Sermon Study Guide
Use this guide for personal study or small group discussion. Click "Print" to save as PDF or print a copy.
Maranatha Bible Church
Chicago
Sermon Study Guide
We are the Temple of God | 2 Chronicles 29:1-19 | Dr. Brian Lee
Scripture References
Sermon Summary
Dr. Brian Lee explores how King Hezekiah’s restoration of the Old Testament temple provides a blueprint for New Covenant believers. By focusing on revelation, consecration, and submission, we learn to honor God as His living temples.
Key Takeaways
- 1The Old Testament temple accounts provide practical instructions and warnings for New Covenant believers on how to honor God with their lives.
- 2Backsliding is often a gradual progression that begins with simply forgetting to think about God in daily life.
- 3Consecration requires the intentional removal of 'filth'—both internal attitudes like pride and external influences that hinder holiness.
- 4True worship and spiritual songs are the natural result of a life that has been cleansed and surrendered to God's authority.
- 5Jesus Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of the temple and the sacrifices, providing the grace for our continual sanctification.
Discussion Questions
Use these questions for small group discussion or personal reflection.
- 1How does viewing your physical body as the 'Temple of the Holy Spirit' change the way you view your daily habits and choices?
- 2Dr. Lee mentioned that King Ahaz cut the temple vessels into pieces. In what ways do we sometimes 'cut into pieces' or compromise our devotion to God bit by bit?
- 3The sermon suggests the first step to backsliding is 'forgetting God.' What are some practical ways to keep God at the forefront of your mind during a busy workday?
- 4What is the difference between 'turning your face' from God and 'turning your back' on Him? Have you ever felt yourself drifting in either direction?
- 5Why do you think Hezekiah insisted that the priests consecrate themselves *before* they cleansed the temple building?
- 6How does the imagery of the 'burnt offering'—which was entirely consumed by fire—illustrate the kind of surrender God desires from us today?
Application Points
Practical ways to apply this message to your life.
- Audit your 'temple doors' by evaluating what media, conversations, and influences you allow to enter your mind and heart through your eyes and ears.
- Practice 'continual consecration' by setting aside time daily for honest confession and repentance rather than treating it as a one-time event.
- Strengthen your spiritual attentiveness by taking notes during sermons and filtering all worldly information through the lens of Scripture.
- Identify one specific area of 'filth'—a habit, a possession, or an ungodly influence—and take a practical step to remove it from your life this week.
- Commit to 'facing' God throughout the day by intentionally meditating on His faithfulness during mundane tasks or transit.
Personal Reflection
Take time to quietly reflect on these prompts.
How is the Holy Spirit speaking to me through this message?
What areas of my life need to change in light of this teaching?
Who can I share this truth with this week?
What is one specific action I will take as a result of this sermon?
Prayer Points
- Thank God for His Word and the truths revealed in this message.
- Pray for understanding and wisdom to apply what you've learned.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to help you live out these truths in your daily life.
- Pray for others who heard this message, that they too would be transformed.
Notes
Tip: Use your browser's print dialog (Ctrl/Cmd + P) to save as PDF