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"For a dwelling place of God in the Spirit."

Text: Ephesians 2:22

A HOLY TEMPLE

It was the Lord Jesus Christ who told His disciples that He would build “(His) Church” (Matthew 16:18). The Apostle Paul elaborated on what Jesus meant when He gave this word to His disciples (Ephesians 2:19-22). The following features may be noted: –

1. The foundations of the Church

a) The Lord Jesus Christ is the chief cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20).

b) He Himself is the foundation (1 Corinthians 3:11).

c) The apostles and prophets and their teachings (Ephesians 2:20).

2. The building material

a) They are called “saints” Ephesians 2:19

b) All believers, including Gentiles Ephesians 2:19

i) They are not called “strangers”. Ephesians 2:19

ii) They are not called “foreigners”. Ephesians 2:19

iii) They are “fellow citizens”. Ephesians 2:19

iv) They are “members of the household of God”. Ephesians 2:19

3. The Builders

a) God may be spoken of as the Builder.
He is always actively involved Ephesians 1:22; 2:10

b) Christ Jesus is involved too.
He said that He will build (His) Church. Matthew 16:18

c) The Holy Spirit is involved as well.
He is our Seal and Guarantee. Ephesians 1:13-14

d) The Apostle Paul wrote about human involvement.

i) He wrote about being a wise master-builder. 1 Corinthians 3:10

ii) He urged the Corinthians to build well. 1 Corinthians 3:12

4. A dwelling place of God in the Spirit

We have an uplifting word in the following text.

“In whom you also are being built together for
a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.”
Ephesians 2:22

a) The Church is the dwelling place of God.

b) The phrase “in the Spirit” may indicate that the realm is in the Spirit. But it may also be translated “by the Spirit”. The Spirit of God is most certainly involved in the building of the holy temple of God!