4
Lesson 4

The Inner Sanctuary

Course Study
Worship 1
Courses Course Index
Lessons
1The Life of Worship 2Worship in Trials 3The Father is Seeking Worshippers
4The Inner Sanctuary
5Going Up to Worship 6Joy the Characteristic of Worship 7Joy is the Measure of Our Relationship 8Entering into Worship: Thanksgiving and Praise 9Giving Ourselves in Worship 10Turned Around to Seek After Christ

Theme: The Inner Sanctuary Where God is 'More Present'

Text: Ephesians 2:21 "In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord."

Introduction

Prophet Ezekiel witnessed God's glory departing Solomon's Temple during Babylonian captivity. Though the Second Temple was reconstructed seventy years later under Zerubbabel and subsequently renovated by King Herod, it never housed the Ark of Covenant or God's Shekinah glory. The prophetic promise regarding the latter temple's greater glory was fulfilled through Jesus Christ's advent.

Herod's Temple appeared magnificent externally but lacked God's divine presence within. While most people found no practical difference—continuing regular religious activities—some believers, like the elderly Simeon, recognized Jesus as the true "glory of Israel" (Luke 2:32).

Main Teaching Points

1. The Temple as God's Dwelling Place

Isaiah's vision (Isaiah 6:1-3) describes heaven's temple where God reigns enthroned while angels worship, crying "Holy, Holy, Holy." God's eternal design intended His glory to manifest within a temple constructed from living stones—people transformed from sin to holiness (1 Peter 2:5).

2. Jesus' Mission to Build a Worship Temple

Jesus explicitly communicated His purpose: building the Lord's temple (John 2:19). His body represents the authentic temple where God resides.

3. The Body of Christ as True Temple

Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, Jesus became the body's Head. Every believer incorporated into Christ experiences: crucifixion with Christ (Galatians 2:20), burial with Christ (Colossians 2:12), resurrection with Christ (Colossians 3:1), and heavenly seating in Christ (Ephesians 2:6).

4. Where God's Presence Intensifies

This sacred space manifests God's nature, character, and power. When God's presence concentrates intensely, obstacles dissolve (Isaiah 64:1) and earthly rulers tremble (Daniel 5:5-6).

Summary

  1. Jesus established a new temple composed of living stones where God's presence dwells intensely
  2. Every person accepting Christ receives calling to this elevated worship
  3. Believers exist as worship-designated vessels
  4. Those in Christ become God's eternal dwelling place