The Dangers of Intellectualism

 Temple Baptist Church - 7-9-2025

1 Corinthians 3:18-23

 

Introduction:

 

A.  In our text for tonight, we find the Apostle Paul warning of the danger of intellectualism. 

 

1.  The Person of the Deception.  He introduces this section with the words “Let no man deceive himself.”  I have often said that the most dangerous deception found in the Bible is self-deception, which Paul addresses in this passage.

 

2.  The Position of the Deception.  “If any man among you.”  Paul is no longer speaking of the deceivers from the outside as he did in chapter 1:18-31.  He now addresses one of the deadliest deceivers, one who operates within the local church. 

 

3.  The Problem of Deception.  “Seemeth to be wise in this world.”   Worldly wisdom, rather than biblical wisdom, is the problem found within the text.

 

4.  This is just an extension of chapter 1 where Paul spoke of the wisdom of the world begin foolishness to God and the wisdom of God being foolish to the world.

 

B.  Intellectualism can have more than one definition, as it can manifest itself both within and outside the local church. The term "intellectualism" is modern and is not found in the 1828 Webster's Dictionary. Therefore, I will define it using both contemporary and 1828 Webster's Dictionary perspectives.

 

1. Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary.  Merriam-Webster Dictionary – Intellectualism:  devotion to the exercise of intellect or to intellectual pursuits. 

 

2. Webster's 1828 Dictionary defines the Intellectualist:    One who overrates the understanding.

 

C. Now, for a brief history of the problem.  As Paul writes during the Apostolic Age (from the life of Christ, His death, burial, and resurrection) to about 100 A.D., intellectualism had already begun to take root within the local church.

 

D.  As the Apostles began to complete their mission through martyrdom, a “void” in leadership emerged within the churches. These Apostles, who had been with Christ and were a formidable presence, leaving the scene, the churches needed to establish new leadership. 

 

Matthew 26:31  Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.

 

E.  Revelation, chapters 2-3, are prophetic of the Age of the Church.  The Church at Ephesus was the Apostolic Church which left its first love.  It was followed by the Church at Smyrna (Crushed), the persecuted Church. 

 

F.  As early as Revelation, chapter 2, the Lord writes to the Church of Smyrna, warning them of the “deeds of the Nicolaitans.”  A thing which God hated!  There is significant discussion regarding the origins of the Nicolaitans and the meaning of the term itself, so I want to interpret the word as it provides its own definition.

 

Nicolaitan is a compound word.  “Nikao” – to conquer and laos – the people.  “Victorious over the people.”

 

G.  Within the third period of the Church age, the “deeds of the Nicolaitans” had developed into the “doctrine of the Nicolaitans.”  It is often associated with the word “Gnosticism” meaning having a special knowledge.  Gnosis – knowledge.  Two things happened here:

 

1.  The Deeds of the Nicolaitans.  The Nicolaitans began to fill the void of leadership by dividing the clergy from the laity.

 

2.  The Doctrine of the Nicolaitans.  The deeds that God hated turned into doctrines, which God hated.

 

3.  Intellectualism began to change biblical doctrine.  Before you “throw rocks” at this preacher, just read what God said.

 

H.  Local churches have “farmed out” their young preachers to parachurch institutions of learning that have caused a deviation from the Old Paths of the fathers.  I believe, and know that it is biblical, that young men need to be taught by men that they know and have been assured of, not some college professor.

 

J.  Intellectualism brings about:

 

1.  Spiritual Deception.  Verse 18.  God NEVER wants His people either deceived or confused.  Bible doctrine is always clear because it is Bible based!

 

2.  Spiritual Classification.  Verse 18.  A fool in the eyes of the world but wise in the eyes of God!  God’s people simply believe what God says.

 

3.  Spiritual Craftiness.  Subtility in trickery.  “Yea, hath God said?”  You old devil, you knew exactly what God had said!  You just changed it slightly so that you could obtain a copyright and earn a little money!  The word “Subtil” is used only three times in the Bible, with all three mentions being evil:  The Serpent, Jonadab, and the harlot.  God is about as “subtil” as an earthquake.  He says what He means and means what He says.

 

2 Corinthians 11:3  But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.

 

4.   Spiritual Vanity!  Verse 20.  “The thoughts of the wise, that they are vain!”  Intellectualism glorifies education and the educated man, not Christ!  We live in days of “Rabbi, Rabbi.”

