[ ]8/5/2007 #726
THE GLORY OF HIS PRESENCE
HABITATION OF THE SPIRIT
Ephesians 2:19-22
Part Sixteen
INTRODUCTION: Jesus said He would build His church. The existence of the church began on the Day of Pentecost. Since then, the church has continued to grow. Saved people are the church. As the church, we are the temple of the Holy Spirit. The body of each saved person is the temple (dwelling place) of the Spirit. When saved people come together as the church, we are the building in which the Spirit resides.
I. HOUSEHOLD OF GOD
A. CONVERSION.
1. Pre-conversion. 2:1-3, 12
2. Post-conversion. 2:4-10, 13
B. CITIZENSHIP. 2:19; Phil. 3:20-21; Heb. 11:7; John 14:1-4
“For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.” Philippians 3:20-21
Abraham’s faith: “For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.” Heb. 11:7
Jesus promised: “I go to prepare a place for you.” John 14:1-4
II. HABITATION OF GOD
A. PROCESS IN THE BUILDING.
1. Foundation. v. 20 “teaching of the apostles and prophets” Acts 2:42
“And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” Acts 2:42
2. Cornerstone. v. 20; 1 Pet. 2:6-8
“Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Zion a chief cornerstone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.” 1 Peter 2:6-8
3. Building blocks. v. 21 “saved individuals” 1 Pet. 2:5, 9
“Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.” 1 Pet. 2:5
B. PRESENCE IN THE BUILDING.
1. Holy temple in the Lord. 2:21
“Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.” (1 Cor. 3:16-17)
“for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.”
2 Corinthians 6:16
2. Habitation of the Spirit.
Dr. A. W. Tozer: “In most Christian churches the Holy Spirit is entirely overlooked. Whether He is present or absent makes no real difference to anyone. Brief reference is made to Him in the invocation and the benediction, and further than that He might as well not exist.”
C. PURPOSE OF THE BUILDING.
1. Worship of the Lord. Eph. 3:21; John 16:14
“an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.” 1 Pet. 2:5
“Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.” Ephesians 3:21
2. Witness to the world.
“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth (to tell out) the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” 1 Peter 2:9
Personal witness: “I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvelous works. I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High.” Ps. 9:1
Congregational witness: “So we thy people and sheep of thy pasture will give thee thanks for ever: we will shew forth thy praise to all generations.” Ps. 79:13
Joyful witness: “Sing unto the LORD, bless his name; shew forth his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people.” Ps. 96:2-3
LESSONS FOR LIFE:
1. God is holy. As His temple, we are to be holy. Every Christian should pursue to live a godly and holy life.
2. The Holy Spirit glorifies Jesus. As individuals and as a church, we will not have the blessings of God if we tolerate sin that is not confessed and repented of.
3. Being a part of the church of Christ is a privilege and a blessing. We should never neglect it, forsake it, or disgrace it. As the building of God, we are to bring glory to our Lord and point the lost to Christ.
4. We need the presence of God in our lives and in our church. He alone can save sinners and heal wounded hearts. As part of this church family, are you willing to seek His presence? Are you willing to ask Him to fill you with His Spirit? Are you willing to make Him the cornerstone of Ebenezer?
5. If you do not know Christ as your Savior and Lord, you are without hope and without God. Turn to Jesus in faith and repentance. He will save you today.