1 Chronicles 22:19 Now set your heart and your soul to seek the LORD your God; arise therefore, and build you the sanctuary of the LORD God… The great aim of missionary work, at home and abroad, is the same. This great work may be illustrated by the text. We have — I. THE HEART SET UPON GOD. 1. All work for God must begin with ourselves (Acts 22:28; 1 Timothy 4:16). 2. It must be heart-work, not merely duty, custom, or sympathy. 3. There must be a deliberate setting of the heart and soul upon God as our God, reconciled in Christ, fixedly His (Psalm 57:7; Deuteronomy 10:12). 4. There must be continued seeking God, in prayer, meditation, holy living. II. THE BUILDING-WORK GOING ON. The living Church is God's sanctuary. He dwells in the hearts of His people (John 14:23; 2 Corinthians 6:16; 1 Corinthians 3:16). The work of Christ's followers is to build the sanctuary. 1. By gathering souls out of the world around to Christ. 2. By gathering souls into the Church, uniting in one body in Christ. III. THE SANCTUARY USED FOR GOD. Union in the Church must be — 1. For consecration. The temple is not for ornament, nor for the admiration of the world, but for God. 2. For worship: "Bring the ark," etc. The ark shadows forth the great propitiation (Romans 3:25). This must hold the first position in the Church, heart, ministry (1 Corinthians 2:2). 3. For service: "Bring the holy vessels," etc. Each vessel has its use. (J. E. Sampson.) Parallel Verses KJV: Now set your heart and your soul to seek the LORD your God; arise therefore, and build ye the sanctuary of the LORD God, to bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and the holy vessels of God, into the house that is to be built to the name of the LORD. |
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