Read: 1 Corinthians 3:1-17
If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. 1 Corinthians 3:17 KJV
When we look at the Old Testament, gatekeepers played a vital role.
They were assigned to the entrances of the temple.
They had the task of keeping out whoever or whatever was unclean (2 Chronicles 23:19 KJV).
They were trying to make sure the atmosphere was one of true worshippers.
Making sure no one was in the temple that went against true teaching.
We read in Matthew 24, that in AD 70, the Roman armies of Titus destroyed the temple.
This destruction was started years earlier when the Levites assigned to guard the temple failed to do so.
A failure that occurred after they had been under the corrupt influence of the Syrian King Antiochus IV.
It caused much trouble for the kingdom.
God was not pleased and sent Word of it.
In today’s passage, Paul had proclaimed that our bodies are God’s “temple” (1 Corinthians 3:16-17 KJV).
When we repented of our sins, our bodies became the temple of God, and the Holy Spirit became a part of our lives.
Paul proclaimed, “If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy.”
We are to keep it clean and pure in every area of our lives.
He is giving us a strong warning.
A warning that there are many forces that are working to attack us.
That if we choose to follow their lead, it will not end well.
Wrongful teaching only wants to keep us from living according to the Word.
That if we are not careful, evil may gain a foothold in our lives.
Allowing for places where envy, strife, or division can hinder us (1 Corinthians 3:3 KJV).
That is why we must be on guard against the enemy of our souls and never give place to the devil (Ephesians 4:27 KJV).
We are all gatekeepers.
As Christians we are to live holy.
We are to be noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous, and praiseworthy. (Philippians 4:8 KJV).
Always making sure that the things that enter our life are what He desires for us.
Our lives should be full of the peace that guards the gate of our hearts and minds.
Making for a life that is pure and clean.
Guarding the gates of our spirits allows us to speak the Word in truth.
To live according to it daily.
A WORD OF PRAYER
Father, when we repented of our sins, our bodies became Your temple. The Holy Spirit became a big part of our lives. We are to keep it clean from all unrighteousness. Spreading the truth of the Word. Give us the ability to control our speaking and how we manage things from day to day. Thank You for the many ways You help us to keep up a guard against the enemy.
In Jesus’ Name We Pray, Amen