TEMPLE GUARDIANS by BILL BURNS:
A temple guardian is one who has charge of a temple to keep it clean.
Our Temple
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Or do you not know that your body is the
temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not
your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your
body and in your spirit, which are God's.
Our temple consists of the physical body, which houses the soul (mind, will and emotions), the spirit man and the Holy Spirit who resides in us. It is our responsibility to keep it clean. We must guard against sin and invasion of evil.
Luke 11:20-22 "But if I cast out demons with the finger of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you. When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his goods are in peace. But when a stronger than he comes upon him and overcomes him, he takes from him all his armor in which he trusted, and divides his spoils."
We must guard against the enemy taking our armor from us!
Ephesians 6:10-17 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Body
Keep it from sin and keep it healthy. Apply your faith in Christ to
cover sins and bring healing to your temple.
1 Peter 2:24 Who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness: by whose stripes you were healed.
Mind
Guard your mind, your thoughts from every lie from the devil.
2 Corinthians 10:4-6 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.
Emotions
Guard your emotions from fear, worry, anger, and negativity.
2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
Will
Always choose God's will by deciding to do His Word.
1 Timothy 6:20-21 O Timothy! Guard what was committed to your trust, avoiding the profane and idle babblings and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge—by professing it some have strayed concerning the faith. Grace be with you. Amen.
Ephesians 5:17 Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
The Holy Spirit
Keep Him positioned over your body, soul and spirit so He can lead,
guide and empower you to guard your temple.
Ephesians 1:12-14 That we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory. In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.
The words of Jesus with regard to the Holy Spirit:
John 16:7-8 "Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you. And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment."
The Issues of Life
Life's issues will challenge you to keep your temple undefiled by doing
the right thing.
Romans 12:21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Proverbs 4:23 Keep your heart [spiritual condition] with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.
When we do our best to keep our hearts under the rule of the Holy Spirit, He will help us.
Philippians 4:7-8 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.
We can be the guardians of the temple. We can keep it clean and empowered. We can fight the good fight of faith and gain the victory.
If we keep and maintain charge over the temple it will be filled with the love of God. Peace and joy will abound because we have refused oppression and depression. Our faith will be strong because we trust God in all things.
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
We are called to be Temple Guardians!
Faith Tabernacle of Kremmling
http://ft111.com