Week 3 / You Are God’s Temple / 1 Cor. 3:16-17
I C E B R E A K E R
What’s the most memorable building, stadium, or landmark you’ve ever visited? What made it stand out?
OR
When have you felt especially aware of God’s presence in an ordinary place?
I N T R O D U C T I O N
What if I told you the most sacred space on earth is not a cathedral, a cemetery, or a sunrise over the ocean—but you? Paul reminds us that God has chosen to dwell in His people by His Spirit, making us His holy temple. That truth is both comforting and sobering: comforting because we are never alone, sobering because God calls us to live in holiness and build wisely for eternity.
What stood out to you from this week’s message?
I N T O T H E W O R D
Read 1 Corinthians 3:16–17; John 14:16–17; Romans 8:9–11.
What does it mean for the Holy Spirit to “dwell” in us rather than just “visit”? What are the practical implications of this? How does this change the way we think about our daily lives—at home, at school, or at work?
Read 1 Corinthians 3:16–17 (again); 2 Corinthians 6:16; Ephesians 2:19–22.
Paul speaks in the plural (“you all are God’s temple”). How does this shape the way we think about the church community? What does it look like to treat one another as God’s holy temple?
Read 1 Corinthians 3:10–15; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Romans 14:12.
Paul warns that God will inspect what we “build” with our lives. What are some things we can build that last into eternity? What are some things we’re tempted to build that will not last? How can we help each other build with humility, faith, and love?
E M B R A C E A N D E M B O D Y
(Essentials: Seek God Daily and Build Deep Relationships)
This week, remember that God’s presence is not far away—He dwells in you. You are His temple, both individually and together as the church. Seeking God daily means cultivating Holy Spirit-awareness in ordinary life. Building deep relationships means honoring one another as God’s holy dwelling. Commit as a group to begin each day this week by praying: “Holy Spirit, help me to live today as Your temple. Make me aware of Your presence and help me build my life with what lasts.”
Reflect as a group:
• Where in your life do you need to be more aware of the Holy Spirit’s presence?
• How might your relationships in the church look different if you saw others as God’s temple?
• What’s one way you can build wisely for eternity this week?
G R O U P P R A Y E R P R A C T I C E : S C R I P T U R E M E D I T A T I O N
• Begin with silence, inviting the Holy Spirit to remind the group of His presence.
• Slowly read 1 Corinthians 3:16–17 aloud two times.
• Pause and ask: “Holy Spirit, what word, phrase, or truth do You want me to carry into my week?”
• Allow space for silence, then invite those who want to share.
• Close by thanking God for dwelling in His people. Ask the Holy Spirit to make you tangibly aware of His presence throughout your week.
C L O S I N G P R A Y E R
Holy Spirit, thank You that we are Your temple, both individually and together as Your people. Thank You for making Your home in us, for Your nearness and power. Help us to live in a manner pleasing to You, to guard the holiness of our lives and our church family, and to build with what will last for eternity. May our lives reflect the hope of Jesus in all that we do. In His name, Amen.
