Audio Download

“Journey Through the Kingdom to God’s Throne” – Part 7

The Living Temple – Christ in You

[Study Aired Dec 17, 2024]

Introduction

Our journey through God’s spiritual temple reaches its pinnacle as we discover the ultimate reality – we are now God’s living temple. Throughout our studies, we’ve moved from external patterns to internal realities, following Christ’s foundational teaching that “the kingdom of God is within you“ (Luke 17:20). These physical patterns served their purpose, for “the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things” (Hebrews 10:1), but now give way to the spiritual reality they foreshadowed.

The transition from physical to spiritual temple reflects God’s eternal purpose. As Solomon acknowledged, “But will God indeed dwell on the earth? behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house that I have builded?” (1 Kings 8:27). This profound question reveals Solomon’s understanding that the physical temple, despite its glory, could never fully contain or express God’s presence. The prophet Isaiah later reinforced this truth: “Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest?“ (Isaiah 66:1).

God’s dwelling among His people progressed through distinct stages, each revealing more of His ultimate purpose. First, He walked with Adam in the garden, showing His desire for direct communion: “And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day” (Genesis 3:8). After sin was revealed, He established patterns of approach through the first sacrifices: “Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them” (Genesis 3:21). Later, He dwelt in the tabernacle, a movable tent that accompanied Israel’s journeys: “And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them“ (Exodus 25:8), “In all their journeys when the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the children of Israel went onward“ (Exodus 40:36-37). The temple followed, providing a fixed location for His presence: “I have surely built thee a house to dwell in, a settled place for thee to abide in forever“ (1 Kings 8:13). Yet each stage pointed toward a fuller reality – God dwelling within His people through Christ.

The Foundation of Living Temple Reality

Christ Himself laid the foundation for this understanding when He declared, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up“ (John 2:19). John explains, “But he spake of the temple of his body“ (John 2:21). This declaration marked a radical shift in understanding temple reality. No longer would God’s presence be confined to physical buildings but would dwell in living temples – first in Christ’s physical body, then in His spiritual body, the church. As Paul declares, “Now ye are the body of Christ“ (1 Corinthians 12:27).

This transition fulfills God’s eternal purpose revealed progressively through Scripture. When David proposed building a temple, God sent Nathan with this response: “Go and tell my servant David, Thus saith the LORD, Shalt thou build me a house for me to dwell in? Whereas I have not dwelt in any house since the time that I brought up the children of Israel out of Egypt, even to this day, but have walked in a tent and in a tabernacle” (2 Samuel 7:5-6). God’s question suggests that His ultimate dwelling would transcend physical structures.

The prophets increasingly emphasized this spiritual reality. Ezekiel saw a temple with supernatural dimensions through divine vision: “In the visions of God brought he me into the land of Israel, and set me upon a very high mountain, by which was as the frame of a city on the south” (Ezekiel 40:2). The dimensions he recorded were extraordinary – “five hundred reeds” for the courts (Ezekiel 42:16-20), approximately one mile, far exceeding any physical structure. Most significantly, he described a miraculous river flowing from this temple: “Afterward he brought me again unto the door of the house; and, behold, waters issued out from under the threshold of the house eastward” (Ezekiel 47:1), which grew supernaturally without tributaries to become “waters to swim in, a river that could not be passed over” (Ezekiel 47:5). Haggai promised that “the glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former“ (Haggai 2:9), a prophecy fulfilled not in Herod’s temple but in Christ and His church. Malachi foresaw a time when “in every place incense shall be offered unto my name, and a pure offering” (Malachi 1:11), indicating worship would extend beyond Jerusalem’s temple.

The Physical Temple Pattern

Understanding our identity as God’s living temple requires grasping how physical temple patterns reveal spiritual realities. Paul teaches this principle: “For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made” (Romans 1:20). The physical temple’s structure, furnishings, and service all teach spiritual truths about our function as living temples.

The temple’s three main sections – outer court, holy place, and most holy place – picture aspects of spiritual experience. The outer court represents initial approach to God through Christ’s sacrifice. The holy place speaks of daily spiritual service and communion. The most holy place reveals intimate fellowship with God. In living temples, these areas represent progressively deeper experiences of Christ’s life within us.

The temple’s furnishings likewise reveal spiritual functions. The brazen altar pictures Christ’s cross worked out in our experience, for “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me” (Galatians 2:20). The laver represents cleansing by God’s Word, “That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word” (Ephesians 5:26). The golden lampstand shows how we should shine with Christ’s light, for He declared, “Ye are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14).

