Honoring God Through Our Physical Health

 

Summary

In this session, we explored God's plan and promises concerning our physical health, emphasizing that our bodies are as important to God as our spiritual well-being. The Bible encourages us to maintain good health, not just for personal satisfaction or appearance, but because our physical state directly impacts our ability to fulfill God's purposes. Our bodies are not merely our own; they are God's property, on loan to us for a time. This perspective challenges the cultural notion of bodily autonomy, reminding us that God created our bodies with a purpose, and we are to manage them as stewards.

The Bible teaches that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, and as such, they deserve respect and care. This means avoiding anything that might dominate or harm us, whether it be food, drink, or other habits. Our physical health is a spiritual discipline, a way to honor God and prepare for the eternal life to come. The resurrection of Jesus assures us that our bodies will also be resurrected, highlighting their eternal significance.

Moreover, our bodies are connected to the body of Christ, and how we treat them reflects on our faith and testimony to the world. The Holy Spirit resides within us, making our bodies sacred. Therefore, we must avoid vandalizing this temple through neglect or abuse. Jesus paid the ultimate price for our bodies on the cross, underscoring their value and the importance of honoring God with them.

In light of these truths, we are called to make a commitment to improve our physical health, recognizing it as an act of worship and a means to fulfill God's purposes. By taking small, manageable steps towards better health, we can align our lives more closely with God's will and experience the fullness of life He intends for us.

Key Takeaways:

1. Our Bodies as God's Property: Our bodies are not our own; they belong to God, who created them with a purpose. This challenges the cultural notion of bodily autonomy and calls us to steward our bodies as a sacred trust from God. [05:19]

2. Physical Health as a Spiritual Discipline: Maintaining our physical health is a spiritual discipline that enables us to serve God effectively. Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, and caring for them is an act of worship. [19:00]

3. The Eternal Significance of Our Bodies: Our bodies will be resurrected, just as Jesus was, highlighting their eternal significance. This truth encourages us to view our physical health as part of our preparation for eternity. [12:11]

4. Connection to the Body of Christ: Our bodies are connected to the body of Christ, and how we treat them reflects on our faith. This connection calls us to honor God with our bodies and be mindful of our testimony to the world. [13:01]

5. The Holy Spirit's Indwelling: The Holy Spirit resides within us, making our bodies sacred. Recognizing this truth should inspire us to treat our bodies with respect and care, avoiding anything that might harm or dominate us. [14:29]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:22] - Introduction to Physical Health
- [00:37] - Biblical Foundation for Health
- [01:15] - Motivation for Health
- [01:41] - God's Presence in Our Bodies
- [02:32] - Freedom and Mastery
- [03:45] - Purpose of the Body
- [05:19] - Radical Truths About the Body
- [07:18] - God's Ownership of Our Bodies
- [08:05] - Managing Our Bodies
- [10:13] - Resurrection of the Body
- [13:01] - Connection to Christ's Body
- [14:29] - The Holy Spirit's Indwelling
- [17:09] - Jesus' Sacrifice for Our Bodies
- [19:00] - Health as Worship
- [22:36] - Closing Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. 3 John 1:2
2. 1 Corinthians 6:12-20
3. Romans 12:1

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Observation Questions:

1. According to 3 John 1:2, what is the relationship between physical health and spiritual well-being? How does this verse set the tone for the sermon? [00:22]

2. In 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, what does Paul mean when he says, "You are not your own; you were bought at a price"? How does this relate to the concept of bodily autonomy discussed in the sermon? [04:39]

3. How does Romans 12:1 describe the act of offering our bodies to God? What does this imply about the connection between physical health and worship? [18:34]

4. What are some of the radical truths about our bodies mentioned in the sermon, and how do they challenge cultural norms? [05:19]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the idea that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit influence the way we should treat them? What are the implications of this belief for daily life? [14:29]

2. The sermon mentions that our bodies will be resurrected just as Jesus was. How does this belief affect our understanding of the eternal significance of our physical health? [12:11]

3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that physical health is a spiritual discipline? How can this perspective change our motivation for maintaining good health? [19:00]

4. How does the connection between our bodies and the body of Christ impact our testimony to the world? What responsibilities does this connection entail? [13:01]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on the idea that your body is God's property. How does this perspective challenge your current views on bodily autonomy, and what changes might you need to make in your lifestyle? [05:19]

2. Consider the concept of physical health as a spiritual discipline. What small, manageable steps can you take this week to improve your health as an act of worship? [19:00]

3. How can the belief in the resurrection of our bodies motivate you to prioritize your physical health? What specific actions can you take to honor this belief? [12:11]

4. In what ways can you better reflect your faith through the care of your body? Identify one habit that you can change to improve your testimony to the world. [13:01]

5. The sermon emphasizes the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in our bodies. How can this truth inspire you to treat your body with more respect and care? What practical steps can you take to avoid anything that might harm or dominate you? [14:29]

6. Jesus' sacrifice on the cross underscores the value of our bodies. How can you honor God with your body in your daily routine? What specific changes can you make to align your actions with this truth? [17:09]

7. Reflect on the question Jesus asked the man in John 5:6, "Do you want to get well?" How does this question resonate with your current health journey, and what commitment can you make to improve your physical health? [20:15]

Devotional

Day 1: Our Bodies as Sacred Trusts from God
Our bodies are not merely our own possessions; they are entrusted to us by God, who created them with a divine purpose. This challenges the prevalent cultural notion of bodily autonomy, urging us to view our physical selves as sacred trusts from God. As stewards of these bodies, we are called to honor and care for them, recognizing that they are on loan to us for a time. This perspective invites us to consider how we can align our physical health with God's purposes, understanding that our bodies are integral to fulfilling His plans. [05:19]

"For you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body." (1 Corinthians 6:20, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you begin to view your body as a sacred trust from God, and how might this perspective change your daily habits and decisions regarding your health?


