together, saying this is what God has done. This is what God is doing in a never -ending chain. And so this moment happens where in Ezra, like, imagine there's people that are weeping, and there's people that are yelling for joy, and both are holy. Both are good. Both are, God, thank you for what you did. We're sorry we messed this up. But God, thank you that you've brought us back here. Thank you that the rebuild is still happening. And for us to rebuild, our temple like that, there are young people in this room. And can I tell you this? You need people that have gone before you that are seasoned saints. You need to get around fathers and mothers that have raised children. You need to get around godly business owners that have done it faithfully for years. And there are older people that are in this room, and you need to pour your life out for the next generation. There's young people in this church that are desperate for what you have. You say, I'm not a leader. I'm not a pastor. I'm not a preacher. They are desperate for what you have on your life. They are waiting for a man of God to live. They are waiting for a man of God to live. They are waiting for a woman of God to say, hey, you can make it through this heartbreak. God's hand is on your life. It's going to be okay. See, the rebuild, when it's done right, it's supposed to be generational." [00:58:55] (0 seconds)
