Don’t you know that you are God’s temple and God’s Spirit dwells in your midst? 1 Corinthians 3:16 NIV
A few weeks ago in church, the theme was "living stones." If you recall, we talked about foundations and masonry. Leading up to today's verse, Paul also talks about erecting a building; instead of focusing on the mechanics, he concentrates on the materials used.
If you've ever driven by a building after a fire, you will notice that though the building is left standing, there is evidence of the fire. For example, frequently, windows are blown out, and the roof is damaged. This happens because when heated, the glass becomes weaker than what is around it. Also, other materials are more combustible than others because of their composition.
Paul points out that the temple building is only as strong as the materials used in its composition. When tested by fire–trials and temptations–stronger, more resistant materials stand, whereas weaker will not. He encourages us to be of the highest quality materials, which will last.
He warns, "If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple." (v. 17) The individual materials we bring to the construction of the building impact the whole structure. When we intentionally bring less than the best, when our spirit is not right, we threaten God's temple. Sin and corruption cannot exist in the holiness of God's temple.
God, thank you for sending your Holy Spirit, for taking up residence in our souls. May we bring solid and fire-resistant materials to your temple. We confess we are still becoming the materials we want to be. Please help us to become more than we currently are and to bring a willing and compliant spirit. We pray this in the name of Jesus Christ, the cornerstone of your temple. Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
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