What does it mean to "revere My sanctuary" in our church practices? God’s Command to Revere His Sanctuary • Leviticus 26:2 — “You are to keep My Sabbaths and revere My sanctuary. I am the LORD.” • Leviticus 19:30 repeats the charge, anchoring it firmly in God’s covenant expectations. • The same God who insists, “I am the LORD,” grounds this command in His unchanging holiness (Malachi 3:6). What “Sanctuary” Meant in Israel • The Tabernacle/Temple was the physical meeting place of God and His people (Exodus 25:8). • God’s presence made the sanctuary uniquely holy; careless approach could bring judgment (Leviticus 10:1–3). • Reverence combined outward actions (ceremonial cleanliness, offerings) with inward awe (“the fear of the LORD,” Proverbs 1:7). How the Concept Carries Into the New Covenant • The gathered church is now “God’s household… the church of the living God” (1 Timothy 3:15). • Believers collectively are “God’s temple” (1 Corinthians 3:16–17). • Therefore, revering the sanctuary today means treating every corporate gathering, and the people themselves, as set apart for God’s glory. Practical Ways We Revere the Sanctuary in Church Life Worship Environment – Maintain the meeting space with excellence and order (1 Corinthians 14:40). – Arrange the setting to draw attention to God, not to personalities or entertainment. Worship Attitudes – Arrive prepared, hearts confessed, distractions set aside (Psalm 24:3–4). – Cultivate silence or thoughtful music before the service, signaling expectancy (Habakkuk 2:20). Worship Actions – Sing, pray, and read Scripture with wholehearted engagement (Colossians 3:16). – Observe the Lord’s Supper “in a worthy manner,” examining ourselves first (1 Corinthians 11:27–29). – Give offerings cheerfully and reverently, recognizing they support God’s work (2 Corinthians 9:7). Leadership and Teaching – Preach the whole counsel of God without dilution (2 Timothy 4:2). – Guard the pulpit from error; correct false teaching promptly (Titus 1:9). Community Conduct – Practice church discipline when necessary to preserve holiness (Matthew 18:15–17). – Show love, unity, and mutual submission, reflecting God’s character (Ephesians 4:1–3). Guarding Attitudes of Reverence • Awe: a conscious awareness of God’s majestic presence (Psalm 89:7). • Humility: acknowledging His authority over our preferences (James 4:10). • Gratitude: remembering access is ours only through Christ’s blood (Hebrews 10:19–22). A Call to Continual Awe Revering God’s sanctuary is not a single practice but a settled posture: honoring God’s presence, God’s people, and God’s purposes every time we gather. “Let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire” (Hebrews 12:28–29). |
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