FRIDAY, JUNE 16
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
1 Peter 1:18-19

"…know ye not that your body is
the temple of the Holy Ghost…?"

THE TEMPLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

In 1 Corinthians 3:16-17, the term "temple" (naos) is used with reference to the body of Christ. It refers to the church being the sanctuary where the presence of God dwells in the form of the Holy Spirit. Hence, the church of God must be pure in her ways, and separate from all evil and iniquity.

However, in 1 Corinthians 6:19, "naos" is used not with reference to the corporate body of Christ, but to the physical body of the Christian. When a man believes in Christ, he is indwelt by the Holy Spirit. The body of the Christian is thus the "temple" and sanctuary of the Holy Ghost.

There are some parallels in the teachings of this passage and 1 Corinthians 3:16-17. Firstly, just as how the church as the temple of God is owned by God, so the body of the Christian is also owned by Christ. As such, he is not lord over his own body, but must submit his body to the rule and direction of Christ. Secondly, the church as the temple of God is required to walk in holiness and righteousness. Similarly, the body of the Christian must also be yielded to do that which is right in the eyes of God. Every Christian must glorify God with his body.

Lastly, the Corinthian believers were reminded that they were bought with a price. This price is the life and precious blood of the Lamb of God. "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" (1 Pet 1:18-19). It is thus imperative that the believer yields his body to the Master who has redeemed him. He will desire to walk in the Spirit who indwells him, and bear fruit unto the glory of Christ.

THOUGHT: What does it mean to walk in the Spirit?
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, may Thy Spirit guide me in the path of godliness.