Stewarding Our Bodies: A Holistic Approach to Health
Summary
Today, we gathered to celebrate the goodness and faithfulness of God, remembering that His mercy is new every morning and that He delights in showing us grace. We sang of His steadfast love, acknowledging that our lives are held in His hands from the moment we wake until we lay our heads down at night. God’s faithfulness is not just a distant truth but a present reality that shapes every aspect of our lives. We are not our own; we belong to the Lord, and our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. This truth forms the foundation for how we approach every area of life, including our physical health.
As we continued our “What’s Your Next Move?” series, we explored the often-overlooked topic of physical health from a biblical perspective. In a culture obsessed with appearance and plagued by a health crisis, it’s easy to either ignore our health or become consumed by unhealthy standards. Yet, Scripture teaches that our bodies are not just shells to be managed or ignored—they are integral to who we are and how we serve God. The Bible may not provide exhaustive health advice, but it does reveal that our physical well-being is a spiritual matter. How we care for our bodies impacts our emotional, relational, and spiritual health.
We considered Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 6, where he reminds us that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit, bought at a high price. This means that honoring God with our bodies is not optional—it’s a response to His love and ownership of our lives. We also reflected on the danger of letting our desires control us, as Paul warns against making our stomachs our god. Self-control in physical matters often mirrors self-control in other areas of life, and neglecting our health can have far-reaching consequences.
Physical training is valuable, but spiritual training is even more so, promising benefits both now and for eternity. Still, we don’t have to choose between the two. Caring for our health enables us to serve God and others more fully. The principle of sowing and reaping applies here: the small, faithful choices we make today regarding our health will bear fruit in the years to come. God cares about every part of us, and even small steps toward better health are significant when done in faith and obedience. As we reflect on our next move, may we seek God’s wisdom, take practical steps, and remember that our bodies are gifts to be stewarded for His glory.
Key Takeaways
- Our bodies are not separate from our spiritual lives; they are an essential part of who we are and how we relate to God. The way we treat our bodies—through diet, exercise, and rest—directly impacts our emotional, relational, and spiritual well-being. Honoring God with our bodies is a holistic act of worship, not just a physical discipline. [32:18]
- The Bible’s primary purpose is to reveal God to us, not just to provide self-help tips. When we approach Scripture, we should seek to know God more deeply and allow His revelation to shape every area of our lives, including our health. Our response to God’s revelation should be comprehensive, integrating faith into every decision and habit. [21:42]
- Self-control in physical health is deeply connected to self-control in other areas of life. When our desires—whether for food, comfort, or pleasure—begin to rule us, they can become idols that hinder our spiritual growth. Practicing discipline in caring for our bodies is a spiritual exercise that strengthens our character and deepens our dependence on God. [36:48]
- Physical training is good and brings real benefits, but it is not ultimate. Spiritual training—growing in godliness, obedience, and Christlikeness—has value for both this life and the life to come. We are called to pursue both, recognizing that our physical health can either help or hinder our ability to serve God and others. [39:57]
- The principle of sowing and reaping applies to our health as much as any other area of life. The small, faithful choices we make today—choosing healthier foods, moving our bodies, seeking medical counsel—will yield fruit in the future, even if the results are not immediate. God honors our efforts to steward our bodies well, and even incremental progress is significant in His eyes. [44:16]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[05:45] - Joyful Worship and Praise
[09:06] - Singing of God’s Mercy
[12:09] - Reflection on God’s Faithfulness
[13:58] - Singing of God’s Goodness
[17:39] - Opening Prayer and Service Introduction
[19:15] - Announcements and Series Introduction
[21:05] - The Bible as God’s Revelation
[23:39] - Building Life on God’s Foundation
[24:54] - God’s Will: Transformation Over Perfection
[27:15] - America’s Health Crisis
[29:44] - Distinguishing Health from Appearance
[31:40] - Your Body as God’s Temple
[34:15] - The Interconnectedness of Health
[36:48] - Self-Control and Spiritual Health
[39:57] - Physical vs. Spiritual Training
[43:40] - Sowing and Reaping in Health
[49:48] - Six Questions for Health Reflection
[54:14] - Taking Practical Next Steps
[56:40] - Closing Prayer and Reflection
[57:55] - Closing Worship
[01:02:57] - Final Announcements and Dismissal
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion 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.
1 Timothy 4:8 (ESV)
> 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.
Galatians 6:7 (ESV)
> Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.
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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 1 Timothy 4:8, how does Paul compare physical training to spiritual training?
