Honoring God Through Our Bodies: A Call to Balance

Summary

God cares deeply about every part of our lives—not just our souls, but our bodies as well. From the very beginning, God created us as embodied beings, and the physical aspect of our existence is not an afterthought or a disposable shell. Our bodies are so valuable to God that He will one day resurrect them, and in the meantime, He has chosen to make our bodies the very temple where His Holy Spirit dwells. This means that how we treat our bodies is not just a matter of health or appearance, but a matter of worship and stewardship.

Throughout history and even today, people tend to fall into two extremes: either neglecting their bodies or obsessing over them. Some ignore their health, treating their bodies like storage bins rather than temples. Others become consumed with appearance, making their bodies objects of adoration. But God calls us to a life of balance and moderation, recognizing that both our spiritual and physical lives matter to Him. The way we see our bodies will determine how we treat them, and ultimately, this is a spiritual issue.

Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 6 remind us that our bodies are not our own; they were bought with a price—the precious blood of Jesus Christ. Because of this, we are called to glorify God in our bodies. This has practical implications for how we eat, exercise, rest, and even how we gather as a church. Moderation is key: enjoying God’s good gifts without excess, caring for our health so that we can serve Him with energy and longevity, and making time for rest as God Himself modeled for us. Even gratitude for our bodies has been shown to improve physical health, and as believers, we have every reason to be thankful—not only for the bodies God has given us, but for the body of Christ given for our salvation.

Ultimately, our health is not just about living longer, but about living better—so that we can give God our very best. Our bodies are gifts, tools, and temples, and honoring God with them is an act of worship. We are called to surrender every part of ourselves to Him, knowing that we belong to the One who created us, redeemed us, and indwells us.

Key Takeaways

- Your Body Is a Temple, Not a Storage Bin or an Idol
God’s Spirit dwells within you, making your body a sacred place of worship. This means we must neither neglect our health nor become obsessed with our appearance. The way we treat our bodies is a reflection of our understanding of God’s presence and ownership in our lives. [42:11]

- Balance and Moderation Reflect God’s Wisdom
Both extremes—ignoring or adoring the body—miss God’s call to balanced stewardship. Moderation in eating, exercise, and rest honors God and allows us to serve Him more fully. Living wisely with our bodies is a spiritual discipline that shapes our ability to glorify God in all things. [44:14]

- Physical Health Is a Spiritual Issue
How we care for our bodies is not just about physical well-being, but about holiness. Our habits—what we eat, how we rest, how we exercise—are all opportunities to honor God. When we see our bodies as tools for God’s glory, every choice becomes an act of worship. [49:10]

- Rest Is a Command, Not a Suggestion
God designed us to need rest, and He modeled this by instituting the Sabbath. True rest requires us to disconnect from the busyness and distractions of life, trusting God enough to pause. Regular rhythms of rest—weekly, monthly, and yearly—are essential for spiritual and physical renewal. [56:38]

- Gratitude for Your Body Honors the Creator
Thankfulness for the body God has given you is both an act of worship and a source of health. Medical research confirms that gratitude improves physical well-being and recovery, but more importantly, it aligns our hearts with God’s goodness. Remember, your body is not your own; it was bought with a price, and gratitude is the fitting response to such a gift. [58:49]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[33:19] - The Culture of Cosmetic Surgery
[34:51] - The Value of Caring for Our Bodies
[36:13] - Review of Biblical Wisdom for Life’s Choices
[42:11] - Your Body: Temple of the Holy Spirit
[44:14] - The Dangers of Neglect and Obsession
[49:10] - Glorifying God in Your Body
[49:51] - Food, Moderation, and Spiritual Implications
[50:51] - The Challenge of Lasting Change
[52:31] - A Story About Sausage Gravy and Moderation
[54:26] - Treat Days and the Principle of Moderation
[55:22] - The Value of Exercise and Rest
[56:38] - The Importance of Sabbath and Disconnecting
[58:00] - Rest, Technology, and Mental Health
[58:49] - The Blessing of Church and Gratitude
[01:03:55] - Invitation to Surrender and Closing Prayer
[01:05:34] - Invitation and Next Steps

Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: Honoring God with Our Bodies

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### Bible Reading

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (ESV)
> 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.

