TUESDAY JANUARY 4, 2011

Read 1 Corinthians 12

As we continue with the imagery of the church we see that it is also  …

The Temple of the Holy Spirit.

1 Corinthians 12:13 makes it clear that the church was brought into being at Pentecost with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The church is indwelt by the Holy Spirit both on an individual basis and on a gathered basis.

Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?  1 Cor 6:19 shows that each individual is filled with the Holy Spirit.

Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you? If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him; for God's temple is sacred, and you (plural) are that temple. 1 Cor 3:16-17 shows that the gathered believers together are also filled with the Holy Spirit.

With the Holy Spirit dwelling in the church and in its members we should see the fruits of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control) being evident and plentiful in the church. These fruits should form the basis of our relationships together.

It is also the Holy Spirit that conveys power to the church. Acts 1:8

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

The Spirit also brings unity to the church. We are given oneness of heart and soul (Acts 4:32) and we are to share our physical possessions as a sign of our unity (Acts 2:44-45, 4:32, 34-35). It is no wonder that Paul wrote Titus 3:10!!!

Finally the Holy Spirit makes the temple (ie the body of Christ) pure and holy:-

Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honour God with your body.

We are to be pure and holy and righteous just as the temple was to be pure and holy and righteous. Anyone who entered the  temple/tabernacle without having their sins cleansed was struck down immediately by the Lord.

Prayer:-

• Pray that the church of God in Australia will be filled with the Holy Spirit and able to do the work that God has called it to do. Pray that individuals will be pursuing holiness and closeness to God.