God’s Dwelling Place

OPENING ILLUSTRATION: Story of John Wesley’s dream of first going to hell and then heaven and realizing only Christians were in heaven and not the denominations. Only when God dwells in us, we have eternity with Him.

INTRODUCTION: In a world constantly seeking a place to belong, to feel safe, and to be loved, the scriptures come as a refreshing reminder that God has chosen us to be His dwelling place. From Genesis to Revelation, we see God's overarching purpose Eden's garden to the Holy of Holies later in the Tabernacle, the Temple, and ultimately finding a home within those who truly believe in Him through the Holy Spirit, His desire has been consistently clear: to dwell among His people, not in buildings made by human hands, but within the very hearts of those who love Him.

But what does it mean for God to build His dwelling place in us today? And how can we respond to His call to be His temple? Let us explore this through scripture, examples, and contemporary applications so we may invite the Holy Spirit to work freely through us.

1. WHAT IS GOD’S ETERNAL DESIRE?

God's eternal desire is to dwell with His people. From the Garden of Eden to the New Jerusalem in Revelation, God’s overarching plan is evident: He wants to dwell with His creation.

• THE GARDEN OF EDEN - In Genesis, God walked with Adam and Eve in the garden, demonstrating that His presence was central to their identity and purpose (Genesis 3:8).

• THE TABERNACLE AND TEMPLE - In the wilderness, God called Moses to build the Tabernacle, saying: “Let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them.” (Exodus 25:8). Later, Solomon built the Temple as a place where God’s glory resided.

• IMMANUEL: GOD WITH US - Jesus Christ, the ultimate expression of God’s desire to dwell: “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son.” (John 1:14)

• THE HOLY SPIRIT IN US - This dwelling shifts from physical structures to personal temples when Jesus promises in John 14:16-17 that the Holy Spirit will live in us.

REFLECTION: God’s desire hasn’t changed. But now, His dwelling place is no longer confined to a building or location—it’s YOU. Through faith in Jesus, your heart has become a temple for His Spirit. The challenge we face in today’s context is this: Are we keeping our temples ready, holy, and welcoming for His presence?

2. WHY IS GOD BUILDING HIS DWELLING PLACE IN US?

(a) FOR RELATIONSHIP

The heart of God’s desire to dwell in us is intimacy. He wants close communion with us—not just on Sundays, but every day. Heaven is not merely a location; it begins with union between God and His people.

In Revelation 21:3, the culmination of God’s plan is described: "And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.’"

God builds His dwelling place in us because He wants an unbroken, personal relationship with us. This is why Jesus tore the veil of the Temple through His death–to give everyone access to God’s presence.

(b) FOR TRANSFORMATION

God isn't just looking for a "place to stay." His Spirit within us works to transform us into His likeness. Paul says in Romans 12:1-2: "Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship … Be transformed by the renewing of your mind."

When God dwells in us, His Spirit refines us, convicts us of sin, restores us, and empowers us to live holy lives. The dwelling place is both relational and transformational.

(c) FOR MISSION

Being God’s dwelling place comes with purpose. His Spirit equips us to extend His presence into the world, as salt and light. Jesus told His disciples: “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.” (Matthew 5:14)

God’s presence in us isn’t only for our benefit. He wants to reflect His glory through us, so those in darkness can encounter His love and truth. Our purpose is to shine His light and make Him known to others.

3. WHAT AREAS MUST WE FOCUS ON FOR THE HOLY SPIRIT TO WORK?

(a) PERSONAL PURITY:

In order to be a dwelling place for the Holy Spirit, our hearts must be holy spaces. Paul warns in 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 that we are God’s holy temple, and we must not desecrate His sacred space.

QUESTION: Are there attitudes, habits, or hidden sins that hinder God’s presence from freely working in your life?