Preschool
My God shall supply all your need (Philippians 4:19).
God’s Glory Fills the Temple
Memory Verses
Primary
But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).
Junior
But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).
Background Scripture: 1 Kings 8; 2 Chronicles 5
Lesson Scripture: 1 Kings 8:3-11, 27-30
Introduction
The reign of King Solomon was the zenith of Israelite political power and influence in the biblical world, the golden age of the Israelite nation. Solomon’s crowning achievement was the building of the Temple, and the grand culmination of its completion was holy fire descending on the sacrifice and the glory of the Lord filling the house (2 Chron. 7:1-3).
God’s glory first appeared in the tabernacle in the wilderness before filling the Temple. Now under the gospel plan, the Holy Spirit builds a temple in every believer. First Corinthians 3:16 says, “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” We are God’s dwelling place, and He fills us with his glory when we experience the new birth, which is the fundamental of salvation. Those who by faith and true repentance accept the atoning work of Christ are redeemed from sin and are born again. God fills the born-again heart with peace, assurance of salvation, and grace. The new birth results in conversion from a sinful life to one that brings forth the fruit of the Holy Spirit.
Key Verse
A glorious high throne from the beginning is the place of our sanctuary (Jer. 17:12).
Lesson Scripture
1 Kings 8:3 And all the elders of Israel came, and the priests took up the ark.
4 And they brought up the ark of the Lord, and the tabernacle of the congregation, and all the holy vessels that were in the tabernacle, even those did the priests and the Levites bring up.
5 And king Solomon, and all the congregation of Israel, that were assembled unto him, were with him before the ark, sacrificing sheep and oxen, that could not be told nor numbered for multitude.
6 And the priests brought in the ark of the covenant of the Lord unto his place, into the oracle of the house, to the most holy place, even under the wings of the cherubims.
7 For the cherubims spread forth their two wings over the place of the ark, and the cherubims covered the ark and the staves thereof above.
8 And they drew out the staves, that the ends of the staves were seen out in the holy place before the oracle, and they were not seen without: and there they are unto this day.
9 There was nothing in the ark save the two tables of stone, which Moses put there at Horeb, when the Lord made a covenant with the children of Israel, when they came out of the land of Egypt.
10 And it came to pass, when the priests were come out of the holy place, that the cloud filled the house of the Lord,
11 So that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud: for the glory of the Lord had filled the house of the Lord.
27 But will God indeed dwell on the earth? behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house that I have builded?
28 Yet have thou respect unto the prayer of thy servant, and to his supplication, O Lord my God, to hearken unto the cry and to the prayer, which thy servant prayeth before thee to day:
29 That thine eyes may be open toward this house night and day, even toward the place of which thou hast said, My name shall be there: that thou mayest hearken unto the prayer which thy servant shall make toward this place.
30 And hearken thou to the supplication of thy servant, and of thy people Israel, when they shall pray toward this place: and hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place: and when thou hearest, forgive.
Studying the Lesson
God bestowed his blessing upon the building of the Temple, which was constructed by his instruction. His glory-filled presence specially came so that the children of Israel knew He was pleased to dwell with them and guide them. This momentous occasion served as a powerful testament to God’s desire to dwell among his people. They could look toward the Temple and pray, knowing that God’s presence was there.
King Solomon’s Temple was a masterpiece of architectural splendor. It was constructed from the finest materials with meticulous care, crafted to honor and house the presence of God. The dedication of the Temple was a monumental gathering that united the leaders, priests, and the entire populace. Central to this event was the ark of the covenant, symbolizing the tangible presence of God among his people. As the ark was brought into the most holy place, the atmosphere was filled with awe and anticipation of God’s glory filling the Temple.
King Solomon’s wonderful prayer (1 Kings 8:23-53) during the dedication ceremony is an example of a profound understanding of God’s character. He began by praising God for his faithfulness, recognizing his covenantal promises. Solomon then acknowledged the vastness of God, stating that no earthly structure could contain Him. He interceded on behalf of the people and prayed for God’s forgiveness, guidance, and blessing. This prayer highlighted the Temple’s central role as a place of worship and communion, a gateway for God’s divine intervention.
The culmination of the dedication ceremony was the awe-inspiring moment when God’s glory descended upon the Temple. By consuming the burnt offering with divine fire, the Lord’s presence was undeniably manifest. This was a supernatural sign of God’s acceptance and his willingness to dwell among his people.
Practical Truths for Today
God longs to dwell within each one of us, and just as Solomon’s dedication led to the manifestation of God’s glory in the Temple, our dedication to Christ and his church allows God’s glory to fill our lives. God’s glorious presence will shine out of his people when they give honor, praise, and devotion to Him. His glory dwells with his people as they gather in the house of worship and prayer, and we should bow before Him in godly fear and reverence. Just as the Temple was consecrated for God’s presence, we must prepare for God’s Spirit in our lives by prayer, meditation, and daily communion with Him. This requires a heart set on God, an earnest desire to know Him intimately, and an unwavering commitment to make Him the center of our lives.
God will be exalted whether or not we choose to acknowledge Him. God does not dwell in earthly temples today but in our hearts. As we consecrate our hearts to God, the Holy Spirit fills our lives, witnessing that we are his children. Without this, our lives will not radiate with his presence.
God’s blessing will descend upon us as our prayers are heard by Him. In Solomon’s prayer (1 Kings 8:23-53), he prayed similar words multiple times. “Then hear thou in heaven, and forgive the sin of thy people Israel, and bring them again unto the land which thou gavest unto their fathers” (v. 34). Solomon’s prayer of dedication involved seeking forgiveness and cleansing. Similarly, we must acknowledge our sins, seek God’s forgiveness, and embrace the new birth in Christ. Justification by faith in Jesus offers spiritual cleansing and renewal.
Sometimes going to church gives us or renews within us a correct view of God or even of life’s complete picture. Engaging with fellow believers, studying the Word, and praying together enhances our spiritual growth and understanding of God’s glory. The Temple was a place of worship, and it was in the atmosphere of worship that God’s glory was manifested. We should seek moments of genuine worship where we can draw near to God and experience his presence. The Temple served as a validation of God’s glory, drawing people to worship Him. In our lives, an experience with God equips us to share the good news of salvation. A transformed life serves as a living testimony to the redemptive power of Christ. Sharing our faith and the story of our new birth can lead others to experience God’s presence.
Holiness and service were also central to the Temple’s purpose, as it was set apart for sacred service. Similarly, our lives should reflect holiness and sanctification. Through acts of kindness and compassion, we become living examples of God’s goodness and glory.
The account of God’s glory filling the Temple is a compelling reminder of the significance of sacred spaces and the profound longing that we as God’s people have for his presence to be among us. Just as Solomon dedicated the physical Temple, we are called to dedicate our entire being as a living temple. This will involve seeking God’s cleansing and correction, seeking forgiveness, being a part of God’s church, engaging in worship, studying God’s Word, sharing the gospel, living in holiness, personal prayer and meditation, and serving others. As we apply these principles, we can experience the blessing of God descending upon us and the transformation of the gospel in our daily lives. We will then become living testimonies of Christ’s grace and love.
Questions
- Have you experienced something so beautiful or amazing that it took your breath away? Share a personal story or experience.
- Is there a way to better realize how much God wants to dwell with us?
- What are ways people see and experience God’s glory today?
- How can the glory of the Lord be shown in our homes so others see it and are blessed and give God the honor? (2 Chron. 7:3).
Source: COGICM Daily Bible Readings (Daily Bible Readings, PO Box 124, Glenn, CA 95943).