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D.L. Moody

Praising God With One Heart

The sermon emphasizes the believer's identity as the Temple of the Holy Ghost, with the Spirit's presence and power, and the responsibility to glorify God.
D.L. Moody emphasizes the unity and power of praising God with one heart, drawing parallels between the dedication of Solomon's Temple and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in believers today. He explains that believers are now the Temple of the Holy Ghost, filled with the Spirit's presence since Pentecost, and that the Holy Spirit empowers them to overcome worldly challenges. Moody highlights the importance of recognizing every believer as a temple of the Holy Ghost, urging them to glorify God in their bodies and spirits. He warns that while the Holy Spirit dwells in every believer, many do not experience His power fully. The sermon calls for a deeper understanding and acknowledgment of the Spirit's presence in the lives of Christians.

Text

We find, the very moment that Solomon completed the Temple, when all was finished, they were just praising God with one heart - the choristers and the singers and the ministers were all one; there was not any discord; they were all praising God, and the glory of God came and just filled the Temple as the Tabernacle. Now, as you turn over into the New Testament, you will find, instead of coming to Tabernacles and Temples, believers are now the Temple of the Holy Ghost. When on the day of Pentecost, before Peter preached that memorable sermon, as they were praying, the Holy Ghost came, and came in mighty power. We now pray for the spirit of God to come and we sing:

"Come, Holy Spirit, heavenly dove, With all thy quickening power; Kindle a flame of heavenly love In these cold hearts of ours.

I believe, if we understand it, it is perfectly right; but if we are praying for Him to come out of heaven down to earth again, that is wrong, because He is already here; He has not been out of this earth 1800 years; He has been in the Church, and He is with all believers; the believers in the Church are the called-out ones; they are called out from the world, and every true believer is a Temple for the Holy Ghost to dwell in. In the 14th chapter of John, 17th verse, we have the words of Jesus:

"The Spirit of Truth, whom the world can not receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him; but ye know Him, for He dwelleth in you."

"Greater is He that is in you than He that is in the World." If we have the Spirit dwelling in us, He gives us power over the flesh and the world, and over every enemy. "He is dwelling with you, and shall be in you." Read 1st Corinthians 3:16:

"Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?"

There were some men burying an aged saint some time ago, and he was very poor, like many of God's people, poor in this world, but they are very rich, they have all the riches on the other side of life - they have them laid up there where thieves can not get them, and where sharpers can not take them away from them, and where moth can not corrupt - so this aged man was very rich in the other world, and they were just hastening him off to the grave, wanting to get rid of him, when and old minister who was officiating at the grave, said, "Tread softly, for you are carrying the temple of the Holy Ghost." Whenever you see a believer, you see a temple of the Holy Ghost.

In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, we read again:

"Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own for ye are bought with a price, therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's."

Thus are we taught that there is a divine resident in every child of God. I think it is clearly taught in the Scripture that every believer has the Holy Ghost dwelling in him. He may be quenching the Spirit of God, and he may not glorify God as he should, but if he is a believer on the Lord Jesus Christ, the Holy Ghost dwells in him. But I want to call your attention to another fact. I believe today, that though Christian men and women have the Holy Spirit dwelling in them, yet He is not dwelling within them in power; in other words, God has a great many sons and daughters without power.

Sermon Outline

  1. The Temple of the Holy Ghost
  2. The Holy Spirit's Presence
  3. The Believer's Responsibility
  4. Glorifying God
  5. Quenching the Spirit

Key Quotes

“The Spirit of Truth, whom the world can not receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him; but ye know Him, for He dwelleth in you.” — D.L. Moody
“Greater is He that is in you than He that is in the World.” — D.L. Moody
“Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” — D.L. Moody

Application Points

  • As believers, we have the Holy Spirit dwelling in us, giving us power over the flesh and the world.
  • We must glorify God in our bodies and spirits, using them for His honor and glory.
  • Quenching the Spirit can occur when we do not live in obedience to God or honor Him in our lives.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the Temple in the Old Testament?
The Temple represented God's presence and holiness, and the people's worship and praise.
How does the New Testament view the believer as the Temple of the Holy Ghost?
The believer is seen as a dwelling place for the Holy Spirit, with the Spirit's power and presence.
What is the importance of glorifying God in our bodies and spirits?
It is a responsibility of believers to honor God and use their bodies and spirits for His glory.
Can a believer quench the Spirit of God?
Yes, a believer can quench the Spirit by not glorifying God or living in disobedience.
What is the relationship between the Holy Spirit and the believer?
The Holy Spirit dwells in every believer, giving them power and presence, but may not be fully experienced or utilized.

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