Third Sermon - Temple of God

Review

The Suffering Paul Endures

The Character he tries to show

Paradoxes of the Christian Life

There is so much suffering that a Christian endures. For many of us, we have seen how people respond to such suffering or persecution. We may also relate to them. But one of the biggest differences is our identity. Those with an identity of trying to achieve something.

As believers, our identity includes being the temple of the living God, necessitating separation from worldly influences. Paul calls for open, honest relationships within the body of Christ and warns against being unequally yoked with unbelievers. We are to live distinctly, embodying righteousness and light. God promises to dwell among us, and we respond by dedicating our lives to holiness, reflecting our status as His sacred temple.

2 Corinthians 6:11–16 ESV

11 We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians; our heart is wide open. 12 You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted in your own affections. 13 In return (I speak as to children) widen your hearts also. 14 Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? 15 What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? 16 What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, “I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

Don’t Dwell with those who can sap your identity

Dwell means to make home. To live in. When Christ “Dwells” in our hearts, he is saying that he is apart of your family, apart of your home.

What is something you find yourself to be home? Why

Verse 11 - Paul is showcasing to these people that he has been honest and transparent. We haven’t touched several parts of this book, but Paul has some really, honest moments of how and what he calls out from this church. He is wrapping up the letter by basically saying that nothing has been held back and we are actually doing this in love. Love uses words wisely but it does not hold back the truth. Paul has opened his heart to these people. He is actually being vulnerable with these people but he is doing so because he loves them and wants them to live out the life Christ has called them to live.

2 Corinthians 6:13 ESV

13 In return (I speak as to children) widen your hearts also.

Verse 12 - This is really unique in what Paul is saying. He is telling them that they are not restricted by Paul or the other leaders. It’s not just like a parent - kid relationship where the adult will put restrictions on their kids and they must obey. He is actually using this kind of language too, where Paul is this father like figure and they are his children. But Paul is reminding them of something much deeper. What restricts their obedience to Christ and becoming like Jesus, doing what He did, is their selfish desires. They are keeping their hearts closed and wanting to do what they want to do.

2 Corinthians 6:12 ESV

12 You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted in your own affections.

Verse 13 - Now looking at verse 13, Paul is telling them the solution and that is to widen their hearts. Paul calls the Corinthians to reciprocate his openness and affection. He desires them to expand their capacity for love, trust, and genuine relationship. In verse 11, we see the same wording that “our heart is wide open.” Right now, this church is not doing so good and Paul has showed love, forgiveness, and truth to them. They must reciprocate the feeling in oder to move forward.

We must also do the same. Pride will destroy any relationship and specifically your relationship with God. Humble yourself and be reminded that it is not about how good you are or what you can achieve and what you can do better than others, widen your heart for good relationships and hard conversations.

2 Corinthians 6:13 ESV

13 In return (I speak as to children) widen your hearts also.

Verse 14 and 15- Paul has set us up, widen your hearts and then hits us with such a hard truth. I’m sure some of you are in a relationship, have been in a relationship, or at least know of friends who are in one. Scripture is very clear on this stance and shows why. Do not date those that are unbelievers, but to take it a step further, don’t just be satisfied with someone who “says they are a christian.” See how they live it out. A relationship should inspire you both to go towards God.

Let’s take this a step further, this verse, does not just say for marriage. Many scholars and studies show that this verse is for all relationships to those that you spend a vast amount of time with. Be careful of best friends who aren’t drawing you closer to God.

David Guizk - emphasizes that this directive applies broadly to all kinds of partnerships, including business, friendships, and especially marriage. He explains that the principle is rooted in the idea that believers and unbelievers have fundamentally different values and goals, which can lead to conflicts and compromises in areas that matter deeply to one's faith and life in Christ”

Paul really makes this point when he says what does Christ have with Belial (Satan). Now this does not mean you can’t be with non believers. We actually need to in order to share the gospel. But I mentioned this last Wednesday, you become like those you are around.

2 Corinthians 6:14–15 ESV

14 Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? 15 What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever?

We are the Temple of God

This can be a struggle and really frustrating because if you are in an unequally yoked relationship, you will never fully agree on things and you will have your differences.

I know of people who are married to non believers and they tell me it is one of the biggest things that affects their marriage.

Your best friends may just become friends.

This may affect your school and work environment (Berkley’s student example who turned down a part)

As you get older, this might affect what businesses you work for, or partners you work with. (Elias example)

This is all because of the love of Jesus Christ who has died for our sins and has given us a new identity because we are a new creation

We are ambassadors for Jesus Christ and we represent Him. That takes priority of absolultey everything in your life.

Verse 16 echoes this statement and showcases us this.

2 Corinthians 6:16 ESV

16 What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, “I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

This is from the old testament Ezekiel 37:27

Ezekiel 37:27 ESV

27 My dwelling place shall be with them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

Sidenote, Paul quoting the old testament is awesome and these kinds of passages are so cool because they support the old testament that was written hundreds of years prior in their time. And it also shows that we should continue to read the old testament.

Like said prior, to dwell is to make home. God dwells in your home, in every part of your being. Not the surfacey relationship, but the best and deepest realtionship you will ever know.