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### Observation Questions

1. According to 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, what does Paul say about who owns our bodies and why?
2. In the sermon, what are the two main extremes people fall into regarding their bodies? ([42:11])
3. What practical examples did the pastor give about how people might neglect or obsess over their bodies? ([44:14])
4. What does the pastor say is the reason God cares about our physical health, not just our spiritual health? ([36:13])

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why does Paul use the image of a “temple” to describe our bodies? What does this mean for how we view ourselves? ([42:11])
2. The pastor said, “How you see your body will determine how you treat your body.” What does this mean in light of 1 Corinthians 6:19-20? ([44:14])
3. The sermon mentions that physical health is a spiritual issue. In what ways can our habits with food, rest, and exercise become acts of worship or dishonor to God? ([49:10])
4. Why is rest described as a command and not just a suggestion? What does this reveal about God’s design for us? ([56:38])

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### Application Questions

1. The pastor talked about treating our bodies as temples, not storage bins or idols. In your daily life, do you tend to neglect your body, obsess over it, or find a healthy balance? What is one small change you could make this week to honor God with your body? ([42:11])
2. Think about your eating habits. Are there ways you use food for comfort or out of habit rather than as a way to fuel your body for God’s purposes? What is one practical step you could take to practice moderation? ([49:51])
3. The sermon highlighted the importance of rest and disconnecting from technology. What is one thing you could do this week to create a true Sabbath or rest time? How might this help you serve God better? ([58:00])
4. The pastor shared that gratitude for our bodies can improve both our health and our relationship with God. What is one thing about your body you can thank God for today, even if it’s something you usually complain about? ([58:49])
5. The message said our bodies are “on loan” from God. Are there any habits or routines you have that you know are not honoring to God? What would it look like to surrender that area to Him? ([58:49])
6. The pastor mentioned that regular church attendance can even impact our physical health. How does being part of a church community encourage you to take better care of yourself? ([58:49])
7. The sermon ended with a call to surrender every part of ourselves to God. Is there a specific area—diet, exercise, rest, or something else—where you feel God is asking you to make a change? What is one step you can take this week to respond? ([01:03:55])

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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Thank God for the gift of our bodies and ask for wisdom and strength to honor Him in every area of our lives—body, mind, and spirit.

Devotional

Day 1: Your Body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit
God has designed your body to be a dwelling place for His Holy Spirit, making it sacred and worthy of honor and care. When you look at yourself, you may see only flesh and bones, but God sees a temple where He desires to be worshiped and glorified. This means that every moment, every action, and every choice you make with your body is an opportunity to honor God. Whether you are tempted to neglect your health or become overly focused on your appearance, remember that your body is not your own—it is a vessel for God's presence. Treat it with the respect and reverence that a temple deserves, not as an object of worship, but as a place where worship happens. [42:11]

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (ESV)
"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."

Reflection: What is one practical way you can honor God with your body today, treating it as His temple rather than your own possession?


Day 2: Living Healthy is Part of Living Holy
Caring for your physical health is not just a matter of personal preference or vanity—it is a spiritual responsibility that reflects your commitment to living a holy life. God cares about your body, mind, and spirit, and He calls you to live a life of balance and moderation. Whether it’s your diet, exercise, or rest, each choice you make impacts your ability to serve God and others. Living healthy enables you to give your best energy, attention, and service to the Lord. Remember, your health is on loan from God, and how you steward it is a reflection of your gratitude and obedience to Him. [36:13]

3 John 1:2 (ESV)
"Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul."

Reflection: In what area of your physical health do you sense God calling you to greater balance or moderation, and what is one step you can take today to respond?


