How is your physical body the Temple of the Holy Spirit?

God says we are supposed to know, but do we?

1 Corinthians 6:19

Instructing the Christians in Corinth to flee from sexual immorality, the apostle Paul exhorted,

“14 And God both raised up the Lord and will also raise us up by His power. 15 Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a harlot? Certainly not! 16 Or do you not know that he who is joined to a harlot is one body with her? For “the two,” He says, “shall become one flesh.” 17 But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him. 18 Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. 19 Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? 20 For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.

Basically, those who do not belong to Christ do not have the Spirit of Christ residing in them (Romans 8:9). Thus, their bodies are not a temple of the Holy Spirit. Clearly, then, the greatest thing we can do for our bodies is to submit them into a temple for God’s Spirit to reside.

So, the question is, how are we joined to Christ and the Spirit (v. 17)?  (Infants are born perfect without sin, they are joined with the Lord automatically. They have no need for baptism for remission of sins until they reach an age of accountability in order to realize they are sinners.) The following scripture (Colossians 2:11-12) is most important to understand that the cleansing of sin is a work of God, appropriated (obeyed) by immersion in the name of Jesus Christ.

“In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through the faith in the operation of God, who raised Him from the dead.”

We are possessed and occupied or inhabited by the Holy Spirit that spiritually begins dwelling within us as God awards at the point of scriptural baptism for the remission of sins. You may disagree with this but that's what it says. Read on.

We at the point of immersion for remission of sins repent and surrender. We die to ourselves and sin, and are gifted the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38). God will not gift the Holy Spirit to any soul who is still unclean by refusing water baptism in the name of Jesus Christ for remission of sins. This is the final culminating act of faith that opens the floodgates of the cleansing blood of Christ in the new creature’s soul/temple.

To the Jews:

Then Peter said to them. “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38)

Of Saul:

So I (Paul) said, “What shall I do, Lord?” And the Lord said to me, “Arise and go into Damascus, and there you will be told all things which you are appointed for you to do.” (Acts 22:10)

To Saul:

Ananias said to Paul, “And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” (Acts 22:16)

We are joined with Christ through belief, faith, repentance and baptism with one Spirit. We then yield to Him and are set apart for good works for Him.

“For we are Gods handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10)

You are bought at a price by the Gospel.

“For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are Gods.” (1 Corinthians 6:20)

In summary, our bodies are no longer our own. We maintain our bodies fit for Gods use and residence. We are a new creature when and if we have properly obeyed the Gospel.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation, old things have passed away, behold, all things have become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

If God meant to convey the idea that the Spirit lives within the believer, He could have used words such as “home,” “house,” or “residence.” But by choosing the word “temple” to describe the Spirit’s dwelling, He conveys the idea that our bodies are the shrine, or the sacred place, in which the Spirit not only lives, but is worshiped, revered, and honored in and separate of this world. Therefore, how we behave, think and speak, and what we let into the temple through our eyes and ears becomes critically important as well, for every thought, word and deed is in His view. Even though He will never leave us, it is entirely possible to grieve the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4: 30). Instructing the Ephesians to not grieve the Spirit, Paul told them to “get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:31-32). When we live by the Spirit, we will no longer gratify the desires of the sinful nature (Galatians 5:16). But in order to partake of Christ, we must as individuals properly obey the Gospel fully in order to possess the Holy Spirit (the helper John 14:16-18) from God. By divine circumcision during initial baptism, the Holy Spirit of God is grafted into ones soul, or temple by His operation and His good pleasure. Read Colossians 2:11-12 above again to see this unfold.

Adam, Moses, the Patriarchs, Prophets and Israelites lived in the age of the Father. The first century disciples from Jesus baptism to His ascension back to heaven lived in the brief transition age of the Son. Mankind since Jesus ascension now lives in the age of the Holy Spirit that came in Acts chapter 2 establishing the church with the Jews in Jerusalem, and 7 years later with the Gentiles at Caesarea in Acts chapter 10.

God the Father created our bodies, God the Son redeemed them, and God the Holy Spirit indwells them. This makes our body the very temple of the Holy Spirit of God. The Holy Spirit is present in Gods church of Christ (Romans 16:16), the body collectively and individually. That is, if you have “put on Christ” (Galatians 3:27).

Scriptures Weekly
2015

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Scriptures Weekly 77 - Trust Comes From God

Proverbs 3:5-6,

<<< Oh how this little sign is so untrue once we put our trust in God.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.”

If we want to have families and friendships and why wouldn’t we, trust is the most precious state of being. It is a risk and becomes real between people over time by communicating, understanding and delivering a bond of true friendship and commitment by mutually guarding ones most intimate issues of life. Once the bond of trust is broken, it is very difficult, almost impossible to restore ones capacity to trust with unguarded interaction as before. This is because in our fallen state as sinners going forward after the infraction, we will question and observe if ones intentions are of servanthood, or a self-serving nature. Our protection shield goes up only allowing a crack of light at a time to ponder and consider taking a risk again.

