Living Intentionally: Stewardship of Body and Soul

Devotional

Day 1: God’s Will Is Your Sanctification—Grow More and More

God’s desire for each believer is continual growth in holiness and relationship with Him, not just a one-time decision or a stagnant faith. The call is to walk in a way that pleases God, experiencing transformation “more and more” as you submit to His will and allow Him to shape your life. This means that no matter where you are in your spiritual journey, there is always room to grow, to deepen your faith, and to become more like Christ. The pursuit of sanctification is God’s clear will for you, above all other life decisions, and it is the foundation for a life that honors Him and brings true fulfillment. [08:05]

1 Thessalonians 4:1-3 (ESV)
Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more. For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality.

Reflection: In what area of your life do you sense God calling you to grow “more and more” in holiness or obedience this week, and what is one practical step you can take today to respond to that call?

Day 2: Care for Your Body—It Is a Gift and a Responsibility

Your physical body is a precious gift from God, meant to be cared for and used for His purposes. Scripture affirms that bodily training is of some value, and caring for your health enables you to serve your family, witness to others, and invest in God’s kingdom. Rejecting both neglect and legalism, you are called to steward your body with wisdom—through exercise, rest, and nutrition—so that you can fulfill the good works God has prepared for you. Remember, your body is not your own; it is a temple of the Holy Spirit, and honoring God includes how you treat your physical self. [22:32]

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 specific change you can make this week to better care for your body as a way of honoring God and preparing yourself for His service?

Day 3: Pursue Godliness—Spiritual Training Has Eternal Value

While physical training is valuable, training for godliness is even more important because it impacts both this life and the life to come. The pursuit of godliness requires intentional effort, discipline, and sometimes even struggle, much like an athlete training for a prize. Godliness is not about following man-made rules or outward appearances, but about submitting your whole self—body and soul—to the control of the Holy Spirit. The reward for this pursuit is not only a richer life now but also eternal joy and fulfillment in God’s presence. [26:35]

1 Timothy 4:7-8 (ESV)
Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.

Reflection: What is one spiritual discipline (such as prayer, Bible study, or serving others) you can intentionally “train” in this week to grow in godliness, and how will you make time for it?

Day 4: Invest in Eternal Things—Lay Up Treasures in Heaven

Life is short, and you have one opportunity to make a lasting impact for Christ. Jesus calls you to invest your time, resources, and relationships in things that have eternal significance, rather than being consumed by temporary pursuits. The relationships you build, the people you serve, and the ways you contribute to God’s kingdom are the treasures that will last. By focusing on what matters most, you align your heart with God’s purposes and experience the joy of making a difference that endures beyond this life. [20:11]

Matthew 6:19-21 (ESV)
Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Reflection: Who is one person you can intentionally encourage or invest in for God’s kingdom this week, and what will you do to build that relationship or serve them?

Day 5: Submit Your Body to the Holy Spirit—True Godliness from the Inside Out

True godliness is not about outward appearances or legalistic rules, but about surrendering your desires, habits, and actions to the Holy Spirit’s control. With your body, you have the capacity for both great good and great harm; the call is to discipline yourself, resisting sin and pursuing holiness in every area of life. This submission may require sacrifice and even struggle, but it leads to freedom, peace, and a life that reflects God’s holiness. Ask God for strength to discipline your body and to live in a way that honors Him from the inside out. [33:01]

Romans 12:1 (ESV)
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.

Reflection: What is one area where you need to surrender your physical habits or desires to the Holy Spirit’s control, and how can you take a concrete step toward that surrender today?

Sermon Summary

In a world that encourages us to live for the moment and chase after fleeting pleasures, it’s easy to lose sight of the deeper purpose God has for our lives. The call is to live intentionally, making the most of the one life we’ve been given—not in reckless abandon, but in faithful stewardship. The phrase “You only live once” is often used as an excuse for impulsive or even destructive choices, but the Christian perspective reframes this: we have one life to invest for Christ, and only what’s done for Him will endure.

God’s will for each of us is our sanctification—growing more and more into Christlikeness. This growth isn’t just spiritual; it encompasses every part of our being, including our physical bodies. Scripture affirms that our bodies matter. We are not just souls temporarily housed in flesh; we are embodied beings, and our physical health impacts our ability to serve, love, and glorify God. Long life is a blessing, not just for its own sake, but because it allows us to fulfill our God-given responsibilities: caring for our families, witnessing to our neighbors, and investing in God’s kingdom.

