Honoring God Through Body Stewardship and Fasting
Summary
In our journey through the series "Soul Detox," we have been exploring how to find freedom from a toxic world by engaging in various fasts during the season of Lent. These fasts are not merely about abstaining but about creating space for something greater—drawing closer to God and allowing Him to work within us. We began with a radio fast, eliminating background noise to focus on prayer and praise. Then, we embarked on a shopping fast, challenging ourselves to give rather than consume, which led to incredible stories of generosity and blessing within our community.
This week, we turn our attention to the stewardship of our bodies. Our bodies are not merely flesh and bone; they are temples of the Holy Spirit, crafted by God, and redeemed through Christ's sacrifice. We are called to honor God with our bodies, which means managing them according to His will, not our own desires. This understanding of our bodies as temples is deeply rooted in the meticulous care and reverence with which the ancient Jewish people approached the physical temple in Jerusalem. The temple was a holy place, and every action within it was performed with precision and respect, recognizing that it housed the presence of God.
In light of this, we are embarking on a beverage fast, choosing to drink only water for the week. This is not about deprivation but about stewardship and acknowledging that no substance should master us. Water, in its purity, is life-giving and cleansing, and by choosing it exclusively, we are making a conscious decision to treat our bodies with the care they deserve.
As we engage in this fast, we will also be meditating on Psalm 51:10, "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me." Each time we drink water, we will recite this verse, allowing it to sink deep into our hearts and minds. This practice will not only help us memorize scripture but also transform our interactions and choices throughout the day, aligning them with our desire to be good stewards of the temple of the Holy Spirit.
Key Takeaways:
- Our bodies are not our own; they have been bought at a price and redeemed by Christ. As such, we must honor God with our bodies, recognizing them as temples of the Holy Spirit. This perspective changes how we care for our physical selves, leading us to make choices that glorify God. [39:15]
- Stewardship of the body involves more than just avoiding sin; it encompasses how we treat our bodies daily. Whether it's what we consume or how we care for our physical health, every choice should reflect our commitment to honoring God's temple. [43:40]
- Fasting is a powerful spiritual discipline that can break the chains of dependency on substances or habits. By choosing to drink only water, we assert that nothing should have mastery over us, freeing ourselves to serve God fully. [52:45]
- Meditating on scripture, such as Psalm 51:10, during our daily routines can transform our mindset and actions. This practice embeds God's Word in our hearts and influences our behavior, leading to a life that is more aligned with His will. [55:36]
- Communion is a profound reminder of the redemption of our bodies through Christ's body and blood. As we partake in the Lord's Supper, we are nourished and reminded of the purity and holiness we are called to in our own bodies. [59:04]
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 51:10 - "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me."
2. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - "Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies."
3. Genesis 1:31 - "God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day."
### Observation Questions
1. What does Psalm 51:10 ask God to create and renew within us?
2. According to 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, what are our bodies described as, and what implication does this have for how we should treat them?
3. How does Genesis 1:31 describe God's creation, including our bodies?
4. What were the different types of fasts mentioned in the sermon, and what was their purpose? [24:28]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that our bodies are described as temples of the Holy Spirit in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20? How does this change our perspective on physical health and habits?
2. How does the understanding that our bodies are "fearfully and wonderfully made" (Genesis 1:31) influence our self-image and the way we care for ourselves?
3. In what ways does the practice of fasting, as described in the sermon, help us break dependencies and focus more on God? [52:45]
4. How can meditating on Psalm 51:10 during daily routines transform our mindset and actions? [55:36]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your daily habits. Are there any substances or activities that have too much control over you? How can you begin to address these dependencies this week? [52:45]
2. The sermon mentioned that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. What specific steps can you take to honor God with your body this week? [39:15]
3. How can you incorporate the practice of reciting Psalm 51:10 into your daily routine? What impact do you hope this will have on your interactions and choices? [55:36]
4. Think about the concept of stewardship as discussed in the sermon. How can you better manage your time, money, and body to align with God's will? [28:42]
5. The sermon highlighted the importance of generosity during the shopping fast. How can you continue to practice generosity in your daily life, even outside of a fasting period? [27:06]
6. What are some practical ways you can ensure that your body remains a "clean temple" for the Holy Spirit? Consider aspects like diet, exercise, and mental health.
