January 6, temple of God

"What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols?"  2 Corinthians 6:16 

There are several questions offered in the Scriptures as a way of teaching the difference between the world and the follower of Jesus.  From 2 Corinthians 6:14-16 those questions are, “what do righteousness and wickedness have in common, what harmony is there between Christ and Satan (Belial – a name Paul used for the devil), what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever, and what agreement is there between the temple of God and idols?

This classic series of questions by the Apostle Paul proves that these words were meant to instruct, protect, and guide as well as confront and correct.  The heart behind this teaching becomes expressed as Paul said, “I speak to you as to my children.” 

(2 Corinthians 6:13)

I am sure your parents offered their share of rhetorical questions as, “do you want me to spank you?” Or, “is that how you should behave?”  Or, “do I look stupid to you?”  (Well, maybe the last one is not such a good example.)  

But the point is that effective teaching is often expressed through questions that have obvious answers. Paul taught in this manner to ensure that the Christians of his day fully understood just how diametrically opposed the Christian life should be to the world.  This does not indicate that Christians should regard themselves as “greater than” others.  And even more emphatically, this does not mean that Christians are exempt from loving others who do not follow Jesus.  Rather, this truth points to the reality of distinction that should be noticeable between a follower of Jesus and the spiritual darkness of the world.  

Each of the above questions draw obvious contrasts to make the point about distinction.  But for today, focus on the last question listed: what agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? 

This question is qualified with a follow-up statement: “for we are the temple of the living God.”  This expounds the truth from Leviticus 26:12, where God is recorded as saying, “I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God and they will be my people.”  

There exists a huge difference between the temple of God and idols.  From Israel’s history, any time false idols were erected in the temple of God or among His people, disastrous results ensued.  There is nothing in common between God’s house and idols.  One is exclusively of God, and the other is demonstratively against God.  Perhaps we offer an “amen” to this truth until we realize that this passage references every believer as a temple of God.  This is so because God’s spirit indwells the believer.

Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you? (I Corinthians 3:16)

So, if you are the temple of God, then the above distinction stands true for you: you are exclusively God’s.  No form of idolatry should take up residence in your life.  Allow this truth to bless you and not overwhelm you.  

God resides in those who belong to Him through faith in Jesus.  What an incredible truth.  Who needs idols?  Who needs the weak imitations of the world?  You are His temple.  So today, live as His place of residence, because you are indeed.  Everything presently in your life that opposes Him and His will for you needs to go. 

The God of the universe has taken up residence in your heart.  Jesus proves this.  Bless His holy name!  

Blessings.