Teaching on Worship from the Bible Teaching Program

Worship

Course: The Higher Calling to Worship

Lesson 3 (Outline)

Lesson Title: The inner sanctuary where God is 'more present'

Lesson Goal: …that the student will understand that the believer is the temple of the Holy Spirit and the temple is the place of worship.

Text: '…In whom all the building fitly framed together grows unto an holy temple in the Lord:' (Ephesians 2:21)

Introduction: Ezekiel saw the glory of God depart from the temple in Jerusalem (Ezekiel 9-11).

Introductory Story: Herod's Temple in Jerusalem

· Herod's Temple looked spectacular from its outward appearance. But the glory of God never dwelt in the inner sanctuary of this temple.

· For most people, there was not a lot of difference between the temple with the glory of God and the temple without the glory of God.

Exposition:

1. The temple is the place where the glory of God dwells, Isaiah 6:1-3.

· God's eternal plan was that the glory of His presence would dwell within a temple made of living stones, 1 Peter 2:5.

2. Jesus came to build a temple for worship, John 2:19.

3. The body of Christ is the true temple of God, Ephesians 2:19-22.

4. The temple of God is the place where God is 'more present'.

· Living stones of the temple of God where He is 'more present', Psalms 29:9.

· Story of Revival: Heavenly Chorus at Azusa in 1906. Burned up the debt at All Saints Church in Sunderland, England in 1907.

Conclusion:

1. Jesus came with the purpose to build a new temple made of living stones. A temple where God is 'more present', and where His glory dwells.

2. Every person who has received Christ as his or her Saviour is called to the higher calling to worship.

3. We have been created in Christ Jesus to be a place of worship, and to be worshippers.

4. We who are in Christ have become the dwelling place of God for all eternity.

What should the student do?

1) Recognise the glory of God dwells in us and live as priests offering our lives as a living sacrifice.

2) Be worshipful. A life of prayer, lifting holy hands, singing in our hearts, meditating on the word of God.

3) Recognise that we are part of the body. Worshipping together.

4) Know that God is 'more present' in His body.

5) Do nothing that will grieve the Spirit of God.

Textbook - The Higher Calling to Worship