1 Corinthians 3:16-23
“Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16)
Most of us have heard this verse before. We know, at least intellectually, that we are the temple of God. Yet, how often do we truly live in accordance with this truth? Just like seeing people walking around in hoodies in 85-degree weather, knowing it’s hot but acting contrary to that knowledge, we too can live as though we’ve forgotten the sacred reality of God’s presence in us and among us.
The Apostle Paul, writing to the church in Corinth, wasn’t merely speaking to individuals but addressing the collective body of believers. If Paul were writing today, he might say, “Do y’all not know that y’all are God’s temple?” The church—this gathering of believers—is the temple of God, the place where His Spirit dwells. It’s an awe-inspiring reality.
The Gathering of Believers: God’s Dwelling Place
When we think of a temple, our minds often go to grand buildings or personal piety. But Paul is referring to the gathered body of believers, the ekklēsia, as the temple of God. Whether we’re meeting in a grand cathedral or in a living room, the church is where God chooses to dwell among His people. The Spirit of God lives and moves in His church, not just as individuals but as a collective community.
From the beginning, God’s desire has been to dwell with His people. In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve walked with God without separation. But sin broke that fellowship, creating a massive chasm between God and humanity. Still, God relentlessly pursued communion with His people.
God’s Persistent Desire to Dwell with Us
Throughout Scripture, we see God continually making a way to dwell among His people. In Exodus, He instructed the Israelites to build a tabernacle, a portable temple, so His presence could be with them as they wandered through the desert. Later, Solomon built a permanent temple in Jerusalem where God’s presence would dwell among His people.
All of this, though, pointed forward to Jesus Christ. John 1:14 tells us, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us”—the Greek word for “dwelt” here literally means “tabernacled.” Jesus came as the full manifestation of God, the true temple where heaven and earth met. And now, through His death, resurrection, and the sending of the Holy Spirit, the church—those who believe in Christ—has become the new temple where God dwells.
We Are Living Stones in a Holy Temple
This is no small truth: you and I, as believers, are living stones being built into a holy temple (1 Peter 2:5). Christ is the cornerstone, and we are joined to Him, making up the place where God’s presence dwells on earth. As Ephesians 2:22 puts it, “In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.”
Think about that! Every moment we gather as the church, we’re not just attending an event or service—we’re stepping into a reality where God Himself dwells among us. It’s easy to get distracted by the cares of life, but if we truly understood that we are God’s holy dwelling, how differently would we live?
Destruction of God’s Temple: A Serious Matter
This truth isn’t something God takes lightly. Paul gives a stern warning in 1 Corinthians 3:17: “If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.” God will not tolerate harm to His church. This warning should bring a sobering reverence for how we approach the body of believers. Just as we wouldn’t casually approach a blazing fire, we shouldn’t flippantly treat God’s temple, the church, either.
Foolishness of Worldly Wisdom in the Church
In today’s world, many churches are tempted to adopt secular models of success, measuring their impact by numbers, dollars, or popularity. But God’s wisdom is far above the wisdom of the world. The world values what is temporary—money, power, and influence—but God’s kingdom operates on eternal principles. As Paul puts it, “Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise” (1 Corinthians 3:18).
God’s wisdom is often seen as foolishness by the world, but it is the only wisdom that truly matters. Churches that focus solely on worldly success without a foundation in Christ are building on sand. True success in the kingdom of God isn’t found in popularity or wealth—it’s found in being faithful to Christ, the cornerstone of the temple.
We Possess All Things in Christ
Finally, Paul reminds the church of the profound riches we have in Christ: “All things are yours… and you are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s” (1 Corinthians 3:21-23). When we are in Christ, we have access to everything that truly matters. We are co-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17), inheritors of a kingdom that will never fade. Why then would we trade the eternal riches of Christ for the temporary trinkets of this world?
Conclusion: Living in the Reality of Being God’s Temple
Being part of the church means being part of something much bigger than ourselves. We are living stones, being built into a temple where God dwells. Let’s live in a way that reflects this reality—treating the church with reverence, pursuing God’s wisdom over the world’s, and recognizing the incredible inheritance we have in Christ.
The next time you gather with fellow believers, remember—you are God’s temple, and His Spirit dwells among you. Walk in that truth.