Were the carnal Corinthians temples of the living God?
Yes. Even the carnal believers at Corinth were temples of the living God, because God Himself dwells in the believer's body. This indwelling is a New Testament doctrine taught only by Paul, received by faith, not by feeling. Their carnality affected reward, not their standing as God's temple.
Les explains that the Corinthians were not spiritual giants but carnal believers, still on the milk bottle and unable to eat strong meat. Even so, Paul admonishes them that reward is out there for them too, and they will be present in eternity, though perhaps with nothing to go along with it. Then in verse 16 Paul introduces a completely new doctrine: God Himself is dwelling in this body. This truth is not found in the Old Testament, nor taught by Jesus or Peter, but only by Paul. It must be taken by faith, because you do not feel Him move in or move around in you; He is there because the Book says He is. Les reminds us that even these Corinthians were temples of the living God.
Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
More Questions
How are believers the temple of God in 1 Corinthians 3:16?
Believers are the temple of God, his dwelling place, because the Spirit of God dwells in them.
What does 1 Corinthians 3:16 teach about who is God's temple?
Les teaches from 1 Corinthians 3:16 that believers are the temple and dwelling place of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in them.