God’s Big Project | The Temple in Our Hearts

Last week, I had the chance to visit the Philadelphia Flower Show with Jess and my parents. Walking among the vibrant floral displays, I marveled at the sheer amount of time, skill, and preparation that went into creating such breathtaking beauty. Some of the larger exhibits took over 500 man-hours to design and set up! As I took a deep breath, the sweet fragrance of hyacinths filled the air—a small but profound reminder of the meticulous care and artistry involved in their creation.

This experience set the stage for today's message in our God As King series, as we explore the construction of Solomon’s temple in 1 Kings 6. Just like the flower show, but on an infinitely grander scale, the temple was a masterpiece of design, purpose, and divine intent—a project that would symbolize God’s presence among His people.

Before diving into 1 Kings 6, let's look at the context:

• In 1 Kings 4, Solomon’s reign is described as a golden era of peace and prosperity.
• In 1 Kings 5, Solomon secures an international business deal with Hiram, king of Tyre, to gather the best materials for the temple’s construction.

These details set the stage for God’s Big Project—the building of His holy dwelling place in Jerusalem.


The fact that the temple’s construction is linked to Israel’s exodus is significant:

• It shows that God keeps His promises—delivering His people from slavery and bringing them to a place of rest and worship.
• It illustrates God’s purpose for His people—to move from bondage to freedom, oppression to peace, and scarcity to abundance.
• It reflects our own spiritual journey—we are all a work in progress, being built into a dwelling place for God’s Spirit (Ephesians 2:22).

Here at KOP Vineyard, we embrace this process. I’ve joked, “Come in as a hot mess, leave as a warm mess”—but that’s growth! God is restoring and reshaping each of us, just as He shaped Israel through the temple.

The temple was carefully designed with three levels of access—each representing a deeper level of closeness with God:

1. The Outer Court – where the people gathered.  
2. The Holy Place – where only priests could enter.  
3. The Most Holy Place (Holy of Holies) – where the Ark of the Covenant was placed, representing God's direct presence.
   
   

This structure reflects Jesus’ own ministry:

• He had the crowds, the seventy-two, the twelve disciples, and His inner circle (Peter, James, and John).
• Our relationship with God works the same way—we are all invited into His presence, but the depth of our experience depends on our pursuit of Him.
  
  

James 4:8 reminds us:


God invites us into a deeper relationship—but that journey requires commitment, surrender, and obedience.

1 Kings 6:14-18 describes the inside of the temple, lined with cedar wood and covered in gold—a powerful image of God’s work within us.

• Cedarwood represents strength and beauty, which God wants to build inside our hearts.
• Gold represents purity, value, and permanence—symbolizing a heart filled with faith, wisdom, and God’s presence.
  
  

Just like the temple, our inner lives matter most to God. This Lenten season, we are called to examine what we are building within: 
 

• Are we filling our hearts with God’s Word or just worldly distractions?
• Are we cultivating a spirit of worship, or do worry and fear consume us?
• Are we embracing God’s restoration or clinging to the past?
  
  

If we wouldn’t dump trash onto our dinner plates, our beds, or in front of guests—why do we allow spiritual junk into our hearts?

One way to “overlay your heart with gold” is to memorize scripture. Start with Psalm 23 or Colossians 3:1—17, and let these words shape and refine your spirit.

As we close, let’s look at one more powerful detail:

The temple was adorned with cherubim (heavenly beings), palm trees, and flowers—all rich in symbolism:

• Cherubim represent God’s holiness and presence.
• Palm trees symbolize blessing, fruitfulness, and new life.
• Flowers remind us of Eden—the place where heaven and earth were one.
  
  

The temple was designed to reflect God’s ultimate plan: bringing heaven to earth—and that plan starts in us.

• God is building something in you just as He did in Solomon’s time.
• Your inner life is meant to flourish, filled with strength, beauty, and the presence of God.
• Heaven begins in the hearts of His people.
  
  

This week, ask yourself: What is God constructing in me?

Let’s dedicate this season to building well—with prayer, worship, and trust—so that our lives can reflect the gold, strength, and beauty of His eternal kingdom.

Lord, give us discerning hearts filled with Your wisdom and presence. Make us a dwelling place for Your Spirit. Amen.

For our nation – that leaders would have wisdom and discernment.

For our church – for God’s abundant provision.

For our city (Philadelphia) – for peace and safety on every side.