A little girl and her dad were crossing a bridge. The dad was kind of scared so he asked his little daughter:

"Sweetheart, please hold my hand so that you don't fall into the river." The little girl said: "No, Dad. You hold my hand." "What's the difference?" asked the puzzled father. "There's a big difference," replied the little girl. "If I hold your hand and something happens to me, chances are that I may let your hand go. But if you hold my hand, I know for sure that no matter what happens, you will never let my hand go."

So how does this relate to the Savior and our relationship with Him? Or from another angle, His relationship with us? What can we do to have trust in an invisible God that can only be known through 31,173 verses in His Word, the bible? Did Jesus really die on the cross for me? Did he rise from the dead overcoming death? Did he even inspire men as they penned these 31,173 verses in which I am supposed to trust as truth? And if these things are really true, is God really there for me no matter what I have gotten myself into. Does God love me?

At some deliberate point, and in connection with Gods Word and facts of history, we come to realize faith is instilled in us by God Himself through the reading of His Word (Rom 10:17), and the birth of trust begins. It is important to know that this faith-trust relationship is not a one-time covenant. We need to trust and believe the covenant God makes with us and we with Him is a daily operation of God (Rom 11:30-31) that cannot be broken. And how do we know this truth?

“But God demonstrates His “own love” toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom 5:8).

OK, Jesus died for me, how does that convince me to trust again?

"For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time." (1 Corinthians 15:3-8)

The Resurrection

Also, lets glimpse into the nature of God from this unique scripture He left us and see if you can note how God never gives up on us:

“But to Israel he says: “All day long I have stretched out My hands to a disobedient and contrary people.” (Rom 10:21)

Imagine that. Why would God seek people who sin and disobey, lie, cheat and steal all day long? Well, because we need a doctor.

"Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance" (Mark 2:17).

Time and time again God demonstrates His love and blessings to His children that have made this precious trust covenant with Him through the gospel. He can’t help it! And neither should we as we grow in the faith serving Him and the household of faith (Gal 6:10). Are you a part of the household of faith that needs the showering of love and good works upon you at this time? Do not be ashamed for the great physician Jesus Christ is ready to bless through His special people (Titus 2:14) to help restore precious trust with a clean sheet of un-crumpled paper.

“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works” (Titus 2:11-14).

Blessings this week as you Trust in the perfection of God.

Scriptures Weekly 76 - Overcoming Doubt

Matthew 14:23-31

And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there. But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary. Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.” And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”

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If you read closely, Peter actually walked on water. No other besides Jesus has done this in recorded history! He surely had faith taking those first steps, but his faith faded in the middle of his walk as we often tend to do in times of trial or a sudden change in our lives. Doubt can come about in the life of a Christian from many angles and reasons. Its a life reality we are stuck with having to face and overcome with the Lords help if we would continue walking in the light, even in the middle of the storm. But everybody is different. Some are more trusting than others. Some are unable to trust at all. John 20:24-25. We want "to know" our next move or decision on our own strength, rather than leaning on God and His Word to guide and direct us.

Some life situations producing doubt can include:

• We may believe we should have a trouble free happy life.
• Lord, you said you would never give me more than I can handle, I'm past the breaking point.
• I know this is your word Lord, but that articulate nonbeliever says its myths and fables.
• I am a Christian serving you Lord, why is my life falling apart?
• I don't believe in God because he wont let me do the fun things I want to do.
• How can I know Jesus really rose from the dead? Nobody took a picture of it.
• Stress and fatigue from just doing too much causing spiritual doubt.
• Having an incorrect theology (do good get good, be bad get bad) Job 4:7.23:3-7.
• Getting deeper and deeper in sin. John 3:19-20.

Some lies the devil tells us that keep us stuck in doubt:

• Ignore your doubts, just hope they wither and die by suppressing them. Psalm 15:2
• The devil will say, "You see, you question everything, your not really a Christian." Gen 15:5-8
• Failure to face our doubts by not seeking sound council with wise and loving brethren, James 5:16

Click this player to hear a great podcast by brother Mark on why we have doubts, and how the lies Satan tells us keeps us stuck in doubt.

Speaking about Jesus, Loving Jesus and Knowing Jesus

John 9:18-23,

But the Jews did not believe concerning him, that he had been blind and received his sight, until they called the parents of him who had received his sight. And they asked them, saying, “Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How then does he now see?”

His parents answered them and said, “We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind; but by what means he now sees we do not know, or who opened his eyes we do not know. He is of age; ask him. He will speak for himself.” His parents said these things because they feared the Jews, for the Jews had agreed already that if anyone confessed that He was Christ, he would be put out of the synagogue. Therefore his parents said, “He is of age; ask him.”

Are you fearful to speak to the truth about Jesus with whomever asks you like the parents of the blind man? Here are some possibilities as we enter into a brand new year of discipleship:

1) Is the Bible so boring to you? I'll bet you will be surprised of my answer. Your right. There are parts of the bible that are dull, technical and hard to read. In fact you may fall asleep reading some sections of the bible. I admit I have.

2 Timothy 3:16-17,

"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work."

Does the bible promise to be entertaining? Is it just a story written by storytellers? Well, the bible promises to be enthralling and life changing as it was written by Jesus Prophets and Apostles who were inspired by the Holy Spirit. No other book in the whole of mankind has this power and revelation directly from heaven.

