Be Ye Followers of Me

 Temple Baptist Church - 2-4-2026

1 Corinthians 11:1

 

Introduction:

 

A.  Paul has set an example for the Corinthian believers over and over, but the last verse of chapter 10 expresses the will and example of leadership. 

 

1.  First, we are individual priests.  In the Old Testament, the priests represented men to God.  Apostles in the New Testament represented God to men.  It is important that we understand these precepts.

 

2.  There are religions where priests still represent men to God.  The Old Testament priesthood had both High Priests and the priesthood under them.  Today, the Lord Jesus Christ is our High Priest, and we represent ourselves to God through Him.

 

Romans 14:12  So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.

 

B.  Though every believer is a priest, representing themselves to God, God has given pastors and mentors whom it does well to follow.  The words “example” and “examples” are New Testament terms not used at all in the Old Testament. 

 

C.  The Christian life is not lived in isolation. God never intended believers to grow merely through private devotion, but also through visible examples.

 

1.  Christianity is a followed faith. In this single verse, the Apostle Paul lays down a profound principle: “even as I also am of Christ!”  Spiritual leadership is legitimate only when it mirrors Christ.

 

2.  Paul does not point men to himself as the final authority, but as a living illustration of Christlikeness.

 

D.   Now, let’s look at some examples of following the “examples.”

 

1 Corinthians 4:15-16  For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.  (16)  Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.

 

Philippians 4:9  Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

 

Philippians 3:17  Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.

 

Philippians 4:9  Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

 

1 Thessalonians 1:5-7  For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.  (6)  And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:  (7)  So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia.

 

2 Thessalonians 3:7-9  For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;  (8)  Neither did we eat any man's bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you:  (9)  Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.

 

E.  When writing to young Timothy, Paul said that he, as a pastor, was to set an example that his people could follow.

 

1 Timothy 4:12  Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

 

2 Timothy 3:10-11  But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,  (11)  Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.

 

F.  Paul was obligated to set an example that the Corinthians could follow.

 

1 Corinthians 11:1  Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.

 

G.  In our verse for tonight, we find a two-fold obligation.  The obligation of the one to be followed and the obligation of the one who is to be the follower.  This had been problematic from the first chapter of the Corinthian Epistle.

 

1 Corinthians 1:10  Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

 

1 Corinthians 4:15-16  For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.  (16)  Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.

 

Judges 17:6  In those days there was no king in Israel, but every man did that which was right in his own eyes.

 

1.  The Person being followed.  I want to clarify that, at this point, if the person following is a faultfinder, then the person you are following is just a man, and you will find fault.

 

a.  Following God’s Pattern.  Ephesians 4:11-13  And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;  (12)  For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:  (13)  Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

 

b. Following Paul’s Life.  Philippians 1:20-21  According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.  (21)  For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

 

c.  Following Paul’s Doctrine.  2 Timothy 3:14  But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;

 

d.  Following Paul’s Expected End.  2 Timothy 4:7  I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

 

2.  The Person who is to be following.  Paul explained to young Timothy what a good example to be followed was.

 

2 Timothy 3:10-11  But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,  (11)  Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.

 

 

a.  Follow Godly Examples.

 

1)   The call to follow godly examples:  “Be ye followers of me…”  The word “followers” means imitators: people who pattern their lives after others.

 

2)  Paul is not advocating personality worship or blind allegiance. Rather, he recognizes a biblical reality: people learn the truth best when they see it lived out.  I have often said that a life lived is worth a thousand sermons preached.

 

Philippians 3:17  Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.

 

Hebrews 13:7  Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.

 

3)  Truth must be incarnated before it is imitated. Doctrine without demonstration is weak; doctrine lived out is powerful.

b.  Christ Is The Standard!  Paul does not say to follow me no matter what I do.  Follow me as I follow Christ and, if I quit following Christ, you follow Christ!

 

Acts 5:29  Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

 

c.  This establishes a vital truth: no preacher, no pastor, no teacher, no tradition, and no doctrine has any authority apart from conformity to THE Pattern, Christ Jesus!

 

Conclusion:  1 Corinthians 11:1 calls us to two sober reflections:  (1) Who are we following? (2)   Who is following us?