3. What principle does Paul teach in Galatians 6:7, and how does it relate to the choices we make?
4. The sermon mentioned that our bodies are “temples of the Holy Spirit.” What does this mean in practical terms? [[31:40]]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul connect the idea of our bodies being temples with the command to honor God with them? What does this suggest about the importance of physical health in the Christian life? [[31:40]]
2. The sermon said, “Physical health is a spiritual issue.” In what ways can neglecting our physical health affect our spiritual, emotional, and relational well-being? [[34:15]]
3. How does the principle of sowing and reaping (Galatians 6:7) challenge the way we think about small, everyday choices regarding our health? [[44:16]]
4. The sermon warned about letting our desires (like food or comfort) control us. Why is self-control in physical matters so closely tied to self-control in other areas of life? [[36:48]]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon challenged us to see our bodies as belonging to God, not ourselves. Is there an area of your physical health (diet, exercise, rest, etc.) where you have been living as if you are your own, rather than God’s? What would it look like to surrender that area to Him? [[31:40]]
2. Think about your daily habits—meals, movement, sleep. Are there any small, practical steps you could take this week to better honor God with your body? What is one change you feel prompted to make? [[54:52]]
3. The message highlighted the danger of letting our desires become idols. Are there any comforts or cravings (food, drink, laziness, etc.) that tend to rule over you? How can you practice self-control in that area, and who could help keep you accountable? [[36:48]]
4. The sermon said, “Physical training is good, but spiritual training is even better.” How can you pursue both without neglecting one for the other? What would a healthy balance look like in your current season of life? [[39:57]]
5. The principle of sowing and reaping means that small choices add up over time. Can you think of a time when a small, faithful choice in your health (or another area) led to bigger results later? How does that encourage you to keep going, even if you don’t see immediate results? [[44:16]]
6. The pastor encouraged us to seek godly counsel about our health, including from doctors or dietitians. Is there a health concern you’ve been ignoring that you need to bring to a professional or to God in prayer? [[51:39]]
7. The sermon reminded us that God delights in showing us mercy and is not looking for perfection, but for progress. How can you show yourself grace as you seek to make changes in your health? What would it look like to invite God into your struggles and celebrate small victories? [[56:40]]
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for wisdom, self-control, and God’s strength to honor Him with their bodies, and to encourage one another in taking the next faithful step.
Devotional
Day 1: Your Body is the Temple of the Holy Spirit
Your body is an essential part of who you are, and how you use or misuse it impacts every area of your life. God made your body, and it is not separate from your soul; rather, it is the very dwelling place of the Holy Spirit if you are a follower of Jesus. This means that caring for your body is not just a physical matter but a spiritual one, as your physical health affects your emotional, relational, and spiritual well-being. Honoring God with your body is an act of worship, recognizing that you belong to Him and that your body is a gift to be stewarded for His purposes. [31:40]
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: In what specific way can you honor God with your body this week—whether through rest, nutrition, or movement—that you have previously neglected?
Day 2: Self-Control in Physical Health Reflects Spiritual Health
Lack of self-control in caring for your body often reflects a lack of self-control in other areas of your life. When desires such as hunger or comfort begin to control you, rather than you controlling them, it can become a form of misplaced worship. The way you manage your physical desires—whether in eating, exercise, or other habits—has a direct impact on your spiritual life, as undisciplined physical habits can lead to spiritual stagnation. Practicing self-control in your physical health is not about condemnation but about aligning your whole self with God’s purposes and experiencing the benefits of discipline in every area of life. [36:48]
Philippians 3:19 (ESV)
"Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things."
Reflection: What is one physical desire or habit that tends to control you, and how can you invite God to help you practice self-control in that area today?
Day 3: Physical Training is Good, but Spiritual Training is Better
Physical training and caring for your health are valuable and bring benefits in this life, but training for godliness is even more important because it has eternal value. While it is good to pursue healthy habits, it is essential to keep them in proportion and not let them overshadow your pursuit of spiritual growth. The management of your health should help, not hinder, your ability to serve God and others, and your physical well-being can expand your capacity to fulfill God’s calling. Ultimately, your hope and identity are found in Christ, not in your physical achievements. [39:57]
1 Timothy 4:8 (ESV)
"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: How can you intentionally prioritize spiritual growth this week, even as you make choices to care for your physical health?
Day 4: You Reap What You Sow—The Principle of Health
The biblical principle of sowing and reaping applies to every area of life, including your health. The choices you make today regarding your body—what you eat, how you move, and how you care for yourself—will have long-term consequences, both positive and negative. Investing in your health now, even in small ways, can yield benefits in the future, enabling you to serve God and others more fully. Don’t be discouraged by what you cannot do; instead, focus on the next faithful step you can take, trusting that God honors your efforts and will bring a harvest in due time. [43:40]
Galatians 6:7 (ESV)
"Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap."
Reflection: What is one small, practical change you can make today to invest in your long-term health, and how might this impact your ability to serve God in the future?
Day 5: Responding to God’s Revelation—Taking the Next Step
God reveals Himself through His Word, and you are invited to respond by building every area of your life—including your health—on the foundation of who He is. Rather than compartmentalizing God as just one part of your life, let every decision, including those about your physical well-being, flow from your relationship with Him. Even if you feel overwhelmed or limited, remember that a single step forward is still progress. Bring your health concerns to God in prayer, seek wise counsel, and ask Him to show you your next move, trusting that He is with you and will give you strength for the journey. [56:05]
Romans 12:1-2 (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. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
Reflection: What is one area of your health where you sense God prompting you to take a next step, and how will you respond to His invitation today?
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