 

Matthew 23:1-8  Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples,  (2)  Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat:  (3)  All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.  (4)  For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.  (5)  But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,  (6)  And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,  (7)  And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.  (8)  But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.

 

 

Conclusion:  Paul, through the Holy Ghost, gave the Corinthian believers a stern warning concerning the deception of the wisdom of this world.  I am not an enemy of education until education becomes an enemy of sound doctrine. 

Arise, O LORD, Into Thy Rest

 Temple Baptist Church - 7-6-2025

Psalm 132

 

Introduction:

 

A.  Psalm 132 is another of the Psalms of Degrees or Upward Psalms that were sung by the pilgrims traveling from around the world to Jerusalem on one of the three feast days, where all males were required to attend.

 

B.  In this beautiful Psalm, we find three tenses: past, present, and future.  The Psalm speaks of a rest upon the promises and presence of God among His people, Israel.

 

C.  There is a lot of speculation about who wrote the Psalm, King David or King Solomon.  King David is mentioned four times in the Psalms, but there is a strong possibility that King Solomon wrote them, as David’s name was used in the third person, and the verses cover the past rather than the present.  Verse 6 shifts from the third person to the first person, distinguishing between the past and the present.

 

1.  If King David wrote the Psalm, it was written concerning his moving the Ark of the Covenant from the house of Obededom to the Tabernacle in Jerusalem, 1 Chronicles 13-15. 

 

2.  If King Solomon wrote the Psalm, it was written concerning his moving the Ark from the Tabernacle into Solomon’s Temple in 1 Kings 8 and 2 Chronicles 5-7, where it rested until the Babylonian Captivity. 

 

D.  Be it what it may be, the Psalm serves as a reminder that the LORD God chose to dwell among men. 

 

1.  Verses 1-5.  The Past.  The Tabernacle and Solomon’s Temple. 

 

a.  Verse 1.  David’s Method of moving the Ark was wrong! 

 

1)  In 1 Chronicles 13, we find the first attempt to bring the Ark back to the Tabernacle failed, as they carried the Ark of God on a new cart with Uzza and Ahio driving it.  The oxen stumbled, and Uzza put his hand to the Ark to steady it and was struck dead. 

 

2)  They failed to carry the Ark after “Due Order.”  The Ark was left at the home of Obededom for three months, and his house prospered.

 

b.  Verse 2-5.  But his heart was right.  In 1 Chronicles 15, Israel carried the Ark upon the shoulders of the priests and brought it home as King David danced before the Lord with all his might.

 

c.  King David vowed a vow unto God and kept it!  A man after God’s own heart!

 

1) I will not enter my house.

 

2)  I will not sleep or tire.

 

3)  Until I have found a place of habitation for the mighty God of Jacob!

 

d.  King David’s heart was to build a Temple as the final resting place of the Ark of the Covenant, but God would not allow him to do so. 

 

Psalms 132:11  The LORD hath sworn in truth unto David; he will not turn from it; Of the fruit of thy body will I set upon thy throne.

 

e. Though King David’s desire consumed him, God chose Solomon to build it because King David was “a man of war, and hast shed blood.” 

 

1 Chronicles 28:2-3  Then David the king stood up upon his feet, and said, Hear me, my brethren, and my people: As for me, I had in mine heart to build an house of rest for the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and for the footstool of our God, and had made ready for the building:  (3)  But God said unto me, Thou shalt not build an house for my name, because thou hast been a man of war, and hast shed blood.

 

2.  Verses 6-9.  The Present.

 

a. Verse 6.  The Promise of the Messiah.  I find it interesting that the word “Ephratah” is used here.  “Ephratah” is another name used for Bethlehem and means “to bear fruit”.  To increase in fruit bearing.  Though Christ had not been born at this time, the promise of the Messiah was found in Micah 5:2. 

 

Micah 5:2  But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.

 

“Ephratah” was a promise of the Word becoming flesh and dwelling among men.  The resting place of the Ark was in Jerusalem where Christ the Messiah will one day rule and reign for a thousand years.  Dwelling among men once again.

 

b.  Verse 7.  The Promise of a Place of Worship.  “His tabernacles” is plural: both the Tabernacle in the Wilderness and Solomon’s Temple, where these pilgrims were headed, the LORD was to be worshipped.  Today, we are to worship in the local churches.

 

c.  Verses 8-9.  The Promise of God’s Presence.    

