Building A Habitation For The Lord
August 7, 2022
Roy Thomas
I. Building a Habitation for the Lord
All of us are in the building trades; one of our most important projects is us. Which is building a habitation or dwelling place for the Lord.
Here are 7 steps that are needed for our building project.
2 Chronicles 6:2
But I have built an house of habitation (temple) for thee, and a place for thy dwelling forever.
1.
1 Chronicles 17:1 & 2
After David was settled in his palace, he said to Nathan the prophet, “Here I am, living in a house of cedar, while the ark of the covenant of the Lord is under a tent.” Then Nathan said unto David, “Do all that is in thine heart (mind); for God is with thee.”
2.
1 Chronicles 20 and 21
1 Chronicles 20:1
And it came to pass, that after the year was expired, at the time that kings go out to battle,
1 Chronicles 21:1
And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel.
3.
1 Chronicles 21:2
And David said to Joab and to the rulers of the people, “Go, number Israel from Beersheba even to Dan; and bring the number of them to me, that I may know it.”
4.
1 Chronicles 21:8-24
1 Chronicles 21:24
But King David replied to Araunah, “No, I insist on paying the full price. I will not take for the LORD what is yours, or sacrifice a burnt offering that costs me nothing.”
5.
1 Chronicles 28:11
Then David gave to Solomon his son the pattern of the Temple
1 Chronicles 29:2a
“Now I have prepared with all my might for the house of my God”
2 Chronicles 2:1
And Solomon determined to build an house for the name of the LORD, and an house for his kingdom.
6.
2 Chronicles 3:1
Then Solomon began to build the house of the LORD at Jerusalem in mount Moriah,
2 Chronicles 5:1
Thus all the work that Solomon made for the house of the LORD was finished:
7.
2 Chronicles 5:13-14
It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and praised the LORD, saying, “For he is good; for his mercy endured for ever”: that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the LORD; 14 So that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled the temple of God.
II. We can build a habitation or dwelling place for the Lord by Setting Spiritual Goals
Luke 2:52
And Jesus increased (grew) in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man
The Definition
The basic meaning of increase is more of something to drive forward (as if by beating), to advance (in amount, to grow; proceed, profit
Jesus gives us the following model to follow:
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33)
The important steps in setting spiritual goals are listed below.
Step #1 - The Plan (what) The goal
Step #2 - The Reason (why) The benefits
Step #3 - The Giants (problems) The mountains
Step #4 - The Overcomer (solution) The strategies
Step #5 - The Doer (plan) The specific steps / Target Dates
III. Perseverance
Hebrews 12:1-2(NKJV)
1Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
2 Timothy 4:6-8(NKJV)
6For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.
Philippians 3:12-14(NKJV)
12Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.
13Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,
14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Illustration- 4 mile hiking trip in Gatlinburg, Ramsey Cascades
1. Don’t
- Do all things as unto the Lord, the call of God in Christ Jesus
2. Don’t go
- Jesus sent them two by two
Ecc. - Solomon said two is better than one
3.
- Jesus said to examine yourselves,
4.
- Heb. 12:1 - We are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses
5.
- Heb. 12 :2 - Looking unto Jesus,
6. Keep eye on the
Phil. 3:14 - Paul, I press toward the goal for the prize
7.
Proverbs 13:19 - A desire accomplished is sweet to the soul,
8.
2 Corinthians 1 :3-4 - God comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
9.
Lay aside every weigh and sin, run with endurance the race set before you, Fight the good fight, finish the race and keep the faith, Press on, reach forward, ahead, Press toward the goal for the prize
Closing
I would encourage all of us to register for EHS. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality and plan to build a habitation for Jesus to dwell in and to overcome anything that may hinder us from accomplishing our goal to grow spiritual and to preserve like Paul until completion.
Rev. 3:20 to the Church in Laodicea
Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.