Running Your Race

 Temple Baptist Church - 12-3-2025

1 Corinthians 9:24-27; Hebrews 12:1-2

 

Introduction:  Along with our text, I want to read these corresponding verses.

 

Hebrews 12:1-2  Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,  (2)  Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

 

A.  In our text for tonight, Paul likens the life of the child of God to a race to be run. 

 

1.  When we think of racing, our minds often go to NASCAR. Typically, such a race is long, 400-500 laps.  I am not a great NASCAR fan (NASCAR is an acronym for Non-Athletic Sport Centered Around Rednecks), so I often cheat when watching one of their long races. 

 

2.  The only thing that matters is the last 10 laps or so.  There is an old saying, “I said all that to say this.”  The last 10 or so laps, “said all that to say this.”  The winner is not the one who started in the lead, as there are numerous lead changes over that distance, not to mention the crashes that can occur along the way. 

 

3.  Not every race car that starts will finish, nor will every race car be first.  BUT it is vital for every driver to “finish!”  The same with running a Marathon, which is a standard distance of 42.195 kilometers or approximately 26.2 miles.

 

4.  Thus, it is with the Christian’s life as not everyone will come in first place, but everyone needs to finish their own particular race.

 

5.  I once ran distance races but never ran against another competitor.  I ran against the clock and my endurance.  An old saying that works here is “You do you!”  My race, my distance, my endurance, my body, my time are mine, not yours!

 

B.  The word “race” is only found 4x in your Bible.  Twice in the Old Testament and twice in the New.  In these four mentions, we see biblical guidelines for running “the race that is set before us.”  In these four mentions of “race,” we find:

 

1.  We find Strength.  Psalms 19:5  Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race. (Our race requires strength.)

 

2.  We find Chance.  Ecclesiastes 9:11  I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.  (We do not know what lies ahead for each of us.  Our race requires endurance.)

 

3.  We find Prize.  1 Corinthians 9:24  Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.  (Our race requires results.)

 

4.  We find Individuality.  Hebrews 12:1  Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,  (Our race is personal.)

 

C.  There are several things mentioned in our text that define each of our races.  These are essentials for running and finishing.

 

1.  We See Participation – Saved people only!  “Know ye not that they which run in a race run all?” 

 

a.  “All.”  Like it or not, you began your race of life in one of two places, but all are on the Start.  This race becomes much easier when we understand that God saved us to serve, not to be served.  We saw that last week.  Not every believer runs their race because they either think it is unnecessary or unimportant. 

 

b.  In worldly races, you see a handful of participants with 100,000 observers.  In days gone by, we had the 70/30 rule, 75/25 rule, and 80/20 rule, and now we have the 90/10 rule.  The 90/10 rule means that 10 percent of believers do 100 percent of the work, while 90 percent do relatively nothing.

 

2.  We See Positioning – Starting Blocks or Starting Line.  Starting Blocks, if you do not intend to run far or for long.  Starting Line, if you are in it for the long haul.  The starting blocks have been laid, but not all intended runners place their feet in them.  When we get saved, the “gun” sounds and the race begins.

 

3.  We See Potential – There is a prize to be won because there is work to be done.  God intended every member of the Church to do their work according to the talent given to them.  God has given to each of us a peculiar work to be done for the completion of the whole building of God.  Not all have the same measure of faith or opportunity, but ALL have a work to do within the body of Christ.

 

4.  We See Preparation – Hebrews 12:1 – “let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us.”   Before starting the race, weights and sins need to be laid aside.  Paul said, “But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection.”  Laying aside weights means temperance, while laying aside sin means holiness.   There is much pre-race preparation, such as diet, exercise, and endurance-building.  Here, we find the importance of a holy, separated life in God's sight.

 

5.  We See Patience – “and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.”  Running the race but leaving the results to God.  We do our work and trust God to do His.  Life’s race is a long one with many ups and downs.  Tribulation worketh patience, patience experience, experience hope, and hope maketh not ashamed.  Too many hit a rough place in the road of life and quit.  Hang in there!