 

1)  Verse 8.  The Lord’s Resting Place among His people. The presence of God with His people.  “ there am I in the midst.”  “Lo, I am with you alway.”  “ I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”

 

2)  Verse 9.  The Saint’s Worship in Righteousness.  “The beauty of holiness.”

 

3.  Verses 10-13.  The Prediction of the Throne.  From King David to the fruit of his body, to the Second Coming of Christ.

 

a.  Verse 10.  The Prerogative of Succession.  Succession depends upon personal choice.

 

b.  Verse 11-12.  The Promise of Succession.  “The LORD hath sworn in truth unto David; he will not turn from it; Of the fruit of thy body will I set upon thy throne.” 

 

c.  Verse 13.  The Place of Succession.  The LORD hath chosen Zion. 

 

4. The Future.  Verses 14-18.  All of the above verses highlight human responsibility.  This last section could be labeled:  “You do what you are supposed to do, and I WILL do what I promised you that I will do.”

 

a.  Verse 14.  The Saviour’s Promise of Christ’s Dwelling.  Today, the Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost dwell with their children.  At the end of the world as we know it, God will dwell with His people for all eternity, world without end, Amen!

 

b.  Verse 15.  The Saviour’s Promise of the Saint’s Provision.  Better than in the early days of Adam and Eve, God will supply not only our needs but the desires of our hearts.  The Garden of Eden had an “off-limits” tree.  The New Heaven and New Earth will have no “off-limits” section.  It will ALL be ours.

 

c.  Verse 16.  The Saviour’s Promise of Imputed Righteousness.  Adam and Eve were clothed with innocence, with the potential to sin.  We will all be dressed in His righteousness alone, faultless to stand before His throne.

 

d.  Verse 17.  The Saviour’s Promise of Illumination.  John the Baptist was a burning light that introduced the Light of the World, Christ Jesus.  Today, we still live in a dark world, but our Lord Jesus Christ will be the light of our eternity.  Never will we experience or walk in darkness again.

 

e.  Verse 18.  The Saviour’s Promise of Christ’s Eternal Throne.  Finally, true justice and equality.  “Our liberty in Love instead of law.”

God Bless America

 Temple Baptist Church - 7-6-2025

Psalm 33:12

 

Introduction:

 

Psalms 33:12  Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.

 

A. This past week was the week of the Fourth of July. 

 

1.  A time of reflection and celebration for having the privilege, the joy, the peace, the prosperity, the protection, to live in the greatest nation on earth!    I believe that God founded this nation 249 years ago with a purpose: to ensure religious freedom, allowing God’s people to carry the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ to the world. 

 

2.  We live in the end times and have no country to “pass the torch” of the Gospel to.  It all comes to an end here for the age of the Church.

 

B.  The United States of America is drifting from its moorings and will become one of the nations turned into hell if it forgets God. Let not the voice of God through the Word of God go silent in our day!

 

C. I'd like to read some to you this morning that will help us remember how this nation was born.

 

1.  The Mayflower Compact, the first government, was a document signed aboard the Mayflower on November 21, 1620, by 41 adult male passengers. It established a "civil body politic" for the newly formed Plymouth Colony, aiming to create a government and laws for the common good. The compact was not a constitution, but rather a temporary agreement for self-governance until the colonists could obtain a formal patent or charter.

 

“In the name of God, Amen.  We whose names are underwritten, the loyal subjects of our dread sovereign Lord, King James, by the grace of God, of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, Defender of the Faith ... having undertaken for the glory of God, and the advancement of the Christian faith ... a voyage to plant the first colony in the northern parts of Virginia, do by these presents, solemnly and mutually in the presence of God, and one of another, covenant and combine ourselves together into a civil body politic.”

 

2.  In Congress, July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was signed by 56 men who pledged their lives and their fortunes to the cause.

 

When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.--Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States.

 

This was followed by 27 Petitions, indicting the King of England, which I will not take time to read.  The following was the last portion of this great Declaration of Independence.

 

We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.

 

3.  It was during this time of conflict that Patrick Henry, the fiery politician from Virginia, gave his famous speech before the Virginia Provincial Convention...Here is how he concluded it:

 

"3 million people, armed in the holy cause of liberty, and in such a country as that which we possess, are invincible by any force which our enemy can send against us. Besides sir, we shall not fight our battles alone. There is a just God who presides over the Destiny of nations, and who will raise up friends to fight our battle for us. Battle sir, is not to the strong alone, it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave.…. it is now too late to retire from the contest. There is no retreat, but in submission and slavery. Our chains are forged. There clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston! The war is inevitable -- and let it come. I repeat it, sir let it come!…..Gentleman may cry peace, peace, but there is no peace. The war has actually begun! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle?…..Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery. Forbid it, almighty God! I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death."

