Just a Sip… of Solomon’s prayer at the dedication of the Temple: “Solomon spread out his hands toward heaven, and said, ‘O Lord, God of Israel, there is no God like You, in heaven above or on earth beneath, keeping covenant and showing steadfast love to your servants who walk before you with all their heart! … Not one word has failed of all Your good promise, which You spoke by Moses, Your servant! … May all the peoples of the earth know that the Lord is God! There is no other! May our heart be wholly true to the Lord our God, walking in His statutes and keeping His commandments, as at this day!” (From 1 Kings 8:22-61)
I’ve heard it passionately argued as the “core truths” of the Bible and the “ancient church” down though the centuries. And I certainly believe those things are important – even critical (just ask anyone who knows me!).
But when a Biblical writer (in this case – Apostle Paul) makes a statement in Scripture it’s really important to pay attention to “the context” and the writer’s “inspired purpose!”
In this case (when Apostle Paul advocated for “sound doctrine”)… here’s what he said – the context – and the writer’s inspired purpose…
Here’s what he said… “As for you teach what accords with SOUND DOCTRINE!” (Titus 2:1)
Then the context [and THIS may surprise you!] – It’s practical Christian living stuff, NOT ethereal, theological, philosophical stuff! (Hey, you’ve got to read it for yourself – don’t take my word for it! Titus 2:2-10a)… “Older men… Older women… Young men [and women]”… and even “Bondservants” [applicable to employees today].
And the “inspired purpose?” “So that in EVERYTHING they may ADORN THE DOCTRINE OF GOD OUR SAVIOR!” (Titus 2:10b) You see, in the mind of Apostle Paul, although theological reflection and teaching had it place (and I might say a very important place – just read through the epistles and see) … NONE OF IT MATTERED if it didn’t make a practical difference and impact on practical Christian living! The Point? “SOUND DOCTRINE” must impact your “testimony” and behavior in your community [Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday – and not just Sunday]!
1 Kings 5-6 in the Bible are dedicated to a description of Solomon building the temple.
The Jewish temple – “God’s temple” – was beautifully furnished and lavishly prepared – read the description of it in these two chapters. But it certainly was not a place where ALL of Israel could gather for worship AT ONE TIME – not what we think of as a “house of worship” (it wasn’t large enough for that, being only about 90 feet long and 30 feet wide) It was rather a place for sacrifice and A PLACE WHERE THE LIVING GOD MANIFESTED HIS PRESENCE AMONG HIS PEOPLE.
Now there is a very important lesson to be learned from that fact, it seems to me! We build “houses of worship” – buildings dedicated to religious purposes. In some cases we even have the audacity to call them “temples!” It seems to me, if the presence of the Living God is not manifest there – if He is not present in a very real way – if God’s presence is not sensed in those structures, they are simply “bricks and mortar” – simply another building.
It’s interesting to me that embedded in the very middle of the description of the temple’s construction in 1 Kings 5-6 you have this very significant brief paragraph…
“Now the word of the Lord came to Solomon, ‘Concerning this house that you are building… If you will walk in my statutes and obey my rules and keep my commandments and walk in them, then I will establish my word with you, which I spoke to David your father. And I will dwell among the children of Israel and will not forsake my people Israel!’” (1 Kings 6:11-13)
Did you pick up on it? What made the “temple” that Solomon was building a “Temple”? The Presence of the Living God! And what brought the Presence of God? The obedient, devoted lifestyle of God’s people!
Listen, when we gather together for worship… wherever that may be… I want the Presence of the Living God to be manifest – to be present – to be sensed… Don’t you?! Oh may we live in such a way that these two New Testament verses can be fulfilled among us…
“FOR WHERE TWO OR THREE ARE GATHERED IN MY NAME, THERE AM I AMONG THEM!” (Jesus speaking in Matthew 18:20)
And then these words of Apostle Paul to a bunch of Gentile believers… “So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord! IN HIM YOU ALSO ARE BEING BUILT TOGETHER INTO A DWELLING PLACE FOR GOD BY THE SPIRIT!” (Ephesians 2:19–22)
O God, may it be so… may it be so – tomorrow, “the Lord’s Day”!!
Coffee With The Lord 