Weekly Pulpit 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 What? know you not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which you have of God, and you are not your own?… 1. The whole person of the believer is as sacred to God as the Temple was. Stronger language is impossible. (1) In both the plan is Divine. (2) In both human agency was called into requisition. In the building of the Temple and in the salvation of the soul man must work out the plan. (3) In both the work is transcendent. (4) But the chief point is the fact that the Temple was the dwelling-place of God typical of His indwelling in the regenerate heart. 2. Our endeavour will be to consider the sacredness and preciousness of the persons of the saints in the light of the price of our redemption. That we should take our stand by the Cross in order to obtain the highest view of human nature may not be consonant with the opinions of many. There are other standpoints. (1) There is the commercial standpoint. On this pinnacle you may stand for a lifetime to witness incessant activities in the hives of industry, which offer their tribute of praise to the greatness and dignity of human life. (2) Look also at the results of scientific research; what a mass of wonders meets your eye! (3) There is also the literary standpoint, whence we see mind, like a cataract, pouring its contents in numberless volumes. (4) Art is no less wonderful. But to none of these lights do we now ask you to come. Ascend Calvary where the noblest view of human life is obtainable. I. THE PURPOSE OF THE SAVIOUR'S LIFE WAS TO REDEEM MANKIND. Every great life has its purpose bound up in its very inclination and disposition. This is pre-eminently true of the life of Jesus. The purpose to save men preceded every thought, and left its impress on every act. II. TO RANSOM MANKIND WAS THE RULING PASSION IN THE LIFE OF JESUS. The life of the Saviour was unique in the fulfilment of its design. 1. His life was one supreme effort that men may feel that the salvation of the soul is the highest of all objects. 2. The cold reception He received did not damp His ardour. III. TO REDEEM MEN JESUS LAID DOWN HIS LIFE. It was then the entire surrender of the price became apparent. IV. WHAT JEALOUS CARE MUST BE TAKEN TO GUARD THIS TEMPLE FROM THE INTRUSION OF SIN! God dwells in you; let no unhallowed thought enter. Let the body be pure. There are two steps in entire consecration — the Spirit of God must sanctify the soul, and the soul must sanctify the body. Therefore, touch no unclean thing. (Weekly Pulpit.) Parallel Verses KJV: What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? |
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