1 Corinthians 3:16&17 "Temples of God"

1 Corinthians 3:16&17

Paul will use the idea of our bodies being the Temple of the Holy Spirit several ways. In this case he has been talking about how people build on the foundation he laid vs 10-15. Those who build well will receive a reward. This refers not only to the individual Christian but also leaders, teachers, and disciple makers.

In this little passage is both a warning and a blessing.

Wrapped in the discussion of spiritual build there are some things this passage is not about. Some use this passage to pronounce judgement on everything from suicide to over eating. Skinny people use it against fat people, fat people use it against skinny people. Nonsmokers and nondrinkers use it against those who smoke and drink. While some of this will be addressed later in this letter, it is not being addressed here.

The warning is to those who build, both individuals and leaders / teachers. If you build with quality materials you receive a reward, but if what you build with compromises the building then you will be judged.

Building with untreated wood

A power plant without rebar

If you build poorly and with poor materials, you compromise the temple of God.

4:6 don’t go beyond what is written.

False teachers beware for God will judge you as well for your compromised and destructive teaching, which destroys the Temple of God.

Matthew 18:6
⁶  “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.

(stumble, sin,)

The second thing we can see in this passage an insight to how God feels about you, how God values each of us.

You are the temple of God, not a house or container but a temple!
you might ask “does God see what I see in the mirror?”
or “can’t God afford a better place than this to live?”

But God sees you as a Temple, His temple. God see the beautiful thing you can and will be. So valuable to Him that He gave His life for you and grants you a place with Him in His resurrection. So valuable that those who mislead you, those who attack you for your faith, ect. Will be judged as if they destroyed the very throne of God in heaven.

Matthew 10:29-31
²⁹  Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. ³⁰  But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. ³¹  Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.

Build carefully because you are loved by God. Build carefully because you are His Temple. Live boldly and fearlessly for God, because He watches over and protects you. You Are The Temple Of God! And He Lives In You!