Friday, February 8, 2013

SIH’s Think On These Things: 1Cor 6:19a

1Cor 6:19a (KJV)

19) What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost [which is] in you,…



In the near context, Paul is writing to member(s) of the church at Corinth that were misusing their physical bodies in sinful ways.   To help to motivate them to use their bodies properly, he reminds them that Christians have the Holy Spirit of God indwelling them.



Let’s take a moment to notice two principles concerning the Christian’s physical body that are taught to us by the Apostle Paul…

1. First of all, our body is described as “the TEMPLE of the Holy Ghost”.  Although it is true that the HG actually indwells our body, Paul says our body is “the temple of” (not “the home of” or “the dwelling place of”) the Spirit. Why is this?  The difference between a temple and being a home or dwelling, is that a temple is a building dedicated to the worship, service and glory of God. 



When Paul describes the Christian’s body as a temple He is saying that our bodies should be dedicated to the Lord’s glory, worship and service.  Phil 1:20 (KJV)..

20) According to my earnest expectation and [my] hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but [that] with all boldness, as always, [so] now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether [it be] by life, or by death.  ( See also Romans 6:16-19, 12:1)





2. Secondly, Paul tells us that the Holy Ghost is “in you”.  At our salvation, the Lord gives to us His indwelling Holy Spirit for several reasons.  Here are some of the main reasons:  To give us an understanding of the Word and of His eternal promises (1 Cor 2:10) and to comfort us through His Word (1 John 14:26); To enable us to minister for Him (1 Peter 1:10-12); To give us proof of our salvation (1 John 3:23-24); To aid in our prayers (Rom 8:26-27); to name just a few.



In a real sense, the Spirit is given to accompany us in Christ’s absence: John 16:7 (KJV)…

Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.



As we go about our business today, let’s keep in mind, we have God Himself, in the person of the Holy Ghost within us.  We can rest assured no matter what our day may hold for us our Lord is with us and actively intervening in every aspect of our lives.   Knowing He is within us, let us strive to use our physical bodies to worship, honor and glorify Him in every aspect of our walk on earth.



May the Lord bless us as we “Think On These Things”.






Posted by at

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)