 

a.  The Enduring of Patience - Romans 5:3-4  And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;  (4)  And patience, experience; and experience, hope:

 

b.  The End of Patience - James 1:2-4  My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;  (3)  Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.  (4)  But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

 

6.  We See Prize. 

 

a.  We See A Perpetual Duty.  “looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of or faith”

 

1)  In Christ, we find our Salvation.  Hebrews 2:10  For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.

 

2)  In Christ, we find our Strength.  John 15:4-5  Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.  (5)  I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

 

b.  We See A Personal Delight– “who for the joy that was set before him”

 

1)  The Joy of our Life - 1 Peter 3:10-11  For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:  (11)  Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.

 

2)  The Joy of our Lord - Nehemiah 8:10  Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.

 

c.  We See A Permanent Desire.  “endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God”

 

1)  Our Present Problems - 2 Corinthians 4:16-17a  For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.  (17)  For our light affliction, which is but for a moment …

 

2)  Our Permanent Pleasure – 2 Corinthians 4:17b-18  worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;  While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

 

7.  We See a Perilous Possibility.  “lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.”  “Castaway” means to be disapproved, put on a shelf, to become unusable!

Your Body or God’s Body?

 Temple Baptist Church - 10-8-2025

1 Corinthians 6:11-20

 

Introduction:

 

A.  The Significance of the Body in the Last Days has never changed with God, though it has with the world.  In times past, both men and women covered their bodies from neck to ankle.  Today, they uncover everything except the “bare essentials” for all to see and lust over.

 

B.  We went to Biltmore Estates this past week, and virtually every young woman there dressed provocatively to draw attention to their sexuality.

 

1.  In recent times, there has been a noticeable shift away from recognizing the true value and importance of the body. Despite this trend, it is clear that God has both personal interest and has also chosen to work through our bodies.

 

2.  Our bodies are the vessels through which we preach and teach the Word of God, and it is through our physical actions that we either bring glory to God or, conversely, cause reproach to His name in the public eye.

 

3.  The body also holds a unique role in the relationship between husband and wife, as it is through the body that they are united as one flesh. However, the prevailing attitude in society today seems to echo the thought, "It's my body and I will do what I want with it," disregarding the divine purpose and responsibility attached to our physical being.

 

4.  Within these verses, three essential truths emerge that every believer should grasp regarding their bodies. Understanding these truths is essential, as they highlight the profound significance our bodies hold in both our personal lives and in fulfilling the work of our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

C.  In our text, God has much to say concerning the body as the body BELONGS TO HIM!  If our body belongs to God, then we need to get His permission to use it!  The text refers to the body in several different ways.

 

1.  The Body:  A Temple – vs. 19 “the temple of the Holy Ghost”  A Place Of Worship.  There are things that we would not dare to do in God’s house because it is a sanctuary made for worship.  Our body is the temple of the Holy Ghost, also a place of worship.

 

a.  A Place Of Purity - Leviticus 20:7  Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the LORD your God.

 

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

 

b.  A Place Of Presentation - 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.  A Place Of Praise - Psalms 5:7  But as for me, I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy: and in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple.

 

Psalms 138:2  I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.

 

2.  The Body:  A Tabernacle – vs. 19 “the Holy Ghost which is in you”  A Place Of Dwelling.  The home is a refuge where we set the rules and regulations.  Our body belongs to the Holy Ghost.

 

          a.  A Place Of Presence

 

1)  The Holy Ghost:  A Comforter - Romans 5:5  And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

 

2)  The Holy Ghost:  A Companion - John 16:7  Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.

 

3)  The Holy Ghost:  A Counselor - John 16:13  Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

 

b.  A Place Of Possession

 

1)  The Purchase - 1 Corinthians 6:19-20  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?  For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.

 

2)  The Purchaser - 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.

 

3)  The Price - 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;  But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

 

3.  The Body:  A Testimony – vs. 20 “glorify God in your body and in your spirit”  A Place Of Glorification.  It is designed to bring honor and glory to the maker of it.

 

          a.  The Testimony Of Action – “glorify God in your body”

 

1)  Separation From Conformity - 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.

 

2)  Separation From Sinfulness - Exodus 23:2  Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest judgment:

 

3)  Separation From Popularity - Hebrews 13:13  Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.

