It really is masterful . . . Paul’s sermon to the philosophers in Athens (Acts 17:16-34). His spirit was vexed as he walked about and was assaulted by the number of idols that lined this city of ” the learned” and “the intelligent.” He was amazed at the “wisdom of men” that, in seeking the divine, would fashion a religion around objects of gold and silver and stone . . . images “formed by the art and imagination of man” (17:29). The darkness and ignorance was oppressive. But rather than write-off these wayward philosophers . . . led by the Spirit, Paul leverages their religion as “spring board” to reveal to them their “unknown God” (17:23). And as I read it this morning, the first of Paul’s sermon “points” struck me . . .

The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man . . . (Acts 17:24 ESV)

Point 1 . . . God does not live in a temple made by men. He who made the world . . . He who made everything in it . . . He who is Lord of heaven . . . He who is Lord of all the earth . . . He does not live in temples made by men. And, as I read this, what flashed in my mind was, “Well then, where does He live?”

Paul’s “Seeking God 101” sermon became a launching pad for my heart and mind as it soared with the reminder (Spirit triggered, I believe) that while God does not live in a house of stone, He does reside in a building made of living stones (1Peter 2:5). That while He, who inhabits eternity, dwells in the high and holy place, He also takes up residence with those who are “of a contrite and lowly spirit” (Isa. 57:15). That while He is enthroned in heavenly majesty, He also stands at the door of the heart . . . and knocks . . . asking to be invited in so that He might engage in intimate fellowship (Rev. 3:20). That while these Athenian men of darkness expended great effort and cost to construct images and places of worship in hopes of connecting with some “unknown God”, the Father of Lights had already undertaken His own building project . . . anchored upon the finished work of His Beloved Servant . . . built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets . . . forming a structure of those redeemed by the blood of Christ . . . a holy temple in the Lord . . . “a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.” (Eph. 2:19-22)

My God does not live in temples made BY men and women . . . no, He lives in a temple made OF men and women.

Far being “unknown” He has made Himself known . . . in creation . . . through His written word . . . through the Living Word, His Son . . . through the Spirit who invites us into relationship. And when we, by faith, say, “Yes, Lord!” . . . He moves in. As our “spiritual senses”, which were once dead, are made alive, we become more and more aware of His presence . . . our once deaf ears become more attuned to His voice . . . our once blind eyes begin to see Him more frequently in the everyday events of life . . . and we know, more and more, something of the reality of abiding in Him . . . and He with us. Such is the increasing reality of those who are the temple of God.

What wonder . . . what privilege . . . what a Savior! Amen?