“Do you not know and understand that you [the church] are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells [permanently] in you [collectively and individually]? ” 1 Corinthians 3:16 (AMP)
“Eden is no more a place. I am the city of God. I bring heaven. Heaven here and now…”
The lyrics above are from the song ‘City of God’ by Minister Dunsin Oyekan. It’s an edifying song that talks about how, as believers, we have become mobile temples because we carry God’s Spirit within us at all times, wherever we go.
In the Old Testament, there were different places where people could meet with God such as the Tent of Meeting, the Tabernacle during Moses’ time and the Temple built by Solomon (Exodus 25:8-9, 2 Chronicles 3:1). These places were characterized by spectacular manifestations of God’s presence (Exodus 33:9, 40:34-38, 2 Chronicles 5:13-14). However, the people knew that God did not dwell in those temples (2 Chronicles 6:18).
By the finished works of Christ on the cross (His death, burial and resurrection), God has made every believer His own by giving us His Spirit (Ephesians 1:13). His Spirit resides in us permanently thus making us His home, His true temple. Glory to God!
We must be conscious of this fact, rejoicing in God’s love and realizing that we are never alone, we always carry God on our inside. This means wherever we go, we can dispense the power of God because the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead dwells in us (Romans 8:11).
In addition, knowing that you are the temple of God should influence the actions that you take. Paul uses this revelation that we are God’s true temple to call the Corinthian church to a higher standard in consecration (1 Corinthians 6:19).
Because you are the temple of God, you should live as one who belongs to God, living in the consciousness that you are not controlled by the flesh but by the Spirit of God living inside of you (Romans 8:9).
Dear believer, let this knowledge forever remain in your consciousness, you carry God on your inside, you are the true temple!
SAY THIS: God doesn’t live in temples made with hands but He dwells in me. I am the true temple of God! The Spirit of God lives in me! I belong to God!
Bible Reading Plan: Luke 14