Caring for our bodies is an act of stewardship. We are called to maximize our physical energy through exercise, rest, and wise nutrition—not out of legalism, but so we can be available and effective for the work God has for us. Yet, even as we value bodily discipline, we recognize that spiritual training is of even greater worth. Godliness holds promise not only for this life but for the life to come. The pursuit of godliness is not about outward appearances or man-made rules, but about submitting every part of ourselves—body and soul—to the Holy Spirit’s control.

This pursuit is not easy. Like an athlete in training, it requires discipline, effort, and sometimes even agony. But the reward is incomparable: a life at peace with God, freedom from sin’s grip, and the hope of eternal joy in His presence. The best life we can live is the Christian life, and the best is yet to come. So, let us strive to honor God with our bodies and our souls, making the most of every day for His glory.

Key Takeaways

1. Stewardship of the Body Reflects Spiritual Priorities Our bodies are not disposable shells, but integral to our identity and calling. Caring for our physical health is a spiritual act, enabling us to serve, love, and fulfill God’s purposes. Neglecting the body can limit our ability to do good, while honoring it as God’s temple brings Him glory. [14:07]
2. Long Life Is a Blessing for Kingdom Impact Scripture consistently connects obedience and wisdom with the blessing of long life—not as a guarantee, but as a general principle. A longer life means more opportunities to care for family, witness to others, and invest in eternal things. Our years are a gift to be used for God’s purposes, not merely for personal comfort or achievement. [16:43]
3. Discipline in Physical Habits Mirrors Spiritual Discipline Just as athletes train their bodies for a prize, believers are called to discipline both body and soul. Exercise, rest, and nutrition are not ends in themselves, but means to maximize our availability and effectiveness for God. This discipline is not legalistic, but a response to God’s ownership of our lives and a desire to be ready for every good work. [23:26]
4. Godliness Surpasses Bodily Training in Lasting Value While bodily training is valuable, spiritual training—pursuing godliness—has eternal significance. Godliness is not about external rules or appearances, but about submitting every part of ourselves to the Holy Spirit. The effort and even agony required in this pursuit are worth it, for the reward is both present peace and future glory. [29:54]
5. The Christian Life Is the Best Life—Now and Forever Trusting Christ does not guarantee an easy life, but it does offer the deepest fulfillment and hope. The best possible life is one reconciled to God, free from sin’s bondage, and anchored in the promise of eternity. No eye has seen or mind conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him; our present discipline is preparation for unimaginable joy.

** [28:40]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:47] - Barn Bash and Ministry Highlights
[01:34] - The Uncommon Practice of Worship and Listening
[02:14] - The Challenge of Distraction in a Technological Age
[03:27] - YOLO, Carpe Diem, and a Christian Perspective
[05:06] - “Only One Life” and Living for Christ
[06:21] - Why We Pursue “Better” Discipleship
[08:41] - The Value of Our Physical Life
[09:05] - 1 Timothy 4: Caring for Body and Soul
[12:47] - Gnosticism and the Importance of the Body
[14:34] - Long Life as a Blessing
[17:08] - Caring for Your Body to Fulfill Your Calling
[18:33] - Responsibilities: Family, Witness, and Kingdom
[22:02] - Your Body Is Not Your Own
[23:26] - Practical Ways to Maximize Physical Energy
[26:35] - The Greater Value of Godliness
[29:35] - The Agony and Reward of Spiritual Discipline
[32:00] - Godliness vs. Legalism
[33:01] - Submitting Body and Soul to the Holy Spirit
[34:42] - Encouragement to Train for Godliness

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

1 Timothy 4:6-10 (ESV) — > If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed. Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.

1 Thessalonians 4:1-3 (ESV) — > Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more. For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality.

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.

Observation Questions

In 1 Timothy 4:7-8, what two types of training does Paul compare, and how does he describe their value?
According to 1 Thessalonians 4:3, what is God’s will for every believer? [07:52]
In the sermon, what are some specific reasons given for why caring for our physical bodies matters to God? [14:07]
What does Paul say about who owns our bodies in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, and what does that mean for how we live?

