Embracing the Body: A Spiritual Journey
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the deeper questions surrounding the role of our bodies in our spiritual lives. While many often focus on surface-level inquiries like whether Christians can have tattoos, drink alcohol, or use tobacco, the more profound question is about the significance of our bodies in our spirituality. Our bodies are not just physical entities; they are temples of the Holy Spirit, as stated in 1 Corinthians 6:19. This understanding elevates the importance of how we treat our bodies, not just in terms of health, but as vessels that carry the Spirit of God.
The sermon delved into the dual nature of the flesh as described in the Bible. On one hand, the flesh refers to our physical bodies, which can be weak and prone to temptation. On the other hand, it represents our spiritual inclination towards self-centeredness and sin, which opposes the Spirit of God. This internal battle is a universal human experience, transcending age, race, and background.
We also discussed the influence of ancient Greek philosophy, particularly Plato's view that the physical world is inferior to the spiritual realm. This perspective has historically led some to devalue the body, but the Bible offers a counter-narrative, emphasizing the sacredness of our physical form as a dwelling place for God's Spirit.
The sermon encouraged us to engage in spiritual disciplines to combat the flesh's desires. These practices, such as prayer and communal worship, nourish our spirits and align us with God's will. The importance of spiritual declaration was highlighted, particularly through the act of baptism, which symbolizes the renunciation of the flesh and the embrace of a new life in Christ.
Key Takeaways:
- The Body as a Temple: Our bodies are not merely physical entities but sacred temples of the Holy Spirit. This understanding calls us to honor our bodies in ways that reflect our relationship with God, recognizing their spiritual significance. [10:32]
- The Dual Nature of Flesh: The Bible describes the flesh in two ways: as our physical bodies and as our spiritual inclination towards self-centeredness. This duality highlights the internal struggle between our natural desires and the Spirit's call to holiness. [14:01]
- Spiritual Disciplines: Engaging in spiritual disciplines like prayer and worship helps us combat the desires of the flesh. These practices nourish our spirits and align us with God's will, providing strength to overcome our natural inclinations. [23:36]
- The Role of Baptism: Baptism is a powerful declaration of our commitment to live by the Spirit rather than the flesh. It symbolizes the renunciation of our old selves and the embrace of a new life in Christ, marking a significant spiritual transformation. [30:19]
- The Importance of Community: Participating in communal worship and spiritual gatherings provides nourishment for our spirits. The data supports that regular religious service attendance is associated with numerous benefits, including greater life satisfaction and spiritual growth. [27:30]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [05:50] - Introduction to Deeper Questions
- [10:32] - The Body as a Temple
- [14:01] - Understanding the Flesh
- [18:46] - Physical and Spiritual Nourishment
- [23:36] - Engaging in Spiritual Disciplines
- [27:30] - The Benefits of Community Worship
- [30:19] - The Significance of Baptism
- [35:20] - Renouncing the Flesh
- [40:00] - Spiritual Declaration and Transformation
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body."
2. Matthew 26:40-41 - "And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, 'So, could you not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.'"
