Introductory Thoughts
Many things have changed since Old Testament times. For instance, the Lord visited His people in the temple or tabernacle in the Old Testament by dwelling between the cherubims on the ark of God (Psalm 80:1). This ended especially with the onset of the New Testament and the permanent indwelling of God's Spirit within believers. The Lord stressed, “. . . that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you” (1 Corinthians 3:16). For this reason, the New Testament does not place as much emphasis on reverence in the physical house of God. Regardless, the Lord is not silent concerning our behaviour in His house. We should behave ourselves both respectfully and properly (1 Timothy 3:15). Of all people, Bible believers should demonstrate reverence in the house of God so that others get a sense for our awe of God and His goodness.
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): When someone comes to visit our family, we generally do some extra cleaning of our homes and exhibit our best behaviour. God's house is a very special place. People come to meet together with other like-minded believers who love Him and want to hear God's truths. Sometimes we have visitors. How can we take special care of God's house and how should we behave?
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(For everyone): What are some of the ways that we ought to behave differently in the house of God? Are there things that we may do at home or in public that we would not do at church?
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Develop some rules of behaviour for your family when they are in the house of God. Discuss why we should behave differently in the house of the Lord than at home.
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask God to help you show reverence for His house.
- Ask the Lord to help you be faithful to church.
Song
Great King of Glory, Come
