What does it mean to be a temple of God?

 Read 2 Corinthians 6.

"We are the temple of the living God." (v.16b) 

This is not the first time Paul has written that.  In 1 Corinthians 6:19, he wrote, "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you...?"  Believers are indwelt by the Spirit at the moment they place their eternal faith in Jesus (Romans 8:9).  He is the seal and guarantee of our salvation.  God is omnipresent, but this underscores the special relationship true Christians have with the Lord.  It also should cause us to be circumspect in how we live 24/7. 

In the first half of this chapter, the Apostle again defended his ministry to the Corinthians.  His heart was transparent and wide open to them.  Now, he asked they do the same for him. (vv.11-13).  But this would require some changes on their part.  They would have to break off listening and tolerating those who had swayed them from the truth.

1. Paul's questions. (vv.14-15)
He asked six rapid fire questions to confront them about their behaviors toward those who do not know Jesus.  Notice the key words in the questions: yoked, partnership, fellowship, accord, portion, agreement.  Notice too the descriptions of those who do not share our common faith: unbelievers, lawlessness, darkness, Belial (worthless person or Satan), unbeliever, idols. 

2. Paul's quotes. (vv.16-18)
Next, the Holy Spirit guided Paul back to passages from Leviticus 26:12 and Isaiah 52:11.  God sovereignly chose the people of Israel to be His own representatives on earth.  They were to live like holy people of God.  That means they were not to act like the pagan peoples around them.  Their mission was to be an influence for the Lord and not to be influenced by evil.  The call was to "go out from their midst," "and be separate," "and touch no unclean thing."  Believers are in the world but not of the world.  The world should readily see the difference Christ has made in our lives.  When those without Jesus cannot see a difference in us, there is a spiritual problem.

3. God's promises. (vv.16-18)
With this call to separation comes seven promises to us from the Lord.  Blessings follow obedience.
"I will make my dwelling among them."
"I will walk among them."
"I will be their God."
"They shall be my people."
"I will welcome you."
"I will be a father to you."
"You shall be sons and daughters to me."

4. Our responsibilities. (7:1)
"Since we have these promises..."
-"Let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of the body and spirit..."  First, sin must be confessed and forsaken.  God is waiting for us to agree with Him so He can "cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9)
-"bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God."  Once we have dealt with our sin, we are live holy, obedient lives, seeking to please the Lord in all things.