These patterns find fulfillment as we function as God’s temples. The showbread pictures feeding on Christ as living bread. “And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake it, and gave to them, and said, Take, eat: this is my body.” (Mark 14:22). The incense altar represents our prayers ascending to God. “And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel’s hand.” (Revelation 8:3-4). Even the ark of the covenant, with its mercy seat where God’s presence dwelt, shows how Christ now dwells in our hearts through faith. Understanding these patterns helps us function properly as living temples.

The Two-fold Temple Reality

Having seen how physical temple patterns reveal spiritual truth, we now understand that God’s temple reality manifests in two dimensions – individual and corporate. Paul reveals the individual aspect: “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?” (1 Corinthians 6:19). Yet he also emphasizes the corporate dimension: “For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ“ (1 Corinthians 12:12). Both truths must be held together to understand our full identity as God’s dwelling place.

This individual temple reality begins through Christ’s indwelling, what Paul calls “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27), bringing both privilege and accountability. “So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.” (Romans 14:12). As individual temples of God, we must maintain purity, for “if any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are“ (1 Corinthians 3:17). Yet this holiness flows not from our efforts but from Christ’s life within, “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13).

Yet God’s ultimate purpose extends beyond individual temples to form one corporate dwelling place. Peter declares, “Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 2:5). Each believer functions as a living stone, carefully fitted with others to form God’s house, fulfilling His eternal purpose to dwell among His people.

Paul elaborates this corporate reality: “Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto a holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for a habitation of God through the Spirit” (Ephesians 2:19-22). This passage reveals how individual temples become one dwelling – we share citizenship in God’s household, rest on Christ as our foundation, grow through relationships with one another, and fulfill God’s purpose as His corporate habitation. Having seen both individual and corporate aspects of temple truth, we must understand how Christ makes this reality possible through His indwelling presence.

The Living Reality of Christ’s Indwelling

Christ dwells within each believer individually through His Father’s spirit, enabling us to function as God’s temple both personally and corporately. Jesus explained this profound reality: “At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you“ (John 14:20). This indwelling fulfills what the Old Testament pictured when God’s presence dwelt between the cherubim above the mercy seat: “And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat” (Exodus 25:22).

The prophets foresaw this internal reality. Through Isaiah, God promised: “Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine… I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring: And they shall spring up as among the grass, as willows by the water courses. One shall say, I am the LORD’s; and another shall call himself by the name of Jacob” (Isaiah 44:2-5). This pouring out of God’s spirit transforms us into fitting vessels for His presence.

This indwelling transforms our daily life and service. Just as the physical temple had continuous service, our lives manifest constant spiritual activity through Christ’s life within. The perpetual light of the lampstand teaches us to maintain spiritual illumination through God’s Word: “For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life” (Proverbs 6:23). The continual showbread reveals our need for constant feeding on Christ, who declared: “I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger” (John 6:35). The perpetual incense pictures unceasing prayer and communion, as Paul instructs: “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

This transformation enables proper temple function through Christ’s strengthening: “That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith“ (Ephesians 3:16-17). The word “dwell” here indicates permanent residence – Christ settling down to live within us permanently. This permanent indwelling enables proper corporate expression of temple life.

The Corporate Function

The temple’s corporate reality requires proper relationships and function. Paul explains how this works: “From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love“ (Ephesians 4:16). Each member contributes to the growth and function of God’s living temple.

This corporate reality manifests particularly when believers gather. Paul describes this living temple expression: “How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying“ (1 Corinthians 14:26). Each member supplies what the Spirit provides through Christ’s indwelling life.

God’s word guides how we function together: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord” (Colossians 3:16). This mutual ministry builds temple reality as each part functions properly.

Unity in this corporate temple comes through submission to Christ’s headship: “Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment“ (1 Corinthians 1:10). Christ directs His temple through those yielded to His Spirit, “Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3).

The prophet Malachi saw this functioning fellowship: “Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name” (Malachi 3:16). Through mutual submission and proper order, we maintain the temple’s corporate expression as God intends. Yet this corporate temple reality must be tested and proven through trials.

The Testing of Temple Truth

God tests and proves temple reality through various trials, refining us for His purpose. As Peter explains, “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:7). These trials authenticate our temple function.

The prophets understood this refining process. The prophet Jeremiah described it: “Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts, Behold, I will melt them, and try them; for how shall I do for the daughter of my people?” (Jeremiah 9:7). God’s judgment purifies, as Habakkuk witnessed: “Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity” (Habakkuk 1:13). Isaiah reinforces this truth: “And I will turn my hand upon thee, and purely purge away thy dross, and take away all thy tin“ (Isaiah 1:25). This process produces a temple fit for His presence.