Day 3: Glorify God in Your Body Through Daily Choices
Every decision you make regarding your body—what you eat, how you rest, how you move—can be an act of worship and a way to glorify God. Your body is a tool that God uses to accomplish His purposes, and you are called to use it in ways that bring Him praise. This means making thoughtful choices about your habits, resisting both neglect and obsession, and seeking to live in a way that reflects God’s goodness. Even small, daily decisions can become a doxology of praise when you make them with the intention of honoring the Lord. [49:10]

Proverbs 3:7-8 (ESV)
"Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones."

Reflection: What is one daily habit you can adjust this week to better glorify God with your body?


Day 4: Rest is a Gift from God
God created you with the need for rest, and He commands you to take time to pause, recharge, and trust Him with your work and worries. Rest is not a sign of weakness or laziness, but a recognition of your dependence on God and His design for your life. Jesus Himself modeled the importance of rest, retreating to spend time with the Father. Taking regular rest—weekly, monthly, and yearly—enables you to serve God with renewed strength and joy. Don’t let busyness or technology rob you of the rest your body and soul need. [58:00]

Exodus 20:8-10a (ESV)
"Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God."

Reflection: What is one way you can intentionally set aside time for true rest this week, trusting God with what remains undone?


Day 5: Gratitude for the Gift of Your Body
Your body is an incredible gift from God, uniquely created and sustained by His power. Practicing gratitude for your body—regardless of its imperfections or limitations—can transform your outlook and even benefit your physical health. Medical research shows that grateful people are happier, healthier, and recover more quickly from illness. As a follower of Christ, you have even greater reason to be thankful: Jesus gave His body for your salvation, and you are now His, bought with a price. Let gratitude fill your heart for the body you have and the Savior who redeemed it. [58:49]

Psalm 139:13-14 (ESV)
"For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well."

Reflection: What is one thing about your body for which you can thank God today, and how can you express that gratitude in your actions or prayers?

Quotes

God's not just interested in our spirit and our soul. God is interested in our bodies as well. The fact that he created us with the body tells us that God values our body, and in keeping our physical health up is actually a biblical principle. [00:37:13] (00:00:15 seconds) Edit Clip

Whether you ignore your body or that you adore your body is not a physical issue, it is a spiritual issue. Because when you look at your body you see flesh and bones, hair and teeth, eyes and ears, hands and feet. When God looks at your body he sees a temple where his Holy Spirit resides. [00:45:22] (00:00:19 seconds) Edit Clip

You were created to do one thing, and that is to glorify God. Wherever you take your body, however you treat your body, whatever you put in your body, and whatever you do with your body should always be to glorify the Lord. [00:48:10] (00:00:15 seconds) Edit Clip

Rest is important to God, and it should be important to you because it's important for your body. Jesus often retreated and spent time alone. He rested. He spent time in prayer. He spent time with the Father. See, God made us to get sleepy. He did, and there's a reason for that because we need to rest. [00:56:38] (00:00:22 seconds) Edit Clip

You cannot rest your body if you do not learn to turn off your mind. And simply knowing that there's a red dot that says you have 19 emails waiting for you to read. Boop, boop, boop, boop, boop, boop, boop. Your mind just continuously goes. Put the cell phone away. Turn the computer off, and take some time to rest. [00:58:10] (00:00:22 seconds) Edit Clip

Did you know that one of the healthiest things that you can do is to bring your temple into this temple? Regular churchgoers have an average of five percent lower blood pressure than those who don't. In fact, people who attend church weekly live an average of seven years longer than people who don't go to church. [00:58:42] (00:00:24 seconds) Edit Clip

Our bodies are one of the greatest gifts that the Lord gives to us. It's a, it houses a supercomputer called a brain, but you think about how amazing your body is. You know, we all joke about how ugly we are, how old we're getting, your body is incredible because it was created by an incredible God. [00:59:36] (00:00:23 seconds) Edit Clip

We are eternally united to the God who created us. We are personally indwelt by the Holy Spirit of God, and we have been bought with a price by the precious blood of his Son, Jesus Christ. And that's why our bodies and our health are matters of happiness, but more importantly, matters of holiness. [01:02:44] (00:00:18 seconds) Edit Clip