 

          b.  The Testimony Of Attitude – “glorify God…in your spirit”

 

1)  An Attitude Of Love - John 13:35  By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

 

1 Peter 4:8  And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.

 

1 Corinthians 13:4-7  Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,  Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;  Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;  Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

 

2)  An Attitude Of Forgiveness - Ephesians 4:32  And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.

 

Colossians 3:13  Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.

 

3)  An Attitude Of Meekness - 2 Corinthians 10:1a  Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ.

 

Matthew 21:5  Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass.

 

Matthew 11:29  Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

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. 

Our Foundation Is Christ

Temple Baptist Church - 6-4-2025

1 Corinthians 3:9-11

 

Introduction: 

 

A.  The most crucial part of any structure is the foundation upon which it stands. It matters not how well-built or beautifully constructed; if the foundation is flawed, the structure will not stand the test of time.

 

1.  Lately, there have been several “sink holes” in the most-used portions of Laurens. Parking lots and entrance drives to businesses are now inaccessible until they can be fixed. The problem was not the pavement; the issue lay with the foundation underneath.

 

2.  Our spiritual foundations are the same.  Water slowly eroded the ground beneath the pavement, causing it to sink. The problem with the saints of God is similar. Unseen sin or apostasy gradually erodes the spiritual foundation of the child of God.   

 

Psalms 11:3  If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?

 

B.  In our text, we find Paul, the wise masterbuilder (architect or craftsman), laying the only foundation upon which the believer can build, and that foundation is Christ Jesus.  When a person gets saved, from that day until death or the rapture of the church, the believer builds on Christ.

 

C.  Here are some foundations that we need to make sure are right.

 

1.  The Foundation Of Our Salvation – 1 Peter 2:1-10

 

Isaiah 28:16  Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.

 

                    a.  It Is A Laid Stone – I lay in Zion (Calvary)

 

                    b.  It Is A Foundation Stone – Jesus Christ

 

                    c.  It Is A Tried Stone – The Salvation Of God Works

 

                    d.  It Is A Precious Stone – To the Child Of God

 

                    e.  It Is A Sure Stone – No Wise Case Out, Shall Be Saved

 

1 John 2:25  And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.

 

Make Sure Your Faith Is In Christ Alone!

 

2.  The Foundation Of The Local Church - Matthew 16:13-18

 

Ephesians 2:19-22  Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;  And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;  In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:  In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

 

1 Timothy 3:15  But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

 

a.  Teach your children to have confidence in the Church.  Teach them to be faithful to the church, to tithe and give to the church, to participate in the worship of the church.

 

b.  Teach your children to obey the preaching of God’s Word.  Teach them that God’s Word is right and that it can be trusted.

 

c.  Teach your children to have confidence in the Pastor.  Teach them to respect God’s man, to love God’s man, to honor God’s man, and to befriend God’s man.

 

d.  Make sure we keep Christ the Preeminent One in the Church!  It belongs to Him!

 

3.  The Foundation Of The Home – Luke 7:47-49

 

Psalms 127:1  Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.

 

a.  The home is the strength of America.  The home is a place of peace and spiritual prosperity: prayer, family devotions, love, and respect.

 

b.  The home is the strength of the Church.  I thank God for both the faithful families and individuals who make up the church. 

 

4.  The Foundation Of Our Faith - 2 Timothy 2:14-19

 

2 Peter 1:19-21  We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:  Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.  For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

 

a.  Satan cannot destroy it; therefore, he tries to discredit it (A good book, but not a perfect one)

 

b.  Satan cannot destroy it; therefore, he tries to confuse it (By flooding the market with perversions)

 

c.  What can the righteous do?  (Stand for the old King James Bible and in the OLD PATHS without apology and teaching our children to do the same)

 

          Make Sure The Word Of God Is Our Final Authority!

 

5.  The Foundation Of Our Reward – 1 Corinthians 3:9-11

 

1 Corinthians 3:8  Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.

 

2 John 8  Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.

 

a.  Our Service’s Foundation – “Jesus Christ”

 

b.  Our Service’s Folly – “suffer loss”

 

c.  Our Service’s Fruition – “receive a reward”

 

Make Sure Our Service Is Faithful And Our Motive Is Right!