Our Identity in Christ
Teachers
Lesson Summary
Steve Zeller taught on the theme of Christian identity in Christ, specifically focusing on the biblical truth that believers are temples of the Holy Spirit. He began by exploring the history and etymology of temples, noting that the word originates from the concept of cutting out or setting apart a sacred space dedicated to a deity. Zeller traced the Old Testament history of God's dwelling place, examining how God's glory initially filled the tabernacle when Moses completed its construction according to God's specifications. He highlighted key passages from 2 Chronicles demonstrating how God's glory also filled Solomon's temple during its dedication, with fire coming down from heaven and the priests unable to enter due to the intensity of God's presence. Throughout this journey, Zeller emphasized that God's presence and glory were uniquely reserved for His chosen people and dwelling place—a reality unlike the false gods worshiped by surrounding nations. The teacher then transitioned to the New Testament reality, introducing Jesus' conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well from John 4, where Jesus revealed a fundamental shift in worship. He explained that worship would no longer be confined to a physical location like Jerusalem or Mount Gerizim, but would instead occur in spirit and in truth within believers. This transition marked a profound transformation: God's dwelling place moved from an external, physical building to internal residence within the hearts of individual Christians. By understanding this progression from tabernacle to temple to the believer's body as God's temple, Christians gain perspective on their sacred identity and the privilege of hosting God's Holy Spirit.
Key Scriptures
Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. Moses was not able to enter the tent of meeting because the cloud had settled on it, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.
And the priests could not enter the house of the Lord, because the cloud of the Lord had filled the house of the Lord.
But will God really dwell with mankind on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you, how much less this house which I have built! Yet your eyes, O Lord God, are upon this house day and night, and you will turn your face toward the place of which you have said, 'My name shall be there,' that you may hear the prayer which your servant will pray toward this place.