 

D.  We are blessed above all nations.  Kate Smith  introduced America to the song “God Bless America.”  The song was written during WWI, in 1918, by Erving Berlin, and revised by him in 1938, just before WWII.  God has truly blessed America, the United States, is every way.

 

1.  We are blessed with Liberty.  Free to choose our Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.

 

a)  Freedom of Movement.  Go where you want; Go when you want; Go with who you want.

 

b)  Freedom of Speech.  Say what you like; Say when you like; Say to whom you like.

 

c)  Freedom of Religion.  Worship Who you like; Worship when you like; Worship where you like; Worship how you like.

 

2.  We are blessed with Wealth.

 

a)  We have Great Provision.  Our cabinets are full of food; Our cities are full of grocery and convenient stores; our land is full of restaurants and Wal*Marts; Our homes are warm, cool, and dry.

 

b)  We have Great Possessions.  Nice Homes; Nice Cars; Nice Toys.

 

c)  We have Great Potential.  You can be what you want to be!  You want to go to college?  Scholarships and loans are available.  You are limited by your ambition and dreams!

 

3.  We are blessed With Peace.

 

a)  National Protection. Global positioning and military posturing.  Our enemies have a hard time reaching us  (We take war to them); Our enemies fear our might  (Attack and you pay);  Our enemies fear our resolve (War and we will not give up).

 

b)  Personal Protection (Law enforcement).  We live in safety; We move in safety; We sleep in safety.

 

4.  We are blessed With The Magnitude of our Resources.  The inward ability to supply all our needs.  Reliance upon self in place of servitude to others.

 

5. The Greatness of our Opportunities.  Opportunities that cross racial, ethnic, and cultural lines.  The American Dream, the Utopia of the World, and we call it home.

 

6.  The Greatness of our Republic.  The Great Experiment.  A nation governed by the people, not the politicians and not the government.  Of the people, by the people, and for the people!

 

E.  Though we have gained so much, we have lost more.  Our great beginning and wonderful goodness are now expected and taken for granted by several generations that are lazy and unappreciative. 

 

1.  America has lost its relationship with the God of Israel.  Psalms 9:17  The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.

 

2.  America has lost its moral compass.  Proverbs 14:34  Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.

 

3.  America has lost the younger generation.  Proverbs 30:11-14  There is a generation that curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother.  (12)  There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness.  (13)  There is a generation, O how lofty are their eyes! and their eyelids are lifted up.  (14)  There is a generation, whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men.

 

4.  America has lost its appreciation.  1 Thessalonians 5:18  In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

 

5.  America has lost its work ethic.  2 Thessalonians 3:10  For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.

 

6.  America is losing its personal freedom.  John 8:31-32  Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;  (32)  And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

 

F.  For God to continue to bless America, things must happen.

 

1.  America needs to Remember.  Proverbs 22:28  Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set.

 

2.  America needs to Reverence God.  Psalms 33:8  Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him.

 

3.  America needs to have a Revival.  Psalms 85:6  Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?

 

 

 

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

By Pastor George Mills

“Lord, Thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations.” (Psa 90:1)

 

AMERICA, my home, may forever you be,

The Home of the brave,

And the land of the free.

May tyranny crumble, and turn into dust,

And all weapons against us,

Be turned into rust.

From ocean to ocean, from mountain to plain,

May all hearts be united,

In single refrain,

In seeking the Face of our Great God above,

Who has showered this nation,

With His Wonderful Love.

God is our help in all ages past,

God is our refuge,

From the enemy’s blast.

And may it be known by opposing nations,

That God is our help,

In all generations.

May our Flag ever fly, and may Freedom ring,

And peace and joy,

Fill each heart as we sing,

And give Praises to God, the Builder of nations

And tell of His help,

Through all generations.

Ye Are the Temple of God - Part 2

 Temple Baptist Church - 7-2-2025

1 Corinthians 3:16-17; 6:19-20

 

Introduction:

 

A.  Last week, we studied the importance of our bodies to God.  Paul speaks of this in relationship to the Foundation on which we stand: Christ Jesus.  These two portions of Scripture explain the Judgment Seat of Christ, where our works, not our sins, will be judged for reward or the lack thereof.

