Ch.3. (2) The Renewed Presence

Strife and Divisions were , were dismantling the Temple of God in Corinth. The gathered church is the place of His own personal presence by the Holy Spirit. The local church is Gods temple, isHis Dwelling Place, in the community where it is placed. There must be a separation from all worldliness and idolatry in the Dwelling place of the Holy Spirit. He dwells corporately and individually among us.

The Individual Believer as Gods Temple.

In 1 Corinthians 6: 19-20  Or do you not know that your bodies are a sanctuary of the Holy Spirit who is within you--the Spirit whom you have from God?
1Co 6:20  And you are not your own, for you have been redeemed at infinite cost. Therefore glorify God in your bodies. 

Here Paul applies the temple imagery to the individual believer. The context is sexual Immorality because some of the Corinthians were suggesting that the human spirit was not affected by what happens in ones body including having sex with a prostitute. But Paul will have none of that. Theyyd been bought with a price therefore glorify God in your bodies. God now dwells in temples not made with hands. They belong to God who purchased them through Christs sacrifice. and now dwells in them by His Spirit. His sanctifying presence getting us ready for heaven.

2Co 3:18  And all of us, with unveiled faces, reflecting like bright mirrors the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same likeness, from one degree of radiant holiness to another, even as derived from the Lord the Spirit. 

Now we are the People of God individually and corporately.

3) THe HOLY WHO?  The Spirit as a Person. 

The fulfillment of the Renewed Presence of God with His People, the Spirit was understood by Paul in personal terms.

One young boy said, "I wish the Spirit was un-invisible".

a) He is spoken of in terms of (AGENCY). He is the Agent of the Godhead here on earth at this present time. Note that the conversion of the Thessalonians was by the sanctifying work of the Spirit. 

2Th 2:13  But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brothers beloved of the Lord, because God has from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth, 

cp. these verses. 1 Cor 6:11; Rom. 15:16 1 Thess 1: Rom 15:13