1 Corinthians 3:16-17
“Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple” (ESV)
Background to the Aberrations, Errors, and Ignorance Among the Corinthians:
i. The Corinthian Context: A City of Immorality and Intellectual Pride.
ii. Division and Factionalism in the Church (1 Cor. 1:10-17; 3:1-4).
iii. Worldly Wisdom vs. Godly Wisdom (1 Cor. 1:18-2:16).
iv. Carnality and Spiritual Immaturity (1 Cor. 3:1-3).
v. Misunderstanding the Nature of the Church (1 Cor. 3:5-15).
vi. Defiling God’s Temple (1 Cor. 3:17).
1. The Identity of the Sanctuary of God: The Temple (v.16a)
1.1 The Corinthian Context.
1.2 The Meaning of “Temple”.
1.3 Corporate and Individual Application.
2. The Indwelling of the Spirit of God (v.16b).
2.1 The Gift of the Spirit.
2.2 The Work of the Spirit. He:
• Regenerates,
• Sanctifies,
• Empowers,
• Convicts,
• Seals.
3. The Implications of Sanctity in God.
3.1 The Call to Holiness.
3.2 The Warning Against Defilement.
3.3 The Privilege of God’s Presence.
Conclusion: The Temple walks among us.
Final Appeal:
• To the Church: Guard the unity, purity, and purpose of God’s people. You are not just an organization—you are God’s temple.
• To the Individual: Live in awe of the Spirit within you. Let your life be a testimony to the world that God dwells with His people.