You Are God's Temple: Lukewarmness Is Not an Option

Modern Man standing in multiple rays of light, green, yellow, orange, white, pink, red, glorious light, reflecting the Holy Spirit s presence

1 Corinthians 3:16

Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

In ancient Greek, when talking about temples, they used the word "naos" to refer to the innermost and most sacred part of the temple. Think of it as the heart of the temple, the holiest place where Gods presence was at its strongest.

Know ye not that ye are the temple (strongs 3485: naos) of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

https://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/1co/3/16/t_conc_1065016

The Apostle Paul is saying, "You are the naos (the temple) of God." He means that, just like the inner sanctuary of the temple was the most important and sacred part, your life is also a place where God's presence is significant. Your life serves as a way for others to connect with God. You can view yourself as a unique place where God lives and works and where people can come to know God better. Your life is a temple, and your body is where God resides.

When someone believes in Jesus Christ, they receive the Spirit of God within them. As soon as you invite Jesus into your life, the Spirit of God starts residing in you. In the book of Corinthians, Paul goes on to emphasize that anyone who corrupts this sacred dwelling place, God will hold accountable.

1 Corinthians 3:17:

If any man defiles the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.

Paul enlightens us about various ways the temple of God can be tainted. He reminds us that our bodies are, in fact, the "naos" of God, the Temple of God. (1 Corinthians 6:19). When we engage in sexual immorality, Paul cautions us that we are not only sinning against our own bodies but also against the temple of God, which is now a part of Jesus Christ Himself: 1 Corinthians 6:15-20:

(15) Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid. (16) What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh. (17) But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. (18) Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. (19) 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? (20) For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

This is a grave warning, and it deserves our careful consideration. Let's revisit 1 Corinthians 3:17:

If any man defiles the temple of God, him shall God destroy.

There are numerous ways to defile and corrupt our bodies such as unhealthy lifestyle choices, substance abuse, neglecting physical and mental well-being, immoral, sexual or unethical behaviors, disregarding personal boundaries and consent, exposing oneself to harmful environments or influences, practicing occult or dark spiritual activities, focusing solely on material pursuits and neglecting spiritual growth, allowing toxic relationships to dominate one's life, ignoring the principles of love, compassion, and forgiveness, and avoiding self-reflection and personal growth.

The crucial question is: Do you truly believe it? If you genuinely embraced the fact that you are indeed the temple of God and that the Spirit of God resides within you, how might your life be different?

This might help you understand better what you believe by comparing the lifestyles of a lukewarm Christian and a Christian who is passionate and actively demonstrating their faith in various ways:

Lukewarm Christian: Hearing but not necessarily believing:

1. Inconsistent Faith: A lukewarm Christian may have a faith that wavers and isn't a central focus in their life. They may attend church occasionally but often prioritize other aspects of life over spiritual matters.

2. Limited Prayer Life: Their prayer life may be sporadic, consisting mainly of routine or emergency prayers rather than a deep and continuous connection with God.

3. Minimal Scripture Engagement: Lukewarm Christians might not regularly read or study the Bible, which can result in a limited understanding of their faith and its teachings.

4. Lack of Spiritual Gifts: They may not actively seek or operate in spiritual gifts like laying on of hands or speaking in tongues, as they may not fully believe in or understand these practices.

5. Worldly Priorities: Worldly concerns and ambitions often take precedence in their life. They may be more focused on material success, social activities, or personal pursuits.

Christian on Fire for the Lord: BELIEVING What God Says:

1. Passionate Faith: A zealous Christian has a vibrant and passionate faith that is central to their life. They view every aspect of life through the lens of their faith.

2. Dedicated Prayer Life: They maintain a consistent and fervent prayer life, regularly seeking communion with God, interceding for others, and seeking guidance through prayer.

3. Biblical Knowledge: They actively engage with the Scriptures, studying and meditating on them to deepen their understanding of God's Word and His will.

4. Spiritual Gifts in Action:

Laying on of Hands: They believe in and practice the laying on of hands for healing, blessing, and empowerment.
Speaking in Tongues: They may engage in speaking in tongues as a form of personal and corporate spiritual expression.
Casting Out Demons: They may be involved in deliverance ministries, addressing spiritual oppression through prayer and spiritual warfare.

5. Prioritizing God's Kingdom: Their priorities align with God's kingdom, and they actively seek opportunities to serve others, share their faith, and bring others to Christ.

6. Fellowship and Worship: They regularly attend church, actively participate in worship, and engage in fellowship with other believers to encourage and support one another in their faith.

WARNING 🧨

Revelation 3:16

So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.

Beware the peril of lukewarm faith, for in Revelation 3:16, it is written that the Lord will reject those who are neither hot in their devotion nor cold in their indifference. Let Jesus strong words serve as a stark warning that a lukewarm faith may find itself cast aside by the very One it claims to follow.

The Word of God teaches the vital truth that believers are the temples of God, with His Spirit dwelling within them. This understanding should not be mere words but a transformative belief that guides one's actions and priorities. Lukewarmness, marked by inconsistent faith and worldly pursuits, is cautioned against, as it risks being rejected by the very God it claims to follow. Instead, we are encouraged to embrace a passionate faith that is evident in our prayer life, Scripture engagement, and the active practice of spiritual gifts, aligning our priorities with God's kingdom and exemplifying the truth that our lives are sacred temples of the Holy Spirit.