Part 1- The Gate
The temple is in you. You are a part of the place God dwells on earth. “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;” (1 Corinthians 6:19, ESV). Throughout this series we will be learning about the temple, the sacred place God inhabits on earth. As broken as people are, He chose us. He offered up His son as an atoning sacrifice to allow us into His presence.
What you will need: A Bible or your Bible app, a notebook, pen, and highlighter. The verses highlighted below are linked so that you can easily access them during your study time.
Jump Start
1. What comes to mind when you hear the phrase “your body is a temple?”
2. Read Hebrews 9. Where and how did the Israelites worship under the old covenant? Where does God’s presence reside now?
3. Read Hebrews 9:2; Acts 2:42. How was the tent prepared and what did it contain? What preparation do you make when you come to worship God?
4. Read Hebrews 9:4; Revelation 8:3-4. What is symbolized by the incense burning in gold bowls on the altar in the most holy place? How and when are we invited into that same holy of holies space today?
5. Read Hebrews 9:6-7. The priests enter the first section of the tabernacle to perform prescribed sacrifices regularly. What regular duties are they performing? What regular habits do you, or other believers you admire, have because of devotion to Jesus? What kind of sacrifices can we offer today (see Romans 12:1)?
6. Read Hebrews 9:8-12. How many sacrifices were needed under the Old Covenant (Mosaic Law)? How many sacrifices are needed under the New Covenant (Jesus)? Why?
Deeper
7. Read Acts 10. What habits did Cornelius have that God noticed? What did Cornelius do when God spoke to him? How did his actions affect the whole church? What can we learn from his example today?
8. Read 1 Corinthians 3:16; Luke 12:31; Matthew 6:33. What does seeking the kingdom of heaven look like today? How does knowing that we ARE the temple change our behavior?