Notes
Have the people of Israel build me a holy sanctuary so I can live among them. You must build this Tabernacle and its furnishings exactly according to the pattern I will show you.
Exodus 25:8-9
God dwelled with the first humans He created, He dwelled with the Hebrew people through the holy sanctuary, and now He dwells within those of us who are His followers. So how can we be a dwelling place for God?
1) Believe That God Desires to Live Among Us
“You have seen what I did to the Egyptians. You know how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. Now if you will obey me and keep my covenant, you will be my own special treasure from among all the peoples on earth; for all the earth belongs to me. And you will be my kingdom of priests, my holy nation.” This is the message you must give to the people of Israel.
Exodus 19:4-6
The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God.
1 Corinthians 1:18
Trust that God created you so He could dwell with you. Think of those who live with you - things work much better when everyone is on the same page. Our relationship with God is similar; when we head in the direction God has set for us instead of going against Him, great things will happen. Believe that He wants to dwell with you and that His ways are better than ours.
We are bridge-builders for the one who came to rescue humanity. Being a dwelling place for God isn’t about a specific place, but about being someone who communes with Him, and who allows Him to work in and through your life.
2) Put the Pieces Together
Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you? God will destroy anyone who destroys this temple. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.
1 Corinthians 3:16-17
And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
Romans 12:1-2
Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself.
Ephesians 2:20
With God, every detail matters. Every piece of what He is building matters. He chooses what piece He designed us to be, and we can choose either to accept or reject that purpose. God loves to dwell with His people, and our purpose as His people is to work together to be the pieces He created us to be. Our faith is not just about us; when we come to Jesus, we become a part of His entire family, too.
3) Anticipate God Showing Up
Then the cloud covered the Tabernacle, and the glory of the Lord filled the Tabernacle.
Exodus 40:34
For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever! Amen.
Romans 11:36
Too often, when things don’t happen when we expect them to, we think God isn’t working or that He has disappeared. Don’t give up when you’re in a period of your faith being tested. God wants you to understand that He is faithful.
When we each bring our gifts and we all begin to work in sync, not letting the world divide us but working under the umbrella of our Creator, we are being the hands and feet of Jesus. He desires our faith, trust, and perseverance.
Group Questions
- What does it mean for God to dwell with us?
- How are we bridge-builders?
- What does it look like to live in a way that anticipates that God will show up?
- Do you know what piece you are in God’s master design?
Prayer
Thank you for dwelling, communing, and walking with us. Show us our place in our plan, our piece of the puzzle, and connect us with your Church. We want to make your name great in this world.