Do most people believe they have "life and godliness" all figured out and its not necessary to read the bible? Unfortunately this is the case. If your reading a great novel or fictional entertaining stories, pick up a novelists piece of literature. But if you are wanting to read about how to go to heaven, read the bible that has a kind of urgency of godliness and life before the Lord and His nature. He put all of it in there for a reason in light of eternity.

2 Peter 1:3,

“…as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue,”

2) Another common thought among people is "all we have to do is focus on and love Jesus." That's all fine and dandy, but if this is so, there are a few notable scriptures that do focus on Jesus that require more than just loving Him.

John 14:15, keep His commandments

“If you love Me, keep My commandments."

John 14:21, love Jesus

“He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.”

John 8:31, abide in His word

Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.”

John 13:20, to the apostles that he sent

“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who receives whomever I send receives Me; and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me.”

For those who want to just love Jesus and cut out all the letters of the apostles and live by the four gospels only, guess what? Jesus isn't very happy about that. He sent the apostles to teach the word of the Lord. They were commissioned by the Christ! They were inspired by the Holy Spirit and their words in the New Testament are of equal value and power as the four gospels. All the doctrines and details in the epistles that seem so boring, suddenly become just as important.

John 17:20-21, we can have unity

“I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me."

Here is a question for you. If Jesus sent the 12 out to preach the wearing of a red hat and purple sandals all the time, don't you want to know that? And if you really love Jesus doesn't that mean you want to get a red hat and sandals? Where's your red hat, where are your sandals? I know this isn't a realistic commandment but, when are we going to do what Jesus tells us, because if you love Him, you will keep His commandments.

About Unity,

Many churches that call themselves Christians don't emphasize hardly anything at all, and they are still not united are they? When we start to talk about Jesus some may say, "was he really born of a virgin?" Are you going to accept that? How about Jesus doing miracles, "did he really do miracles?" Some churches say yes, some say no. What about the big issue. Did Jesus rise from the dead? "Really, a dead man rose from the dead?" Again, some churches say yes, some say no. So, when people say all that we are going to be talking about is Jesus, there are still matters that need to be resolved, have to be studied, thought and prayed about. And there is still going to be what? There is going to be some divisions of what is supposed to be so amazingly uniting, it turns out to be much less. And more importantly, it does not honor and love Jesus as He told us to do.

Ephesians 1:22-23,

“And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.”

Jesus is the head of the church, and we honor and love Him when we do what He commands and directs. Whether that comes from Jesus direct or from His messengers the apostles, we love Jesus when we do what Jesus says. And we can't fool ourselves and say, "Oh I love Jesus, i'm just not focusing on the details." That's not how Jesus said to love Him.

3) Sometimes we can be in conversation trading ideas and whatnot back and forth, and invariably someone says, "Wow, you church of Christ folks, man you just got an answer for everything."

Well, that's not something that makes me happy, I don't want to hear them say that for a couple of reasons.

a - Nobody likes a mister know-it-all. We all know someone who answers a question with an open mouth. That gets old in a hurry. 

b - More importantly. I don't even know close to everything. In fact the more I actually study the bible, the more I don't know.

But, Jesus told us we need to have some answers. Lets read 1 Peter 3:15,

"But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with gentleness and respect."

We need to be ready to give answers about our faith. For example, look at Acts 17:1-4. Apostle Paul is very comfortable dialoging with people and talking with them about religious differences in Thessalonica.

"Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. Then Paul, as his custom was, went in to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and demonstrating that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus whom I preach to you is the Christ.” And some of them were persuaded; and a great multitude of the devout Greeks, and not a few of the leading women, joined Paul and Silas."

This is what Christians do, that's our job. But secondly, shouldn't everybody have an answer? It's baffling at the number of people that don't want to talk about the very things that Christians want to talk about the most - Death, Eternity, Judgment, Heaven, Hell. All this stuff that happens to you when you die. Have people not noticed? Everybody dies! It doesn't happen to just one segment of society, it happens to everybody (Hebrews 9:27).

Why is there not much interest and conversation about - What happens next? Is it because nothing happens next? Maybe if something happens next. What? How do you know if? I want to know about the biggest question of life - What happens when you die? Don't you want to know? Everybody ought to have some conclusions shouldn't they instead of saying - "Nope, I don't know, I haven't really thought about it."

It ought to be front and center in everybody's life, So yes, it is true that Christians have some things that they believe in fervently and passionately and have some convictions about because we think these things are vitally important! And we do believe and have evidence this is a book from God that has led us to make some very direct conclusions on how we ought to live so that we can learn how to get to Heaven, for that is the goal of our faith (Phil 3:12-14).

Lets talk about whats going to happen next instead of "Oh, you got answers to everything." Lets find out what those answers are even if one comes to their personal conclusion, there is no answer. At least we are attempting to converse and have an intelligent discussion.

Is the Bible boring and will you speak up when the opportunity arises? Is it really just about loving Jesus? Is there answers to everything? Hopefully this short lesson will help you in your studies of the bible, and relationship with the Father, the Holy Spirit, and with Jesus the Christ.

Blessings