The Dwelling Place of God: A Biblical Theology of the Temple

I. Preliminary notes

II. Dwelling Places for God in the Old Testament
A. Original Creation – heaven and earth
B. The Garden of Eden
C. Mount Sinai
D. The Nation of Israel
E. The Tabernacle and Temples of Israel

III. The Commission of the Temple
A. Provide a place for God’s presence to dwell with man
1. Leviticus 26:11-12
2. Ezekiel 37:26-27
B. Tracing the history of this commission
1. Adam – Genesis 1:28 “fill the earth and subdue it”
2. David – 2 Samuel 7:5-16
3. Solomon – 2 Chronicles 6:18
4. During the Captivity – Ezekiel 11:16
5. Second Temple
6. Prophecies of a future eschatological temple – Jeremiah 3:16-18
7. Herod’s Temple
8. A Third Temple?
9. The “not yet” Temple of Revelation (Revelation 21)
10. The “already” eschatological Temple is being built and will succeed
a. Begins with a Roman Centurion
b. Pentecost
c. Cornelius’ house (Acts 10)
d. Throughout the book of Acts
e. Continues to be built to this day!

IV. Application
A. Excavate the Word of God
B. “You also” … Be about the business of Temple building (1 Cor 3:5)
1. Plant – the Great Commission
2. Water – Make Disciples
C. Provide the world with physical proof of God’s presence by loving one another (Jn 13:35)
D. Do not defile your temple
1. 1 Cor 6:15-18
2. 2 Cor 6:16-18
E. Realize and rejoice in the grandeur of what you are a part of – the church! (Heb 12:14-22)
1. You will not want to miss a gathering
2. Endeavor to guard the unity of the church against divisive people
3. When you wake up on Sunday morning remember where you are going!
F. Are you eagerly awaiting His coming?