Living Temple

II Cor. 6:16

For what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God, as God said, I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God and they shall be my people

 

Paul appealed to the people not to receive the grace of God in vain. How would they know this? How can anyone know this? Most obviously, how a person lives reveals where their allegiance lies. Paul attested to the fact that he and his fellow workers had left no hindrances to their salvation. He had spoken freely to them but from a heart of love, and if there was anything holding them back, it was of their own doing. He asked them to widen their hearts, to open up a door of understanding between God and them, to see what the grace of God really entailed.

 

The crucial statement was made. Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. Is there any purpose whatsoever for righteousness to be partnered with lawlessness? Is there any way possible that light has fellowship with darkness? The answer was a resounding, No! Christ has no accord with Belial. In fact there is no portion that a believer shares with an unbeliever, and there is no agreement that the temple of God has with idols. None whatsoever! Receiving the grace of God in salvation drastically changes the life so much so that all allegiances and choices are changed. Perhaps what should be obvious is not. So Paul states it clearly. For we are the temple of the living God...The temple of God is within us so that when we muck around in sin and idolatry, we are profaning His temple, a temple that was redeemed at great cost.

 

God has promised that He would make His dwelling among us, not in a tent to be carted or in a glorious, ornate building, but instead in jars of clay. We have this treasure in jars of clay! He promises to walk among us, be our God, and make us His people. How close and intimate is this great grace! What should be our response? Paul answers this clearly so there is not any misunderstanding. Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God. Confess, cleanse, let the Spirit work in sanctification and holiness. Live like I am the temple of God! Allow for no desecration, but instead walk humbly with my God.

 

Father,

Continue to teach me to live as a living temple. Teach me to walk intimately with You in fellowship and communion. Open my eyes so that I see sin creeping in.

In His name,

Amen