Living as God’s Temple (Ephesians Pt. 20) | Francis Chan

Sermon Summary

Main Message

This message emphasizes the importance of living as God's Temple, not just a physical structure, but as living beings filled with His Spirit. We are called to be wise and intentional in our daily lives, making the most of every opportunity because the days are evil. This requires us to prioritize relationships, love one another deeply, and cultivate intimacy with God.

Key Scripture References

• Ephesians 5:15-17 - We need to be careful how we live out our days, making the best use of the time because the days are evil. This requires us to prioritize relationships and love one another deeply.
• 1 John 4:20 - If anyone says they love God but hates their brother, they are a liar. We cannot claim to love God whom we have not seen if we do not love our brothers and sisters whom we see. This emphasizes the importance of loving people as an expression of our love for God.
• Ephesians 2:20-22 - As living stones, we are being built into a spiritual house, which is Christ Jesus Himself. We are no longer strangers and aliens but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household. This passage highlights our identity as the Temple of God.
• 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 - Do you not know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you? If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy that person; for God's temple is sacred, and you together are that temple. This passage emphasizes the importance of our individual temples being a dwelling place for God.
• Matthew 22:37-40 - Jesus said to love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself. This passage highlights the commandment to love one another deeply.

Application

This message encourages us to be intentional in our daily lives, prioritizing relationships and cultivating intimacy with God. We need to make the best use of every opportunity because the days are evil. This requires us to put down distractions, such as technology, and focus on building deep relationships with others. By doing so, we will become more like Christ and reflect His love to a world in need.

Reflection Questions

• What are some areas where I can improve my relationships and love one another deeply?
• How can I prioritize time with God and cultivate intimacy with Him?
• What distractions am I allowing to hinder my ability to love people and make the most of every opportunity?

Call to Action

We are called to be wise and intentional in our daily lives, making the most of every opportunity because the days are evil. Let us prioritize relationships, love one another deeply, and cultivate intimacy with God. By doing so, we will become more like Christ and reflect His love to a world in need.