What steps can we take to "build the sanctuary of the LORD"? Context: David’s Charge in 1 Chronicles 22:19 “Now devote your heart and soul to seeking the LORD your God. Rise up and build the sanctuary of the LORD God, so that you may bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD and the holy articles of God into the house to be built for the Name of the LORD.” Why the Sanctuary Still Matters • God now dwells in His people collectively (1 Corinthians 3:16) and individually (1 Corinthians 6:19). • The pattern given to Israel reveals timeless principles for how believers cooperate with God to establish a place where His presence is honored, His holiness is cherished, and His glory is displayed (Hebrews 8:5). Step 1: Devote Heart and Soul to Seeking the LORD • Whole-hearted pursuit: “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13) • Practical rhythms: daily Scripture intake (Psalm 119:10-11), continual prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17), joyful worship (Psalm 95:1-3). • Result: a heart aligned with God’s desires, ready for the work. Step 2: Rise Up—Move from Intention to Action • Faith acts (James 2:17). Good intentions never laid a single stone. • Identify God-given assignments in church, family, community. • Schedule, budget, and allocate energy toward them; trust that “the LORD is able to give you much more than this” (2 Chronicles 25:9). Step 3: Safeguard the Ark—Guard God’s Presence Among Us • For Israel, the ark symbolized God’s throne (Exodus 25:22). • For believers, Christ indwells by His Spirit (Colossians 1:27). • Guard against grieving the Spirit (Ephesians 4:30) through quick repentance, forgiveness, and unity (Colossians 3:12-15). Step 4: Gather Holy Articles—Pursue Practical Holiness • Holy vessels were set apart for God alone (2 Chronicles 29:18-19). • Our bodies and gifts are the modern “articles” (Romans 12:1). – Consecrate habits: media, finances, speech. – Exercise spiritual gifts for building up others (1 Peter 4:10-11). – Maintain purity: “be holy in all you do” (1 Peter 1:15-16). Step 5: Build for the Name of the LORD—Center Everything on His Glory • Motivation matters: “Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31) • Measure success by faithfulness, not human applause. • Declare His Name publicly—testimony and evangelism (Psalm 96:2-3). Putting It All Together 1. Seek Him passionately. 2. Translate devotion into concrete obedience. 3. Protect the manifest presence of God through purity and unity. 4. Set every part of life apart as a holy instrument. 5. Make His glory the beginning, middle, and end of every endeavor. Following these steps, believers today participate in building a living sanctuary where the LORD is pleased to dwell and reveal His power to the world. |
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