Through testing, we learn dependence on Christ’s indwelling life rather than our own strength. David testified, “It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes“ (Psalm 119:71). Paul’s experience confirms this purpose: “And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh… For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness“ (2 Corinthians 12:7-9).

This purifying work prepares us for fuller temple function. Just as metal must be refined for sacred use, trials prepare us for divine service. Every circumstance serves God’s purpose of conforming us to His temple design. Through this testing and proving process, God establishes His authority in and through His temple people.

Kingdom Authority Through Temple Reality

Understanding our identity as God’s temple brings spiritual authority. Jesus declared, “Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you” (Luke 10:19). This authority flows naturally from Christ’s indwelling presence.

Yet this authority operates only through submission to God’s will. James reveals this principle: “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). Our authority functions as we yield to Christ’s life within. As Paul testified, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me“ (Philippians 4:13).

This authority manifests both individually and corporately. Paul describes the corporate dimension: “To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God“ (Ephesians 3:10). Together we display God’s wisdom and authority. The prophet Isaiah foresaw this authority: “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD” (Isaiah 54:17). While we now experience this authority through Christ’s indwelling, an even greater manifestation awaits us.

Future Glory and Present Experience

While we now experience temple reality spiritually, we anticipate an even fuller manifestation. John’s vision reveals this ultimate reality: “And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it“ (Revelation 21:22). The prophet Haggai foresaw this progression: “And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts” (Haggai 2:7). Physical patterns give way to pure spiritual reality.

Yet this future hope transforms present experience. John declares, “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is“ (1 John 3:2). The prophet Hosea glimpsed this progressive work: “Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth” (Hosea 6:3). Each experience of His presence prepares us for fuller manifestation. This future hope transforms how we live now as God’s temple.

Living as God’s Temple

The reality of being God’s temple transforms every aspect of life. As Isaiah describes: “For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please“ (Isaiah 55:10-11). Like rain saturating soil, temple truth permeates our entire existence.

This affects how we handle daily responsibilities. Paul instructs, “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God“ (1 Corinthians 10:31). Even mundane activities become opportunities for temple service. The prophet Zechariah foresaw this sanctification of daily life: “In that day shall there be upon the bells of the horses, HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD” (Zechariah 14:20).

Our relationships change as we recognize others as potential or actual temples of God. Paul teaches, “Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another“ (Romans 14:19). Our interactions should contribute to temple building and growth.

Our speech and thoughts must align with temple reality. David prayed, “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight” (Psalm 19:14). Paul elaborates: “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers“ (Ephesians 4:29). Even our inner life must reflect the temple’s holiness: “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest… think on these things” (Philippians 4:8).

Even trials take on new meaning through temple understanding. James counsels, “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience“ (James 1:2-3). Every circumstance serves God’s purpose of conforming us to His temple design. This transformed life expresses itself through specific temple actions.

Temple Actions

Living as God’s temple brings specific actions. Peter declares, “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light“ (1 Peter 2:9). This priestly function requires faithful service.

We must maintain temple purity through constant cleansing. John writes, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). This cleansing preserves temple function and fellowship. The prophet Isaiah experienced this purification: “Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar: And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged“ (Isaiah 6:6-7).

Our action includes representing God accurately to others. Paul states, “Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God” (2 Corinthians 5:20). As living temples, we manifest God’s presence and nature to the world.

These combined truths complete our understanding of living temple reality. Through yielding to Christ’s indwelling life, we fulfill God’s eternal purpose of dwelling among His people, both individually and corporately. May we walk worthy of this high calling, manifesting His presence and glory in every aspect of life. Having seen how temple truth manifests in action, we can now grasp the full scope of God’s purpose.

Conclusion: Living Reality

Through our journey into God’s spiritual temple, we’ve seen His eternal purpose unfold – to dwell in and among His people through Christ. What began in pattern and shadow finds fulfillment in living reality. The prophet Zephaniah foresaw this: “The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing” (Zephaniah 3:17).

This indwelling presence empowers us for divine purpose, as God declared through Isaiah: “This people have I formed for myself; they shall shew forth my praise” (Isaiah 43:21). Like branches abiding in the vine, we bear fruit through His life within us. Our commission flows from this reality – to manifest His presence and declare His glory to all creation.

As living temples, we carry Christ’s presence wherever we go, commissioned to extend His kingdom through the power of His indwelling life. This is not our work but His, “being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will“ (Ephesians 1:11). His presence in us accomplishes His eternal purpose, until all creation knows “all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all“ (Corinthians 15:28).

I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. These things I command you, that ye love one another. John 15:1-17

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. Mark 16:15-18