A Holy Temple
Further Resources
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Opening Question:
- What comes to mind when you think of temples? Share your initial thoughts and associations.
Key Takeaways:
1. The concept of the temple runs throughout the Bible, from Eden to Revelation.
2. The temple represents God's presence, a place of encounter, sacrifice, and holiness.
3. Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of the temple, making God's presence accessible to all believers.
4. The church (both individual believers and the collective body) is now God's temple.
Discussion Questions:
1. How does understanding the church as God's temple change your perspective on gathering for worship?
2. The sermon mentioned several aspects of temples (presence, encounter, sacrifice, glory, holiness). Which of these resonates most with you and why?
3. How do you personally experience God's presence? Share examples of times you've felt a strong sense of encountering God.
4. The speaker emphasized that our access to God is based on Jesus' sacrifice, not our own efforts. How might this truth impact our daily walk with God?
5. In what ways can we cultivate a greater sense of expectation and reverence when we gather as a church?
6. How does the idea of being "living stones" in God's temple affect your view of your role in the church community?
Practical Applications:
1. This week, spend time each day intentionally seeking God's presence, recognizing that you are His temple.
2. Before the next church gathering, take time to prepare your heart and come with expectation to encounter God.
3. Identify one area in your life where you need to "flee from sin" because your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. Share with a trusted friend for accountability.
4. Reflect on how you can contribute to building up the church as God's temple. What gifts or abilities can you use to serve the body of Christ?
Closing Prayer:
Close by thanking God for making us His temple and asking for His help to live in a way that honors His presence in our lives and in our church community.
