Ephesians 2:21-22: Building a Temple

Ephesians 2:21–22
[21] in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. [22] In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit. (ESV)

I love legos. I don't like stepping on one in the middle of the night. But I love building things with them. When I was a kid I wanted more legos. I wanted legos for Christmas. I wanted legos for birthdays. It was so much fun to build different things. They were all different sizes and shapes. But every piece was important to me. If you will allow the illustration, we are kind of like legos. We are various sizes and shapes, but God is building something wonderful out of us and we are valuable to him.

God is building a holy temple, as each of us are joined together. Paul tells us that we are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit. That is fascinating. This building that we are described as, has the foundation of God’s Word, the Cornerstone being Jesus Christ. So, what are the walls made of? We are the building blocks.

His building that is a dwelling place for his Spirit is us! Think of it. Previously, there were signs on the wall saying that any Gentiles who entered the Jewish Temple could expect death. Now, the Gentiles, as well as the Jews, were invited to be a part of the same wall!

1 Peter 2:4-5
[4] As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, [5] you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

The new body of Christ that Jesus established needed a place to worship; a new temple. We have a new temple. We are that temple!

Like legos you have a unique shape and purpose. When you look at your brother or sister in Christ, try to see the value that they bring to this temple that God is building. How can you celebrate today what God is building in you? In your brother or sister in Christ?

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