How can we apply the temple's craftsmanship to our service for God today? The Verse in Focus “the flowers, lamps, and tongs of gold—of purest gold;” (2 Chronicles 4:21) What the Lord Showed Through the Temple’s Craftsmanship • He delights in beauty that reflects His own glory. • He insists on purity—gold without alloy. • He values every detail; even tools tucked away behind the veil were fashioned “of purest gold.” Carrying That Mind-Set Into Our Service • Offer excellence, not leftovers (Malachi 1:8; Colossians 3:23-24). • Keep hearts pure; refined gold pictures refined character (Psalm 24:3-4; 2 Timothy 2:21). • Sweat the small things; unseen faithfulness counts (Matthew 6:4). • Rely on Spirit-given skill, as Bezalel did (Exodus 31:1-5). • Blend beauty with utility—flowers and lamps together (Philippians 1:9-11). New-Covenant Reality: We Are the Temple • “Do you not know that you yourselves are God’s temple…?” (1 Corinthians 3:16). • Living stones are being fitted together (1 Peter 2:5); relationships matter. • Christ Himself is the pure Gold and true Lamp (Revelation 3:18; John 8:12). Practical Ways to Mirror Temple Craftsmanship Today – Schedule preparation time as seriously as Solomon scheduled construction. – Hone gifts through study, practice, and feedback. – Use quality materials—whether sermon notes, art, or coffee cups—to honor the King. – Keep ministry spaces clean and welcoming. – Guard motives; daily confession maintains shine. – Collaborate humbly—thousands worked on the temple (Ephesians 4:16). – Stay steady; gold doesn’t tarnish overnight, neither should our faithfulness (Galatians 6:9). Guarding the Gold • Resist shortcuts that cheapen service. • Protect doctrinal purity; gold mixed with alloy loses value (Jude 3). • Hold truth and grace together so the light stays bright (Philippians 2:15-16). Finishing Well “Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men.” (Colossians 3:23) The craftsmen placed every last lamp with care. Likewise, empowered by the Spirit, lay every “flower, lamp, and tong” of your life in God’s service until you hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:23). |
    |