Interpretation Questions

Why does Paul say that godliness “holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come”? How might this shape a Christian’s priorities? (1 Timothy 4:8)
The sermon says, “Our bodies are not disposable shells, but integral to our identity and calling.” How does this challenge common attitudes about the body in our culture? [14:07]
The pastor mentioned that long life is a blessing because it allows us to fulfill responsibilities like caring for family, witnessing, and investing in God’s kingdom. How does this perspective differ from simply wanting to live longer for personal comfort? [16:43]
What does it look like to “submit every part of ourselves—body and soul—to the Holy Spirit’s control” in daily life? [33:01]

Application Questions

The phrase “You only live once” is often used to justify reckless choices. How have you seen this mindset in your own life or in the world around you? How does the Christian perspective on “one life” challenge or change that? [03:27]
The sermon encourages us to care for our bodies as an act of stewardship, not legalism. What is one specific area—exercise, rest, or nutrition—where you sense God calling you to make a change? What step could you take this week? [23:26]
The pastor said, “Long life is a blessing, not just for its own sake, but because it allows us to fulfill our God-given responsibilities.” Who in your life depends on you, and how does your physical health impact your ability to serve them? [16:43]
Spiritual discipline is described as sometimes requiring “effort, and sometimes even agony.” Is there a spiritual habit (prayer, Bible reading, serving, etc.) that you find difficult to maintain? What makes it hard, and what could help you persevere? [29:54]
The sermon warns against both neglecting the body and making bodily discipline an idol. How can you tell if you are out of balance in either direction? What would a healthy balance look like for you? [25:35]
The pastor said, “Godliness is not about external rules or appearances, but about submitting every part of ourselves to the Holy Spirit.” Are there areas of your life—habits, attitudes, or relationships—where you need to invite the Holy Spirit’s control? [33:01]
The Christian life is described as “the best life—now and forever.” How does the hope of eternal life shape the way you approach challenges, suffering, or discipline today? [28:40]

Sermon Clips

If you want to live your life for God's glory and for your own good, you got to do these two things that we're going to be talking about this morning. And we're talking about it from First Timothy, chapter four, one Timothy, chapter four. [00:09:05] (18 seconds) #LiveForGodsGlory

Bodily training is of some value. It is important that you care for your body. That's number one. We are called to care for the body to maximize your physical energy. [00:11:59] (16 seconds) #CareForYourBody

In the same way you, believer, have some things to do in life, and you need this body to be able to do it. So take care of your body, maximize your physical life, your physical energy, so that you can do all the things that God has planned for you. [00:18:08] (17 seconds) #MaximizePhysicalEnergy

Always be ready to speak the truth to a friend, a family member, a neighbor, to be a witness for Jesus Christ. In order to do that, you need to have a mouth, and in order to have a mouth, you need to have a body. You need to take care of yourself so that you can be the witness and the light to the world that God has created you to be. [00:19:42] (18 seconds) #BeReadyToWitness

Because your body is not your own. In First Corinthians, chapter 6, verse 19 and 20, the apostle Paul reminds us and the church that you are not your own when you come to Jesus Christ. Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, honor God with your body. [00:22:03] (18 seconds) #HonorGodWithYourBody

Even if you do all these things, we know that our time is in God's hands. And so we have to acknowledge that God is in control. You could do everything right and you can drop dead when you're 40 years old. And that's in the plan and that's in the will of God. So we submit to his will, but at the same time, while he gives us life and breath, let's do everything we can to maximize our life, the great gift that he's given to us. [00:25:58] (28 seconds) #TrustGodsPlan

No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has even conceived of the good things that God has planned for those who love him. Man, you can't even imagine what God's got for you. God's got some great things in store for you for all of eternity. You can't even imagine it. This is an amazing promise. [00:28:51] (22 seconds) #UnimaginablePromises

Godliness is submitting your body to the control of the Holy Spirit. That's hard. Submitting your body to the control of the Holy Spirit, not submitting to your flesh and not submitting to sin or the devil. See, with your body you can see things that you shouldn't be seeing with your body. You can eat and drink things to excess that you shouldn't be eating or drinking. With your body you can sin and destroy a marriage and participate in a sexual escape that you shouldn't be participating in. Godliness is learning to discipline your body for the truth and for righteousness and for holiness. As we sang, God is holy and he calls us to be holy. That is godliness. [00:33:02] (52 seconds) #DisciplineForGodliness

Godlessness is more convenient for us as people. It is. And so let's be encouraged to cultivate our soul, to train ourselves for godliness, because it's going to make a difference in this life and in the life that's yet to come. [00:34:49] (16 seconds) #TrainForGodliness

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