Don’t Destroy What God Dwells In | 1 Corinthians 3:16-17

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Our text today is 1 Corinthians 3:16-17.

Most people read this passage and think it’s about personal holiness.

But Paul isn’t talking to you (singular).
He’s talking to you all — the church.

Do you not know that you (plural) are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple. — 1 Corinthians 3:16–17

Paul delivers a sobering truth: The gathered community — not the building — is God’s dwelling place.

And the greatest threat isn’t outside the church. It’s inside. Division. Gossip. Pride. Competition. Criticism.
These don’t just hurt feelings — they damage God’s temple.

The church is rarely destroyed by the world. It’s usually destroyed by believers acting worldly.

Every jealous comparison, every harsh word, every split, every whispered complaint, Paul calls it temple vandalism.

Because the Spirit dwells among His people, and whatever harms His people harms His dwelling.

What God calls sacred, don’t tear apart.

But the opposite is also true: When you forgive quickly, speak gently, protect unity, and pursue peace — you strengthen what God lives in. Your words either build the temple or chip away at it.

Choose to build the church and the community today.

DO THIS:

Pray for one person in your church you’ve been frustrated with. Then choose one act of peace-building toward them today.

ASK THIS:

1. Have my words weakened the church or strengthened it?
2. Who do I need to forgive or approach with humility?
3. How does seeing the church as God’s temple change my posture?

PRAY THIS:

Father, forgive me for any way I’ve damaged Your church. Make me a builder, not a destroyer, and give me a heart that protects Your people. Amen.

PLAY THIS:

“Make Us One”