If any man defile the temple of God
William MacDonald warns that defiling the local church, the temple of God, brings divine judgment and destruction upon those who cause division or impurity within the assembly.
In this expository sermon, William MacDonald explores the profound meaning of the church as the temple of God, emphasizing the holiness and purity required within the local assembly. He warns believers about the grave consequences of causing division or defiling the church, highlighting God's commitment to protect His people. Through clear biblical teaching, MacDonald calls the church to unity, holiness, and careful stewardship of the fellowship.
Text
“If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.” (1 Cor. 3:17)
In this verse, the temple of God refers to the local assembly. Paul is not speaking to individual Christians but to believers collectively when he says “which temple ye (plural) are.” The saints in Corinth comprised a temple of God.
It is also true, of course, that individual believers are a temple of the Holy Spirit. The Apostle brings this out in 1 Corinthians 6:19: “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?” The Holy Spirit of God dwells in the body of every child of God.
But in our text for today it is the assembly that is in view. Paul is saying that if any man destroys the assembly, God will destroy him. It is the same word that is translated “defile” and “destroy” in this verse. It is used of marring a local church by leading it away from that condition of holiness of life and purity of doctrine in which it should abide, and of God’s retributive destruction of the offender who is guilty of this sin” (W. E. Vine).
So our verse warns us that it is a serious thing to tamper with a local fellowship. In fact, it is a form of self-destruction. Yet how diffident people often are in this very area. Here is a man who doesn’t get his own way in the assembly. Or he becomes involved in a violent personality clash with some other brother. Rather than make things right in a Scriptural manner, he lines up people to take his side and forms a faction in the church. Things go from bad to worse and soon there is an open split.
Or perhaps it is a carnal sister who carries on a campaign of gossip and back-biting against someone else. Her slanderous tongue lashes out until the church is filled with bitterness and strife. She will not stop until a once-prosperous assembly lies in ruins.
People like this are playing a perilous game. They cannot get away with it. The Great God of the universe is committed to wreck those who wreck His assembly. Let all who are inclined to faction beware!
Sermon Outline
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I
- The temple of God refers to the local assembly
- Paul addresses believers collectively, not individually
- The assembly is holy and must be preserved
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II
- Individual believers are also temples of the Holy Spirit
- The Holy Spirit dwells in every child of God
- Personal holiness is essential
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III
- Defiling the assembly means leading it away from holiness and purity
- God will destroy those who cause division or defile the church
- The seriousness of tampering with local fellowship
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IV
- Examples of defiling the church: factions, personality clashes, gossip
- The destructive consequences of such behavior
- A warning to those inclined to cause division
Key Quotes
“If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.” — William MacDonald
“The Great God of the universe is committed to wreck those who wreck His assembly.” — William MacDonald
“It is a serious thing to tamper with a local fellowship. In fact, it is a form of self-destruction.” — William MacDonald
Application Points
- Guard the unity and purity of your local church by avoiding factions and gossip.
- Recognize the holiness of the church and treat it with reverence and care.
- Resolve conflicts biblically and seek restoration rather than division.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'temple of God' mean in this sermon?
It primarily refers to the local church assembly as a collective body of believers.
Is the individual believer also considered a temple?
Yes, individual believers are temples of the Holy Spirit, as noted in 1 Corinthians 6:19.
What does it mean to defile the temple of God?
It means to mar or corrupt the church by causing division, impurity, or straying from holiness.
What is the consequence of defiling the church?
God will bring retributive destruction upon those who defile His assembly.
How should conflicts in the church be handled?
Conflicts should be resolved in a Scriptural and peaceful manner, avoiding factions and strife.