 

B. We will examine these two verses tonight.

 

1 Corinthians 3:16-17  Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?  (17)  If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.

 

C.  The phrase “Know ye not,” which implies ignorance, is found three times in the Old Testament and fourteen times in the New Testament.  It is with this phrase that the Holy Ghost approaches our subject for tonight. 

 

D.  Our text begins with the possibility of God’s people being ignorant concerning their bodies.  “Know ye not?”  Look at these two verses with me.  Three times, the Bible reminds us that our body is “THE temple of God.”  A definite article precedes “temple of God.”  This tells us that God has chosen no other place for the Holy Ghost to reside, and it is a place of worship.  We worship God in and with our bodies!

 

E.   Now, let us look at what Paul said concerning the Judgment Seat of Christ in 2 Corinthians 5:10. 

 

2 Corinthians 5:10  For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

 

F.  A long introduction for a simple message.  God owns our bodies and desires worship to take place within them.  Four times in the Old Testament, God commands us to worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.

 

1.  The Spiritual Man Realizes That His Body Belongs To The Lord. 

 

a.  We Need To Realize That We Are His - A transaction was made - 1 Corinthians 6:20  For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.

 

1)  The ultimate price was paid - 1 Peter 1:18-19  Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;  (19)  But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

 

Acts_20:28  Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

 

Hebrews_9:12  Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.

 

Hebrews_13:12  Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.

 

Revelation_1:5  And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,

 

2)  A choice is given - Romans 6:12  Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.

 

Galatians 1:10  For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.

Romans 6:6  Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

Romans 6:12  Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.

 

1 Corinthians 9:27  But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

 

b.  We Need To Present Our Bodies - Romans 12:1-2  I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. 

 

1)  Present means to bring before.  We are to bring our bodies and present them to the Lord, holy and acceptable to Him.  God will not use unholy, unacceptable bodies! 

 

2)  My mind goes back to Isaiah, chapter 6, where the Lord asked, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?”  Isaiah’s response was not, “Send someone other than me,” or “I will pray about it.’  Isaiah’s response was, “Here am I; send me.” 

 

3)  To which the Lord responded to Isaiah, “Go, and tell this people.”  It takes a “body” to be sent and to go!

 

4)  Our bodies bring either honor or reproach to the Lord - 1 Corinthians 6:20  For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.  (The body is a place of consecration and testimony.)

 

a)  The body is for the Lord! - 1Co 6:19  What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 

 

2 Corinthians 4:10  Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.

 

Galatians 6:17  From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.

 

b)  The Lord is for the body! - 1 Corinthians 6:13  Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body.  (He is not trying to hurt us but is trying to help us!)

 

Romans 12:2  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

 

2 Peter 1:3  According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

 

2.  The Spiritual Man Realizes That His Body Is The Temple Of The Holy Ghost - 1 Corinthians 6:19  What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?  (A place of worship, therefore, it needs to be dedicated)

 

a.  The Temple Was A Place Of Dedication - 2 Chronicles 7:5  And king Solomon offered a sacrifice of twenty and two thousand oxen, and an hundred and twenty thousand sheep: so the king and all the people dedicated the house of God.

 

1 Corinthians 6:20  For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.

 

b.  The Temple Was A Place Of Sacrifice - 2 Chronicles 7:12  And the LORD appeared to Solomon by night, and said unto him, I have heard thy prayer, and have chosen this place to myself for an house of sacrifice.

 

Romans 12:1  I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

 

c.  The Temple Was A Place Of Praise - Jeremiah 17:26  And they shall come from the cities of Judah, and from the places about Jerusalem, and from the land of Benjamin, and from the plain, and from the mountains, and from the south, bringing burnt offerings, and sacrifices, and meat offerings, and incense, and bringing sacrifices of praise, unto the house of the LORD.

 

Romans 15:11  And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people.

 

d.  The Temple Was Is A Place Of Prayer - Isaiah 56:7  Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.

 

Ephesians 6:18  Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

 

e.  The Temple Was A Place Of Service - 2 Chronicles 35:3  And said unto the Levites that taught all Israel, which were holy unto the LORD, Put the holy ark in the house which Solomon the son of David king of Israel did build; it shall not be a burden upon your shoulders: serve now the LORD your God, and his people Israel,

 

Romans 12:1  I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

 

God’s request is a reasonable one.  He gave His body for us.

 

God uses bodies to get His work done here on earth.