BUILDING THE HOUSE OF GOD

Bible Study: BUILDING THE HOUSE OF GOD

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Haggai 1:8
"Go up to the mountains and bring down timber and build the house, so that I may take pleasure in it and be honoured," says the Lord.

Supporting Texts:
1 Corinthians 3:9-11
Ephesians 2:19-22
Matthew 16:18
Zechariah 4:6-10
Nehemiah 2:17-18

INTRODUCTION:
Building the house of God is not merely a physical task but a spiritual responsibility given to believers. The Church, as the temple of the Holy Spirit, is called to be a place where God's presence dwells and His glory is manifested. This Bible study explores what it means to build the house of God—both in terms of physical structures and in the lives of believers. We will examine how we can contribute to the growth and establishment of God’s house, both spiritually and physically.

1. UNDERSTANDING THE HOUSE OF GOD
Before we can build, we need to understand what the house of God truly is.

a) The Church as God’s Dwelling Place: The house of God is not limited to physical buildings but includes the people of God who are His temple (1 Corinthians 3:16).

b) A Place of Worship and Fellowship: God’s house is where His people come together in unity to worship, fellowship, and be edified (Ephesians 2:19-22).

c) A Place of Prayer and Intercession: It is a place where believers come to seek God’s face, intercede for others, and receive strength (Matthew 21:13).

d) A Place of Service and Ministry: God’s house is where believers are equipped to serve and minister to others, extending His Kingdom (Ephesians 4:11-13).

e) Biblical Example: The temple in Jerusalem was built to be a dwelling place for God, a place where His people would gather to honour Him and receive His presence (1 Kings 6:12-13).

2. THE SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE OF BUILDING GOD'S HOUSE
Building God's house is a spiritual act that requires commitment, faith, and obedience.

a) Building Through Evangelism and Discipleship: The Church grows as people come to know Christ and are discipled in His ways (Matthew 28:19-20).

b) Building Through Prayer and Intercession: Prayer is essential for the growth of the Church. As we pray, we invite God's power to work in the Church and in our communities (Zechariah 4:6).

c) Building Through the Word of God: The foundation of the house of God is built upon the Word of God, which strengthens, edifies, and equips believers (Acts 20:32).

d) Building Through Love and Unity: The strength of the Church lies in the unity of its members. The house of God is built when believers love one another and live in harmony (John 13:34-35).

e) Biblical Example: Nehemiah's leadership in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem exemplifies how spiritual dedication and teamwork contribute to building the house of God (Nehemiah 2:17-18).

3. THE PHYSICAL ASPECTS OF BUILDING GOD'S HOUSE
While the Church is primarily a spiritual entity, there are physical aspects that need attention in the process of building God’s house.

a) Providing for the Needs of the Church: Building God’s house involves meeting the physical needs, such as providing resources, facilities, and materials for worship and ministry (Haggai 1:8).

b) Stewardship of God’s Resources: The resources provided by God are to be used wisely for the advancement of His Kingdom. Good stewardship is key in maintaining and growing the physical house of God (Matthew 25:14-30).

c) Creating a Conducive Environment for Worship: The physical building should be a place that fosters an atmosphere conducive to worship, prayer, and fellowship (Exodus 25:8-9).

d) Maintaining the House of God: Just as we care for our homes, the physical house of God needs upkeep to ensure it remains a place of honour and reverence (Nehemiah 2:17).

e) Biblical Example: King David’s desire to build a temple for the Lord reflects the importance of providing a physical space for God’s presence to dwell (1 Chronicles 28:2-3).

4. THE ROLE OF BELIEVERS IN BUILDING GOD'S HOUSE
Every believer has a part to play in building the house of God. It is a collective responsibility.

a) Participating in the Work of the Church: Every member is called to actively participate in the life and ministry of the Church, using their gifts and talents (1 Corinthians 12:4-7).

b) Supporting the Vision of the Church: Believers are called to support the vision of the Church and work together to fulfil God’s purposes for the community (Nehemiah 2:18).

c) Giving Generously to the Church: Part of building God’s house involves financial contributions that support the ministry and upkeep of the church building (2 Corinthians 9:6-7).

d) Praying for the Success of the Church: Believers must pray for the Church to grow, be strengthened, and fulfill its calling in the world (1 Timothy 2:1-2).

e) Biblical Example: The early Church in Acts 2:42-47 demonstrated the importance of believers being active participants in building the house of God through their fellowship, prayers, and sharing of resources.

5. THE REWARDS OF BUILDING GOD’S HOUSE
Building God’s house brings both spiritual and eternal rewards.

a) Spiritual Fulfillment: There is great joy and satisfaction in knowing that we are participating in God’s work and fulfilling His purposes (John 4:36).

b) Strengthening the Body of Christ: As believers contribute to building the house of God, the Church becomes stronger, more united, and better equipped to reach the world (Ephesians 4:12-16).

c) Blessing and Prosperity: Those who actively build God’s house will experience God’s blessings, both spiritually and materially, as they invest in His Kingdom (Malachi 3:10).

d) Eternal Rewards: Every effort made in building God’s house will be rewarded in eternity, as God honours the faithful service of His people (1 Corinthians 3:12-15).

e) Biblical Example: Solomon’s dedication to building the temple in Jerusalem brought great honour to God, and he received divine wisdom and blessing as a result (1 Kings 3:10-13).

CONCLUSION:
Building the house of God is a sacred responsibility that involves both spiritual and practical aspects. It is not limited to physical construction but extends to the spiritual development of believers and the advancement of God's Kingdom. Each believer is called to play an active role in this process, whether through evangelism, prayer, stewardship, or service. As we build God's house, we bring glory to Him and position ourselves to receive His blessings and eternal rewards.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, help me to understand my role in building Your house.

2. Father, empower the Church to grow spiritually and physically for Your glory.

3. Lord, give me a heart of service to participate in the work of Your Kingdom.

4. Father, help us to support the vision of the Church and work together in unity.

5. Lord, provide the resources needed to build and maintain Your house.

6. Father, strengthen our leaders and give them wisdom to guide us in building Your house.

7. Lord, help me to be a faithful steward of the resources You have given for the advancement of Your Kingdom.

8. Father, let our prayers and intercessions bring about the growth and success of the Church.

9. Lord, bless the work of our hands as we serve in building Your house.

10. Father, reward every effort made in building Your house, both now and in eternity.