God’s Presence in the Temple

Northwest Bible Church – March 5, 2006 – Worship Service – Alan Conner

1 Kings 8

God’s Presence in the Temple

 

INTRO

 

 

1. THE PLACEMENT OF THE ARK IN THE TEMPLE (1 Kings 8:1-9).

 

1. The original ark of the covenant was used.

 

 

1. The ark is a picture of Jesus Christ.

 

1) The mercy seat. The blood of atonement, Rom. 3:25.

2) The law of God.   Christ’s sinless obedience, Heb. 10:5, 7.

 

 

1. THE SHEKINAH GLORY OF GOD FILLS THE TEMPLE.

                 

1. The significance of the cloud (1 Kings 8:10-11).

 

Shekinah glory cloud means God’s glory that is “dwelling” in the midst of His people.

God’s presence in a cloud makes it mysterious, hidden, unknown. Notice the “thick cloud” of v. 12.

 

With all this mystery of God veiled behind the cloud, and yet in the ark the clear written testimony of the ten commandments, we can learn a valuable lesson. God’s people must live not by what they see of God, but by what they read from God.

 

1. The significance of the fire (2 Chron. 7:1).

 

The fire says, “I am pleased,”   and stamps God’s approval upon it.

 

The cloud is God’s presence in mystery. The fire is God’s presence in activity.

 

 

III. THE TYPOLOGY OF GOD’S PRESENCE IN THE TEMPLE.

 

1. A picture of Jesus Christ.

 

But also note His two natures: human (temple) and divine (glory cloud). John 1:14.

 

1. A picture of the believer.

 

1) Salvation.   The gift of the Holy Spirit for the believer.

2) Glorification. A foreshadowing of the glory to come.

3) Sanctification.     Every believer is to be filled with the Spirit. We are being transformed from glory to glory into more Christlikeness.

 

 

                                    HOW DO WE BRING DOWN GOD’S GLORY AND FIRE?

 

1. a) Build a holy temple (1 Kings 6:1 - 8:9).

 

#1 - Our temples must be build on the foundation of Christ with proper materials(1 Cor. 3).       CONFESSION OF SIN.

 

#2 - And the ark = Christ must be in the heart, on the throne and the Lord.

 

 

1. b) Lift up holy praise (2 Chron. 5:11-14).

 

Unison - “He indeed is good for His lovingkindness is everlasting.”   When out of the temple praises to God go up, then the glory of God comes down.

 

How God delights to manifest His presence in the heart of those who give Him praise. As David said in Psa. 22:3 Thou art holy, O Thou who art enthroned upon the praises of Israel.

 

 

1. c) Present a holy sacrifice (2 Chron. 7:1-3).

 

“Present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God which is your spiritual service of worship” Rom. 12:1.

                 

 

                                    WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF GOD’S GLORY AND FIRE?

 

1. a) More worship, more praise (2 Chron. 7:3).

 

1. b) More holy sacrifices and service (2 Chron. 7:4-5).

 

 

1. THE CONDITION FOR GOD’S HOLY PRESENCE WITH HIS PEOPLE.

 

1 Kings 6:11-13. Solomon and his sons failed. Jesus Christ fulfills the condition perfectly for us.