Introduction: Verse Mapping 2 Corinthians 6:16
In this blog post, we will explore verse map 2 Corinthians 6:16 using the DEEP Bible Study Method and the SOAKER verse mapping process: Spend time in prayer, Open His Word, Ask questions, Keep His Word before you, Enlighten, and Respond.
What agreement can exist between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said, ‘I will dwell with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be My people.’ (BSB)
Grab your Bible, and let’s map this verse together! 📝
🙏S: Spend Time in Prayer
Before we dive into the Word, it’s crucial to center ourselves in prayer, asking God to reveal His truth. Let’s pray together:
Father, we come to You right now in the name of Jesus. Thank You for Your Word, which is truth and life. We ask You to reveal to us what You would have us learn today. We give You all the praise and glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
📖 O – Open His Word
Now, let’s open 2 Corinthians 6:16 in a few translations to get a fuller picture:
- BSB: “What agreement can exist between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said, ‘I will dwell with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be My people.'”
- ERV: “God’s temple cannot have anything to do with idols, and we are the temple of the living God. As God has said, ‘I will live with them and walk with them. I will be their God, and they will be My people.'”
- Amplified Classic: “What agreement can there be between a temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God, even as God has said, ‘I will dwell in and with and among them, and will walk in and with and among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.'”
When we read different translations, it highlights various shades of meaning. The phrases “dwell among them” and “walk with them” emphasize the closeness and intimacy of God’s presence. 👣💞
This verse is connected to Leviticus 26:11-12, where God promises, “I will set my dwelling in and among you, and My soul shall not despise or reject or separate itself from you.”
Explore more translations of 2 Corinthians 6:16 on Biblehub.com
❓A – Ask Questions (Who, What, Where, When, Why)
To deepen our understanding, let’s ask some key questions:
- What does it mean to be the temple of the living God?
As believers, we are God’s dwelling place 🏛️. His Spirit lives within us, making us holy and set apart (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). - Why must we avoid idols?
Anything we place above God becomes an idol. 🚫 Exodus 20:3-5 and 1 John 5:21 warn us to have no other gods and to guard ourselves from idols. We must be completely devoted to God, reflecting His holiness in our lives.
For additional guidance on verse mapping, check out this helpful guide to Bible verse mapping.
📌K – Keep the Word Before You
Keeping God’s Word in front of you helps it dwell richly in your heart and mind
(Colossians 3:16). Here are some practical ways:
- 📱Wallpaper: Download the scripture wallpaper for your phone to keep this verse before your eyes.
- 🖼️ Chalkboard: Write this verse on a chalkboard and place it somewhere you’ll see it daily.
- 📒 Notebook: Create a weekly scripture notebook where you can write and meditate on a verse throughout the week.
💡E – Enlighten
Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal deeper truths from this passage. Here’s what He revealed to me:
We are the temple of the living God—this is both a privilege and a responsibility 🙏🏽. God’s presence in our lives demands holiness. We cannot serve both God and idols. Romans 12:1 calls us to present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God.
❤️R – Respond to Scripture
Let’s respond with a heart of surrender and a prayer of commitment:
Father, I am so grateful to be Your child and to carry Your presence within me. Help me live a life that reflects Your holiness. Show me any idols in my life, and help me remove anything that takes Your place. Thank You for making me Your temple. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 🙌
As We Dive Deeper… 🏊♂️
Let’s reflect on additional scriptures that support our identity as God’s temple:
- 1 Peter 1:15-16: “But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.'”
- 2 Corinthians 7:1: “Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.”
- Ephesians 2:22: “In Him, you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by His Spirit.”
A Helpful Resource for Your Study
One last thing I wanted to share with you is a particular tool that I enjoy using when studying the Bible, and that is the Study Bible with John MacArthur. 📚 It’s packed with cross-references and commentary that enrich your study of God’s Word. If you’re looking for a Bible study app that helps with cross-referencing and includes solid commentary, check out the Grace to You Bible App here. It’s a helpful resource for diving deeper into the scriptures and drawing out the full meaning of the text.
Happy Diving! 🌊✨
For a deeper dive, check out the video where we walk you step-by-step through the DEEP Bible Study Method Verse Map.
