What steps can we take to ensure God's "sanctuary" is within us today? The Heart of God: Dwelling Within His People “Have them make a sanctuary for Me, so that I may dwell among them.” (Exodus 25:8) The New Covenant Reality: We Are His Sanctuary “Do you not know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16) “For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: ‘I will dwell with them and walk among them; and I will be their God, and they will be My people.’” (2 Corinthians 6:16) Step 1: Receive Christ by Faith • John 1:12—believe and become children of God • Colossians 1:27—“Christ in you, the hope of glory” Step 2: Pursue Personal Holiness • 1 Peter 1:15-16—be holy in all you do • 2 Timothy 2:21—cleanse yourself to be an instrument for honorable use Step 3: Live in Ongoing Repentance • Psalm 139:23-24—invite God to search your heart • 1 John 1:9—confess and be cleansed from all unrighteousness Step 4: Obey the Written Word • John 14:23—“If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word… My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.” • James 1:22—be doers, not hearers only Step 5: Cultivate Intimate Worship • Psalm 22:3—God is enthroned on the praises of Israel • Hebrews 13:15—continual sacrifice of praise Step 6: Rely on the Spirit’s Filling Daily • Ephesians 5:18—be filled with the Spirit • Galatians 5:25—keep in step with the Spirit Step 7: Guard Fellowship with Believers • Hebrews 10:24-25—do not neglect meeting together • Acts 2:46-47—daily, unified devotion strengthens the dwelling of God Step 8: Serve Others in Love • Matthew 25:40—serving “the least of these” is serving Christ • 1 Peter 4:10—use gifts to serve as faithful stewards of God’s grace Step 9: Keep an Eternal Perspective • Revelation 21:3—“Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man” • 2 Peter 3:11-14—live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the new heavens and earth Putting It All Together Receiving Christ, walking in holiness, continual repentance, obedience, worship, Spirit-filling, fellowship, loving service, and an eternal outlook—these interlocking practices prepare and preserve the inner sanctuary where God delights to dwell today. |
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