God's dwelling place
Ephesians 2:19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; 2:20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; 2:21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: 2:22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
God's dwelling place is a place where His presence, glory, grace, mercy and blessing resides.
Scripture tells us about a successive line of places where God both has and will place his presence among people on the Earth.
The Tabernacle
Beginning in the Old Testament, the tabernacle was a place for God to dwell among his people (Exo 25-31). He gave Israel detailed instructions for how to build it. He designed it so that they could tear it down, carry it around, and set it back up as they traveled through the wilderness.
Later it was extended to the temple just as the one built by King Solomon, the scripture specifically states that after the completion of the temple, the presence of God came down and dwelt in it. (2 Chronicles 7:1-16)
Since there is no Temple today, then where is the dwelling place of God? Sometimes we mistake a church building for the Temple. We call a building “God’s house” or an auditorium “the sanctuary” (which means “holy place”). This is not an accurate understanding.
Today, the dwelling place of God is the body of a believer.
In 1 Corinthians 6:19, Paul tells believers that “your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you.” He mentions this as a reason why believers should break away from all involvement in sexual immorality (1 Cor 6:18).
Abstaining from immoral behavior does not make you holy; the indwelling of the Spirit makes you holy. Therefore, since you are already a holy dwelling place for God, you should stay away from immoral behavior that runs contrary to the holiness of God.
The indwelling of the Holy Spirit, however, is a permanent, ongoing condition. He will never leave or withdraw his presence. That’s why a believer should not grieve the Holy Spirit through corrupt and evil words, attitudes, and behavior (Eph 4:30-31). When a believer persistently sins, the Spirit is unable to depart. Therefore, God must eventually destroy his or her temple instead (1 Cor 3:16-17).
In Ephesians 2:19-22, We see by this that each one of us is a dwelling place of God, and that we grow up together with the others to be a holy temple in the Lord.
God jealously desires that His spirit should dwell in us. For when God comes into the spirit of a person, they are not only kept and protected, they are made alive.
It is expected of every believer to be the dwelling place of God, because it is God's will for man till we reign with Him in His kingdom.
The question today is, is God dwelling in you?, your life of sin will continually retard the presence of God.
Turn a new leaf by walking in the righteousness and holiness of God. By this, God will dwell in you and your life will become an expression of His glory.
God bless you.
Prayer key:
1. Lord, thank you for the blessing of today in Jesus Christ name.
2. Lord, forgive me for all my sins in Jesus Christ name
3. Lord, Make my life your dwelling place in Jesus Christ name.
4. Thank you Lord for answered prayers in Jesus Christ name.