Sermon Notes 31 August 2025

Pastor Ryan Perry Sermon 31 August 2025

Big Idea
The first temple wasn’t built of stone or gold — it was a garden. Eden was God’s sanctuary where humanity was called to live as priests in His presence. Though sin exiled us, Jesus restores us to God’s dwelling.

1. Eden Was God’s First Temple

• Genesis 2:8 – Eden = gan (enclosed, protected sanctuary).
• Eden was not just a garden — it was a cosmic sanctuary.

2. Temple Parallels in Eden

• Tree of Life → Holy of Holies (Gen. 2:9; Rev. 22:2).
• River of Eden → Temple laver & living waters (Gen. 2:10; Ezek. 47; Rev. 22:1).
• Precious Stones → Priestly garments (Gen. 2:12; Exod. 28:17–20).
• Cherubim guarding → Ark guardians (Gen. 3:24; Exod. 25:18–20).

3. Humanity’s Calling

• Genesis 2:15 – To avad (serve like priests) and shamar (guard God’s dwelling).
• Our original purpose: to worship, serve, and reflect God’s glory.

4. Sin Brings Exile

• Genesis 3:23–24 – Humanity driven out, cherubim guard the way back.
• Sin = separation from God’s presence.

5. Jesus Restores Eden

• John 1:14 – The Word tabernacled among us.
• John 2:19 – Jesus is the true temple.
• Revelation 22 – The tree and river of life return in the New Jerusalem.
• Where Adam failed, Jesus succeeded. What sin exiled, Christ restores.

Application: Living as God’s Temple

• Time – Reordered around God’s presence (Ps. 27:4).
• Relationships – Serving others as a royal priesthood (1 Pet. 2:9).
• Work – Every task as worship (Col. 3:23).
• Struggles – Seen in light of eternal glory (2 Cor. 4:16–18).

VERSES:

• Genesis 2:8-15
• Revelation 22:1-2
• Ezekiel 47
• Exodus 28:17–20
• Genesis 3:23-24
• Exodus 25:18–20
• John 1:14
• John 2:19
• Psalm 27:4
• 1 Peter 2:9
• Colossians 3:23
• 2 Corinthians 4:16–18