3. Romans 6:3-4 - "Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life."
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Observation Questions:
1. According to 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, how does the Bible describe our bodies, and what implication does this have for how we should treat them? [10:32]
2. In Matthew 26:40-41, what does Jesus say about the spirit and the flesh, and how does this relate to the disciples' actions? [14:01]
3. How does the sermon describe the influence of ancient Greek philosophy on the perception of the body, and how does the Bible counter this view? [10:32]
4. What are some of the spiritual disciplines mentioned in the sermon that help combat the desires of the flesh? [23:36]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What does it mean for our bodies to be temples of the Holy Spirit, and how might this understanding affect a believer's daily life and decisions? [10:32]
2. How does the dual nature of the flesh, as both physical weakness and spiritual inclination towards self-centeredness, manifest in everyday life? [14:01]
3. In what ways does the act of baptism symbolize a believer's commitment to live by the Spirit rather than the flesh, according to Romans 6:3-4? [30:19]
4. How does communal worship and participation in spiritual gatherings contribute to spiritual growth and combat the desires of the flesh? [27:30]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current lifestyle. Are there ways you might be neglecting the idea that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit? What changes can you make to honor this belief more fully? [10:32]
2. Identify a specific area in your life where the "flesh is weak." What practical steps can you take this week to strengthen your spirit in this area? [14:01]
3. Consider the spiritual disciplines mentioned in the sermon, such as prayer and communal worship. Which of these practices can you commit to incorporating more regularly into your life, and how will you do so? [23:36]
4. How can you engage more deeply with your community of faith to experience the benefits of communal worship and spiritual growth? What specific actions will you take to be more involved? [27:30]
5. Reflect on your understanding of baptism. If you have been baptized, how does this commitment influence your daily choices? If you have not been baptized, what steps might you take to explore this declaration of faith? [30:19]
6. Think about a recent decision or action that was driven by self-centeredness. How can you approach similar situations in the future with a mindset that prioritizes God's will over personal desires? [14:01]
7. Identify one person in your life who might benefit from understanding the spiritual significance of the body as a temple. How can you share this insight with them in a meaningful way? [10:32]
Devotional
Day 1: Our Bodies as Sacred Temples
Our bodies are not merely physical entities but sacred temples of the Holy Spirit. This understanding calls us to honor our bodies in ways that reflect our relationship with God, recognizing their spiritual significance. The Bible teaches that our bodies are a dwelling place for God's Spirit, which elevates the importance of how we treat them. This perspective challenges us to consider not just our physical health but also how our actions and choices reflect our spiritual commitments. By viewing our bodies as temples, we are reminded of the profound connection between our physical existence and our spiritual journey. [10:32]
"Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you?" (1 Corinthians 3:16, ESV)
Reflection: How can you honor your body today as a temple of the Holy Spirit in both your actions and thoughts?
Day 2: The Dual Nature of Flesh
The Bible describes the flesh in two ways: as our physical bodies and as our spiritual inclination towards self-centeredness. This duality highlights the internal struggle between our natural desires and the Spirit's call to holiness. On one hand, our physical bodies can be weak and prone to temptation. On the other hand, the flesh represents our spiritual inclination towards self-centeredness and sin, which opposes the Spirit of God. This internal battle is a universal human experience, transcending age, race, and background. Understanding this dual nature helps us recognize the areas in our lives where we need to seek God's strength and guidance. [14:01]
"For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do." (Galatians 5:17, ESV)
Reflection: Identify a specific area in your life where you feel the tension between the desires of the flesh and the call of the Spirit. How can you invite God into this struggle today?
Day 3: Nourishing the Spirit through Spiritual Disciplines
Engaging in spiritual disciplines like prayer and worship helps us combat the desires of the flesh. These practices nourish our spirits and align us with God's will, providing strength to overcome our natural inclinations. Spiritual disciplines are not just religious routines; they are vital practices that help us grow closer to God and strengthen our spiritual resilience. By dedicating time to prayer, worship, and other spiritual activities, we create space for God to work in our lives and transform our hearts. These disciplines are essential for maintaining a healthy spiritual life and for resisting the temptations that arise from our fleshly desires. [23:36]
"But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified." (1 Corinthians 9:27, ESV)
Reflection: What spiritual discipline can you commit to practicing this week to nourish your spirit and align yourself more closely with God's will?
Day 4: Baptism as a Declaration of New Life
Baptism is a powerful declaration of our commitment to live by the Spirit rather than the flesh. It symbolizes the renunciation of our old selves and the embrace of a new life in Christ, marking a significant spiritual transformation. Through baptism, we publicly declare our faith and our intention to follow Jesus, leaving behind our old ways and embracing a new identity in Him. This act of obedience is a profound expression of our desire to live a life led by the Spirit, and it serves as a reminder of the transformative power of God's grace in our lives. [30:19]
"We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life." (Romans 6:4, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on your own baptism or the concept of baptism. How does this act of faith continue to influence your daily walk with Christ?
Day 5: The Power of Community Worship
Participating in communal worship and spiritual gatherings provides nourishment for our spirits. The data supports that regular religious service attendance is associated with numerous benefits, including greater life satisfaction and spiritual growth. Being part of a faith community offers support, encouragement, and accountability, helping us to grow in our relationship with God and with others. Through communal worship, we experience the presence of God in a unique way and are reminded of the importance of fellowship in our spiritual journey. This shared experience strengthens our faith and helps us to live out our beliefs in a supportive environment. [27:30]
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)
Reflection: How can you actively participate in your faith community this week to encourage and be encouraged in your spiritual journey?
