A Spiritual House - The Building And Purpose

A SPIRITUAL HOUSE – The building & Purpose

1 Peter 2:4-5 & Ephesians 2:19-22

INTRODUCTION

A. The idea of a spiritual house (called by many names) is seen almost from the very beginning of the Scriptures

1. We see it first in the Exodus - Exodus 25:9 According to all that I shew thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it.

- Following Israel’s exit from Egypt, God told them to build a tabernacle – a place where He would meet with them, and in Exodus 40:34 we read of God placing His presence there: Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.

2. We then read of the temple, planned by David and built under Solomon’s reign - 1 Kings 6:1 And it came to pass in the four hundred and eightieth year after the children of Israel were come out of the land of Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon’s reign over Israel, in the month Zif, which is the second month, that he began to build the house of the Lord.

- God filled it with His presence as recorded in 1 Kings 8:10 And it came to pass, when the priests were come out of the holy place, that the cloud filled the house of the Lord,

B. The next time we read of a new spiritual house is when Jesus comes on the scene

1. Here things change drastically, because we no longer see God speaking in terms of physical buildings when speaking of a temple

2. Jesus was the temple,

a. In John 2:19 we read Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.

b. We know that He was God, for in him dwelt all the fullness of the godhead bodily.

3. And as with spiritual houses of the past the glory of God shown in that place and His presence was noticeable.

5. With His death, the temple’s (Herod’s Temple) curtain was rent from top to bottom as well as the veil of His body.

- It would seem that the idea of a temple, a spiritual house was over, UNTIL!

C Both Paul and Peter pick up on this temple – spiritual house - terminology

1. Only this time they use it, not in reference to a physical structure or even Jesus Christ but rather, in reference to believers – likening us to stones, building materials for the construction of a spiritual house.

2. Listen to two passages from the New Testament

a. 1 Peter 2:4-5 To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, [5] Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. b. Ephes. 2:19-22 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; [20] And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; [21] In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: [22] In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

3. This morning I want to talk to you about a church building.

4. Its not about this building that surrounds us or even the one we will build in the future: It is not made of wood, brick or stone.

5. It has no physical doors or windows, and no steeple.

6. This spiritual house is made up of living stones – it is made up of you and me!

D. I want to look at three things concerning this Spiritual House

1. Jesus First – The Foundation and Chief Corner Stone

2. Us Second – The Building

3. Together – The Purpose

4. May God grant us a spiritual house: alive to Him and Doing His will

PRAYER:

As we consider this spiritual house we begin where everything must

I. JESUS FIRST – The Foundation and Chief Cornerstone

A. Paul Writes, Ephes. 2:20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

1. In the beginning of this letter to the Ephesians Paul is explaining the greatness of our God’s salvation

2. Ephes. 1:3, 7, 12 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:…In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;…That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.