The Temple of God

I Corinthians 3:16-17 |

A Place of Dedication
The earthly temple was set apart for God and His glory. Likewise, we are to dedicate ourselves to the praise of God. "God's temple is sacred, and you together are that temple."

A Place of Devotion
The temple was a place where the people of God gathered to worship God. Songs were sung; prayers were prayed; hands were raised; praise was rendered, and God was magnified. "Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise - the fruit of lips that openly profess His name."

A Place of Duty
Sacrifice, offerings, tithes, and prayers were duties performed at the Temple. Relinquishing all claims to self, may we be nothing more than what God wants us to be.

A Place of Death
Millions of animals were slain on the altars of the earthly temple. "Behold the Lamb of God." Not only is this a picture of Christ but it is also a picture of our willingness to be cruicified with Christ, dead to the "old man," a new creation in Jesus.

A Place of Display
As men and women saw the temple in Jerusalem, they were reminded of the majesty of God. They saw a loving God, making a way for their redemption. Our bodies should be a picture to our world of God's amazing, saving grace.