7. How can participating in the beverage fast this week help you draw closer to God? What challenges do you anticipate, and how will you overcome them? [50:40]
Devotional
Day 1: Honoring God with Our Bodies
Our bodies are a gift from God, redeemed by Christ's sacrifice, and we are called to honor Him through how we care for them. Recognizing our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit transforms our perspective, leading us to make choices that glorify God. This means that every action, from the food we consume to the way we rest and exercise, should be an act of worship and stewardship. As temples, our bodies are not just for our own use but are meant to be a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God. This understanding calls us to a higher standard of living, one that reflects the value and purpose that God has placed on our physical selves. [39:15]
"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." (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
Reflection: How can you honor God through one specific change in your daily health or wellness routine starting today?
Day 2: Daily Choices Reflect Temple Stewardship
Stewardship of our bodies goes beyond avoiding sin; it encompasses every aspect of how we treat ourselves. This includes the food and drink we consume, the amount of rest we get, and how we maintain our physical health. Each choice should be a reflection of our commitment to honoring God's temple. By being mindful of our daily habits, we can ensure that our bodies are kept pure and ready for God's use. This approach to bodily stewardship is not about legalism but about living a life that consistently honors God. [43:40]
"For you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body." (1 Corinthians 6:20)
Reflection: What is one habit related to your body that you need to change to better reflect the honor and stewardship God calls you to?
Day 3: Breaking Chains through Fasting
Fasting is a spiritual discipline that helps us break free from dependencies, whether they be on substances or habits. By choosing to drink only water during a fast, we assert that nothing should have mastery over us. This act of self-denial is not about punishment but about freedom and the ability to serve God without hindrance. It is a powerful reminder that our ultimate satisfaction comes from God, not from the temporary pleasures of the world. [52:45]
"All things are lawful for me," but I will not be dominated by anything. (1 Corinthians 6:12b)
Reflection: What substance or habit has undue influence over you, and how can you take steps to ensure it does not master you?
Day 4: Scripture Meditation Transforms Us
Meditating on scripture, such as Psalm 51:10, can profoundly transform our mindset and actions. By embedding God's Word in our hearts, we allow it to influence our behavior and align our lives with His will. This practice of scripture meditation is not just about knowledge but about allowing the Holy Spirit to renew our minds and hearts, leading to a life that reflects God's purity and righteousness. [55:36]
"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God." (Colossians 3:16)
Reflection: What is one verse or passage of scripture you can start meditating on daily to transform your thought life?
Day 5: Communion as a Reminder of Redemption
Partaking in the Lord's Supper is a profound act that reminds us of the redemption of our bodies through Christ's body and blood. As we take communion, we are nourished spiritually and reminded of the purity and holiness to which we are called. This sacred practice is a tangible way to remember Christ's sacrifice and the new life we have in Him, which includes the call to honor God with our bodies as His redeemed people. [59:04]
"And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, 'This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.'" (Luke 22:19)
Reflection: How does participating in communion inspire you to live out the redemption of your body in everyday life?
Quotes
"Our bodies are temples, not our own, but belonging to God. We must manage them not according to our desires, but His will." [39:15] (Download | )
"By choosing to drink only water, we're not just abstaining; we're asserting that nothing should have mastery over us, freeing ourselves to serve God fully." [52:45] (Download | )
"Every time you drink water this week, recite Psalm 51:10. It's about embedding scripture in our hearts and transforming our daily interactions." [55:36] (Download | )
"Communion reminds us of the redemption of our bodies through Christ. As we partake, we're nourished and reminded of the purity we're called to." [59:04] (Download | )
"Water, in its purity, is life-giving and cleansing. By choosing it exclusively, we treat our bodies with the care they deserve." [50:00] (Download | )
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