Quotes
"Is it okay for a Christian to get a tattoo? What about drinking? Can someone be a Christian and drink? And what about tobacco? All these sort of things are lumped together. And let me just, this is not the question we're looking at today. I'm going to tell you there's a deeper question underneath that, but let me just tick these three questions off real, real easy just so you're settled. Like, yeah, it's a good one. So first of all, tattoos are fine so long as you're not worshiping an ancestor." [00:02:08] (34 seconds)
"The Bible was written with the backdrop of ancient Greek philosophy. The Bible is actually written in Greek. It was written to Greek-speaking people, or at least translated for Greek-speaking people. And the ancient Greeks, they were very influenced by Plato, who was one of the greatest philosophers of their time, of all time. And Plato believed that our body was matter that was not really true, that our body wasn't valuable, that what was really valuable was in heaven." [00:07:53] (33 seconds)
"Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God, and you're not of your own, for you are bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. This verse says this is not just only not flesh, like low flesh, this is actually a temple. Early Christians were asked, well, where do you go to worship your God? We don't have a temple. What do you mean you don't have a temple? Well, my God lives here." [00:09:45] (35 seconds)
"Do I want a pack of cigarettes a day in there? Probably not. Do I want a chocolate cake every day in there? Probably not. Do I want a whole bag of cheese curls? Probably not. You know? But the question behind the question isn't like, what's the healthy thing for me? What do I want to do? The question is like, what's the best, most honorable use for my body? Because my body, if you become a follower of Christ, He deposits His Spirit in you and the Spirit lives inside of you, a temple." [00:12:19] (35 seconds)
"But I want to talk about the other aspect of flesh that's talked about throughout the Bible that if you don't understand what's being said, you might miss it. The other aspect of flesh is the spiritual inclination that we have to be about ourselves and not be about God. The default mode of pleasing myself instead of pleasing God. The drive, the drive I have to be about my own stuff and my own feelings instead of God's stuff and God's feelings." [00:13:41] (35 seconds)
"One of the reasons why we do camps around here isn't just because it's really fun to detach. That is great. But it's also a reason to get nourished. By the way, time is running out for couples camp. If you are a married couple, I'm just telling you, there's nothing better you're going to do all year than come to this year's couples camp. It's going to be amazing. We've made a lot of changes. I have friends of mine who lead, they do what's called family life ministry." [00:19:05] (29 seconds)
"We are not physical beings with spiritual properties. We're actually spiritual beings with physical properties. You are wired for the spiritual world. You are wired to operate in it. And you do, whether you like it or not. But sometimes when we have the handles, the right handle holds, it can make a difference for giving us actual success. Galatians 5, 16 to 17 says this, But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." [00:21:52] (31 seconds)
"Even if you came to know Christ, your flesh is still wreaking havoc on you. It's like a chicken. I've never done this myself, but from what I understand, if you take a chicken to the farm and you cut its head off, it still runs around and squawks. It's dead, but it's still running around making a mess. That's what happens when Jesus comes in your life. He kills the works of the evil one. You are his instead of the evil ones." [00:23:10] (27 seconds)
"Sometimes we just want the basic question, can I have a tattoo or not? Yeah, so I'm giving you deeper questions, the questions that really matter. Whether you have or don't have a tattoo is not going to impact your spiritual life. It's not going to impact whether you get to heaven or not. It's not going to impact you having a peace that passes all understanding. It's not going to impact whether you have a power that's beyond your normal flesh." [00:23:43] (25 seconds)
"The war of our flesh against the spirit. The flesh makes excuses. Well, you know, that's your truth. Flesh makes excuses. Well, I can't receive that right now. Flesh makes excuses. I'll get around to it. I just, this is just not the right season. But the flesh, that's what the flesh does. The flesh does anything it can to not be dealt with. Again, I'm not talking about my body flesh. I'm talking about the spiritual aspect of my life that's negative, this affliction that I have to be about me and not be about God, be about selfishness and sin and not be about holiness and righteousness." [00:29:02] (43 seconds)
"You have the ability to declare that you want to stamp out your flesh by baptism. Now, I like baptism. I like infant baptism. I was baptized as an infant. My mom and dad did a really good job. They said, hey, we want to bring our little kid into this church and we're going to baptize them. And I don't know exactly what they were thinking when they baptized me. I haven't had a deep talk about it with them. But I know what I was thinking when I had my kids baptized. I baptized my kids when they were little itty bitty babies. Some people crossroads dedicate." [00:30:25] (33 seconds)
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