Day 2: Physical Health as an Act of Worship
Maintaining our physical health is not merely a matter of personal satisfaction or appearance; it is a spiritual discipline that enables us to serve God effectively. The Bible teaches that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, deserving of respect and care. By prioritizing our health, we engage in an act of worship, honoring God with the bodies He has given us. This understanding calls us to be mindful of our habits, avoiding anything that might harm or dominate us, and to see our physical well-being as a means to glorify God. [19:00]

"Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you?" (1 Corinthians 3:16, ESV)

Reflection: What is one specific habit you can change or adopt this week to better honor God with your body as an act of worship?


Day 3: The Eternal Significance of Our Bodies
The resurrection of Jesus assures us that our bodies will also be resurrected, highlighting their eternal significance. This truth encourages us to view our physical health as part of our preparation for eternity. Our bodies are not just temporary vessels; they hold eternal value and are integral to God's redemptive plan. By caring for our bodies, we acknowledge their future resurrection and align ourselves with the hope of eternal life. This perspective invites us to consider how our current health practices reflect our belief in the resurrection and the eternal significance of our bodies. [12:11]

"So is it with the resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable." (1 Corinthians 15:42, ESV)

Reflection: How does the belief in the resurrection of your body influence your current approach to health and wellness, and what changes might you make in light of this eternal perspective?


Day 4: Connection to the Body of Christ
Our bodies are connected to the body of Christ, and how we treat them reflects on our faith and testimony to the world. This connection calls us to honor God with our bodies, recognizing that they are part of a larger spiritual community. The way we care for our physical selves can either strengthen or weaken our witness to others, as it reflects our commitment to Christ and His body. By treating our bodies with respect and care, we demonstrate the transformative power of the Holy Spirit within us and bear witness to the world of God's love and grace. [13:01]

"For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ." (1 Corinthians 12:12, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can your approach to physical health serve as a testimony to others about your faith and connection to the body of Christ?


Day 5: The Holy Spirit's Indwelling
The Holy Spirit resides within us, making our bodies sacred. Recognizing this truth should inspire us to treat our bodies with respect and care, avoiding anything that might harm or dominate us. Our physical health is not just a personal concern; it is a reflection of the Holy Spirit's presence within us. By honoring our bodies, we honor the Spirit who dwells in us, acknowledging the sacredness of our physical selves. This understanding calls us to be intentional about our health choices, seeing them as opportunities to glorify God and reflect His presence in our lives. [14:29]

"And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption." (Ephesians 4:30, ESV)

Reflection: How can you be more intentional in your daily health choices to honor the Holy Spirit's presence within you, and what specific steps can you take to avoid anything that might harm or dominate your body?

Quotes

I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you even as your soul is getting along well. Now that's from 3rd John verse 2. The Bible says I want you to be as physically healthy as you are spiritually healthy. Did you know the Bible says that? [00:27:07]

God wants you to take care of your body not only because that's where we live, but it's because that's where he lives. The Bible says he lives in us and he works through us and anything God's gonna do in your life he's gonna do through your physical body. [01:36:40]

Everything is permissible for me, but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible for me in other words I've got the freedom to do anything I want but I will not be mastered by anything. Now what is God saying here? Well, he's saying that some things in life are not necessarily wrong, they're just not necessary. [02:38:16]

The Bible says do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself? So flee sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. Do you not know that your body is a temple? [04:09:36]

My body is God's property. In other words, it belongs to him. Now that concept is completely counter culture particularly in America but also all around the world because we're all taught growing up my body's my own body and I'll do whatever I wanted with it. [05:36:24]

God expects me to manage my body. In other words, I'm not the owner but I am the manager. I am to take care of it. The Bible tells us that I'm the steward that's the old English word of the word manager. My body is a gift from God on loan to me. [08:09:35]

My body will be resurrected after I die. Write that down my body will be resurrected after I die you're going to get a new version at the 2.0 version called the resurrected body. Now right now you're living in version 1.0 of you the body you've got right now. [10:17:31]

My body is connected to the body of Christ. Now you may have not thought about that before, but the Bible says that your body, not just your soul, not just your spirit, your body is connected to the body of Christ. In that passage we read earlier verse 15 says this do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself? [12:55:04]

The Holy Spirit lives in my body. Write that down the Holy Spirit lives in my body. Wow, God put his spirit in your body that's why the Bible says your body is a temple verse 19 do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you? [14:25:44]

Jesus bought my body on the cross. Jesus bought my body he bought your body on the cross. Jesus didn't just pay for your soul when he died on the cross he paid for your body too that's what verse 20 says you are not your own you were bought at a price. [17:06:47]

Romans 12 1 Paul says I urge you brothers in view of God's mercy to offer your bodies there he goes back he doesn't say offer your spirit offer your bodies as living sacrifices you know the problem with the living sacrifice it can crawl off the altar and we do that all the time. [18:36:39]

Managing your physical health is a spiritual discipline it is a habit that you have to develop. Now remember in the first session we talked about God as promises and premises there are all kinds of promises about health in the Bible and about God blessing your body in the Bible but you've got to do it God's way. [19:46:40]

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Transcript
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