The Sanctuary

The Divine Sanctuary

Dwelling Among

Bible Passage: Exodus 20:25

Summary: In Exodus 20:25, God instructs His people on the importance of building a sanctuary where He can dwell among them, highlighting the deep desire for relationship and presence between God and His people.

Application: This passage encourages believers to recognize the places in their lives where they can invite God’s presence. It also challenges them to consider how they prepare their hearts and communities to be spaces where God can dwell, fostering a deeper spiritual relationship and communal worship.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that God wants to be present with His people, not just in physical structures but in their hearts and lives. It emphasizes the significance of creating spiritual sanctuaries in our lives that invite God's presence and glory.

How this passage could point to Christ: The theme points to Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment of God dwelling among His people, as described in John 1:14, where the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. This shows God’s ongoing desire for relationship and proximity with humanity, culminating in Christ.

Big Idea: God desires to dwell among us; we must create spaces within our hearts and communities that invite His presence.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider exploring the historical context of ancient Israel's worship practices in your Logos library. Examine commentaries on Exodus that address the significance of the sanctuary and its implications for the New Testament understanding of God dwelling with humanity in Christ. Look into the Hebrew terms used for sanctuary and dwelling to uncover deeper meanings in your preaching.

1. Prepare with Purity

Exodus 20:25

Perhaps you can emphasize that God instructs the Israelites not to use stone cut with tools, symbolizing the purity and reverence required for His dwelling place. This reflects how we too must approach God with humility and purity of heart. You could suggest that preparing a place for God is not about the grandeur of the structure but the condition of our hearts. Relate this to how Jesus purifies us, making us suitable temples for the Holy Spirit, encouraging us to examine our readiness to host His presence.