Be The Temple

PRINTER-FRIENDLY DISCUSSION GUIDE

Community Group Discussion Guide for the Week of October 12, 2025

Miss this week’s teaching? You can watch it here.

# Summary

This sermon explores the theme of the temple throughout biblical history, from the Garden of Eden to Jesus Christ. Pastor Evan traces how God repeatedly established places for His presence to dwell among His people, but humanity consistently chose disobedience, leading to separation from God. The message focuses on Jesus cleansing the temple in John 2, where He demonstrates righteous anger at the defilement of His Father's house. Jesus declares Himself to be the true temple and prophesies His death and resurrection. Through Christ's sacrifice, believers now become the temple of the living God, called to bring His presence everywhere they go.

# Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank You for gathering us together today as Your people. We ask that You would open our hearts and minds to receive what You want to teach us through Your Word. Help us to be receptive to Your Spirit's leading and conviction. Lord, we pray that You would burden our hearts for the work You have called us to do in our families, our church, and our community. Give us ears to hear and hearts willing to respond to Your call. We surrender this time to You and ask that You would speak to each person here according to their need. In Jesus' name, amen.

# Ice Breaker

If you could travel anywhere in the world for a week-long vacation, where would you go and what's the first thing you would want to do when you got there?

# Key Verses

  • John 2:13-22

  • Romans 10:9

  • 2 Corinthians 5:21

  • Galatians 2:20

  • 1 Peter 2:9

# Questions

  • What does it mean to you personally that you are now the temple of the living God? How should this truth impact your daily life?

  • Why do you think Jesus responded with such righteous anger when He cleansed the temple? What does this teach us about God's character?

  • Pastor Evan mentioned that throughout history, God's people repeatedly chose disobedience despite His grace. How do you see this pattern in your own life or in the church today?

  • What are some ways that we might be "defiling the temple" in our modern context, either individually or as a church community?

  • Pastor Evan emphasized that belief should lead to action. What barriers prevent Christians from moving from knowledge to active participation in God's work?

  • How can we maintain the four characteristics of the temple mentioned in the sermon: reverence, worship, community, and holiness in our daily lives?

  • What specific burden or "crack in the dam" has God placed on your heart regarding needs in your community? How might you respond to that burden?

  • Pastor Evan stressed that we don't do God's work alone but "in locked arms" with other believers. How can our small group better support each other in ministry and outreach efforts?

# Life Application

This week, identify one specific way you can "be the temple" and bring God's presence into your community. Whether it's joining a ministry, volunteering with a local organization, or simply being more intentional about showing Christ's love to your neighbors, take one concrete step to move from the couch to active participation in God's work. Share your commitment with someone in the group for accountability and prayer support.

# Key Takeaways

  • Throughout history, God has consistently provided ways for His presence to dwell among His people, despite their repeated disobedience

  • Jesus is both the perfect temple (God dwelling among us) and the Passover lamb (whose sacrifice covers our sin)

  • Believers are now the temple of the living God, called to bring His presence everywhere they go

  • The church is in a season of revival that requires active participation, not passive observation

  • We are called to advance God's kingdom through reverence, worship, community, and holiness while serving together in our local communities

# Ending Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for making us Your temple and for the incredible privilege of carrying Your presence into the world. We confess that too often we have been content to sit on the sidelines rather than actively participate in Your work. Forgive us for the times we have defiled what You have made holy in our lives. Stir our hearts with the same righteous passion You showed in the temple. Help us to be people of reverence, worship, community, and holiness. Give us courage to step out of our comfort zones and put our hands to the work You have prepared for us. May we lock arms together as brothers and sisters, supporting one another as we advance Your kingdom in our families, our church, and our community. Use us, Lord, not because we are worthy, but because of Your grace and for Your glory. In Jesus' name, amen.

1 CorinthiansPastor Jason MookMTN CHURCH