Holy Monday
Today's message focuses on Holy Monday and draws a parallel between Jacob cleaning the sanctuary and Jesus cleansing the temple of money changers and merchants. The pastor emphasizes that we, as believers, are now the temple of the Holy Spirit and should examine our lives for areas where we may have 'robbed God' or allowed inappropriate things into our spiritual temple.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, as we gather to discuss Your Word, we ask that You would open our hearts and minds to examine ourselves honestly. Help us to be receptive to Your Spirit's guidance and to learn from one another. Guide our conversation and reveal areas where we need Your cleansing touch. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Key Verses
Questions
What similarities do you see between physical cleaning and spiritual cleansing?
Why do you think Jesus responded so strongly to what was happening in the temple?
In what ways can we 'rob God' in our modern context?
What does it mean to you personally to be the 'temple of the Holy Spirit'?
What are some things that can clutter our spiritual lives and need to be 'cleaned out'?
How can we maintain spiritual cleanliness in our daily lives?
What role does regular self-examination play in our spiritual growth?
How can we help each other maintain pure hearts and minds as believers?
Life Application
Today, take 15 minutes to do a spiritual inventory. Write down anything that may be cluttering your spiritual life or hindering your relationship with God. Pray specifically about these items and make a concrete plan to address at least one of them.
Key Takeaways
Jesus demonstrated righteous anger when His Father's house was misused
As believers, we are now the temple of the Holy Spirit
Regular spiritual cleansing and self-examination are essential
God desires purity and holiness in our lives
We must be intentional about maintaining our spiritual temple
Ending Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for showing us the importance of maintaining purity in Your temple. As we are Your temple now, help us to be diligent in examining our hearts and removing anything that doesn't honor You. Give us the strength and wisdom to keep our spiritual lives clean and focused on You. In Your holy name we pray, Amen.