Here's yet another Sunday post from my Fall 2020 study of 2 Corinthians with Good Morning Girls. As mentioned previously, I use the SOAP method of Bible study , and their study guide uses a similar method. For 2 Corinthians chapter 6, I chose to study verses 16 and 17.
S= "What agreement hath the temple of God with idols? For ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.
"Wherefore, come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord."(2 Corinthians 6:16-17)
O= Back in verse 11-13 Paul states that his speech to the Corinthians is candid, and his heart is wide open to them. He asks that they open their hearts to what he is about to say -- then begins to instruct them not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers or idol worshipers. As believers, they are the temple of the living God; He is dwelling in them; therefore, they must separate themselves from sin.
A= Obviously, this applies to me also. God Himself is dwelling in me in the Person of the Holy Spirit. My body is His temple; therefore I am not to defile it by allowing ungodly influences to gain a foothold in my life. I must not have close associations with unbelievers. I can build friendships with them to point them to Christ and show them His love, but I must not allow any worldly thinking to influence me.
P= "Lord, I am overwhelmed to think that You, the living God, are dwelling in me and that my body is the temple of Your Holy Spirit. These truths should cause me to be deadly serious about the associations that I allow myself to have. I pray that You will help me to pay close attention to this and to separate myself from ungodly influences of any kind. I thank You for how You will work in this area, in Jesus' name, Amen."
Wonderful passage today, as today is "Pentecost Sunday", the day set aside to recognize and celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit after Christ's Ascension from the earth to heaven. What a blessed day that was for them and to us, to now have His Presence dwelling within each of us, His disciples. "Holy Spirit, Thou art welcome in this place!"
ReplyDeleteVery good points today. Far too many Christians have allowed relationships that have become a hindrance to them. I was shocked when my pastor said that he was pleasant and kind to non-Believers, but he would never go out to dinner with one or have a non-Believer visit his home. I think he is correct in his thinking. Of course, we want such folks to visit the church in hopes they hear The Word and are saved. Thought provoking post!
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