Do Not Destroy the Temple
1 Corinthians 3:17 (ESV) If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.
There is something fundamental to this passage you need to know. The word for "you" is plural in the Greek. Paul is not referring to an individual Christian here, he's referring to the whole body of Christ, in the Corinthian's case, their local church!
Don't mess with a man's bride... especially the Bride of Christ, the Church. He gave his life for the Church (Ephesians 5:25). He promised to build a triumphant Church (Matthew 16:18). He is coming back for His bride, the Church (Revelation 21:2). The Church is the most precious people on the planet to the risen Lord and to destroy the church brings the wrath of God.
Admittedly, not everyone who calls themselves Christians are the "Church". We need to remember that in two ways. Number one, darkening the doors of a Church doesn't make you part of the body. There are many who come to church and only cause trouble. There are many who disregard the body of Christ and therefore bring judgment on themselves (1 Cor. 11:29).
Now 1 Corinthians 3:17 is a warning is written to a church (small "c") that was coming apart at the seams! They were called to be one in Christ, yet they divided over prefered leaders and Bible teachers. Paul gave them liberty, Apollos gave them passionate preaching, Peter gave the Jews tradition! We all have our little niche areas in the body... things we like, ways we are accustomed to, but it doesn't mean we have to divide over it and fight over it. Instead of focusing on our differences, we should work to find commonality. Is not the world tired of the hostility within our own house?
Paul was dedicated to building the house of God. He says, "According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it." 1 Corinthians 3:10 (ESV) I have found that dedicating your life to building the church is a win-win proposition. You win because you belong to a healthier happier local body of believers. And you win because God is watching and will bless those who look after the Lord's bride.
Do you give to the church?
Do you serve in a church?
Are you life-long committed to the church?
If not, why not? the Church is the love of HIS life!
PRAYER:
Father, may I always remember the value you place on the Bride of Your Son, the Church. I rejoice that You are building a triumphant Church without spot or blemish. I'm privileged to serve in Your Church and be a part of Your Church. Thank You for the privilege of belonging to the Body of Christ.
Don't mess with a man's bride... especially the Bride of Christ, the Church. He gave his life for the Church (Ephesians 5:25). He promised to build a triumphant Church (Matthew 16:18). He is coming back for His bride, the Church (Revelation 21:2). The Church is the most precious people on the planet to the risen Lord and to destroy the church brings the wrath of God.
Admittedly, not everyone who calls themselves Christians are the "Church". We need to remember that in two ways. Number one, darkening the doors of a Church doesn't make you part of the body. There are many who come to church and only cause trouble. There are many who disregard the body of Christ and therefore bring judgment on themselves (1 Cor. 11:29).
Now 1 Corinthians 3:17 is a warning is written to a church (small "c") that was coming apart at the seams! They were called to be one in Christ, yet they divided over prefered leaders and Bible teachers. Paul gave them liberty, Apollos gave them passionate preaching, Peter gave the Jews tradition! We all have our little niche areas in the body... things we like, ways we are accustomed to, but it doesn't mean we have to divide over it and fight over it. Instead of focusing on our differences, we should work to find commonality. Is not the world tired of the hostility within our own house?
Paul was dedicated to building the house of God. He says, "According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it." 1 Corinthians 3:10 (ESV) I have found that dedicating your life to building the church is a win-win proposition. You win because you belong to a healthier happier local body of believers. And you win because God is watching and will bless those who look after the Lord's bride.
Do you give to the church?
Do you serve in a church?
Are you life-long committed to the church?
If not, why not? the Church is the love of HIS life!
PRAYER:
Father, may I always remember the value you place on the Bride of Your Son, the Church. I rejoice that You are building a triumphant Church without spot or blemish. I'm privileged to serve in Your Church and be a part of Your Church. Thank You for the privilege of belonging to the Body of Christ.
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