SEARCH Lesson 132 – Respect for Things Holy

Key Verse

Lord, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth.
— Psalm 26:8

God’s House

2 Chronicles 5:11-14; Matthew 21:12-16
  • 1 Chronicles 29:1-9
  • Isaiah 56:7
  • 1 Timothy 3:14-15

A house of prayer! Yes, that is what God wants His house to be called. God’s plan, which He gave to Moses, included the construction of a church in the wilderness—a tabernacle with a place where God’s presence would dwell. Today, God desires His presence to be in every church and in every life. If the manner of worship and respect for God’s House is followed as prescribed in His Word, God is pleased to dwell in that church.

QUESTIONS

  1. Hebrews 10:25 cautions us against “forsaking the assembling of ourselves together.” This shows us the importance of attending church. What are some of the blessings or benefits of church attendance?
  2. Jesus drove out the money-changers and condemned other vices which corrupted His Temple. In reading Ecclesiastes 5:1-2, what instruction is given concerning our conversation in His House?
  3. In what way can we honor God’s House other than by our attendance and watching our conversation? See 2 Chronicles 29:15.
  4. In what ways might a person, knowingly or unknowingly, dishonor the house of God by his behavior?
  5. When the Temple which Solomon built was dedicated, the trumpeters and singers were as one—unity prevailed. The unity of the worshipers brought an overwhelming demonstration of God’s glory. God’s glory, or presence, is just as surely in His house today, and because His presence is there His house should be honored. Describe how you think a church service would be carried out if Christ were visibly present.
  6. The names of six individuals are listed below. They are famous or infamous characters, depending on their attitudes toward God’s House and holy things. Tell what each did, and the result of his/her action.
    Nadab and Abihu — Leviticus 10:1-2
    King Josiah — 2 Kings 23:1-3; 2 Chronicles 34:26-28
    King Uzziah — 2 Chronicles 26:16-20
    King Hezekiah — Isaiah 37:14-15,33-35
    Anna — Luke 2:36-38
  7. How can these people be examples to us today?
  8. How much money did King David give toward the building of God’s House? Why do you feel he gave such a large amount?
  9. David’s generosity affected his countrymen and they also offered willingly for God’s House: 5,000 talents and 10,000 drams of gold, 10,000 talents of silver, 18,000 talents of brass, 100,000 talents of iron, also precious stones. The people rejoiced and King David rejoiced with great joy. What does this tell us about the value of a good example in regard to honoring God’s House?

 

THEME THOUGHTS
How do you treat your Bible? Is it just another book that is tucked casually between a couple of others on your bookshelf, or hidden under a couple of magazines on your night stand? How do you act in church? Is it a place that you honor, or do you consider it merely another building? How do you use the Lord’s name? Is it thrown lightly into your conversation, and used as just another word to express your feelings? Is prayer a vital part of your life? Or do you resort to prayer only when you want something from God, or when you have a problem you can’t handle by yourself?Your answers to these questions can help you to zero in on the theme for this quarter—Respect for Things Holy.Just what is the definition of the word “respect”? Webster informs us that it means, “to feel or show honor or esteem for something.” Respect for the things of God and the principles outlined in His Word are of vital importance to the Christian. “Why?” you might ask.Let’s SEARCH for the answer to that question as we study these lessons together.

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