Key Thought : The heavenly temple is the original, the model for the Israelite sanctuary. The relationship between the two is called typology.

[Lesson plan for Heaven on Earth October 7, 2013]

1. Have a volunteer read Hebrews 9:23,24.

a. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
b. Is the earthly tabernacle a carbon copy of the heavenly? Does the earthly sanctuary really look like the heavenly?
c. Personal Application : If Jesus is our High Priest, what functions does He perform in your behalf? Share your thoughts.
d. Case Study : One of your relatives states: “How does what happened in the earthly sanctuary sacrifices and offerings help us understand what Jesus is doing in heaven? I thought He didn’t do anything but sit next to the Father. He certainly isn’t offering up sacrifices every day.” How would you respond to your relative?

2. Have a volunteer read John 2:19-21

a. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
b. Why does Jesus compare the earthly temple to His bodily temple?
c. Personal Application : Does the church serve as an earthly tabernacle? Why or why not? Share your thoughts.
d. Case Study : One of your friends states, “Isn’t the heavenly temple a place of judgment where God is evaluating people and all their sins and faults?” How would you respond to your friend?

3. Have a volunteer read I Corinthians 6:15-18

a. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
b. What does it mean that our earthly bodies are the temple of God?
c. Personal Application : Why is God so concerned about our sexual purity in reference to our body temple? Share.
d. Case Study : One of your neighbors states, “How do we glorify God in our bodies and spirit? Why does the presence of the Holy Ghost in our lives make us a temple?” How would you respond to your neighbor?

4. Have a volunteer read Revelation 7:15-17.

a. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
b. How are we considered priests of God? How will we serve God day and night in His temple? Or is this just for a select few?
c. Personal Application: How does knowing sanctuary typology help you to become a better Christian? Share your thoughts.
d. Case Study : Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with them.

(Note : “Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared.” MH p. 149.

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