Stewarding Our Bodies: Embracing Aging with Faith
Summary
In today's reflection, we explored the profound theme of aging and stewardship of our physical bodies, as inspired by Ecclesiastes 12. We began by contemplating what it means to honor God with our bodies, recognizing that while we have the freedom to make choices, not all choices are beneficial. This discernment requires wisdom, as we navigate the balance between freedom and what truly benefits us. We also discussed the importance of missions, drawing parallels to Jesus' own mission, and encouraged openness to serving beyond our comfort zones.
The heart of our discussion centered on the inevitability of aging. Our bodies, like everything under the sun, have an expiration date. This reality calls us to steward our bodies wisely, acknowledging that while we can make choices to potentially extend our days, ultimately, our lifespan is in God's hands. We delved into the poetic imagery of Ecclesiastes, which vividly describes the physical decline that accompanies aging, reminding us of the importance of remembering our Creator in our youth.
We also reflected on the biblical truth that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. This understanding elevates the significance of how we treat our bodies, as they are not our own but belong to God. We are called to honor God with our bodies, recognizing that they were bought at a price through Jesus' sacrifice. This perspective challenges us to consider our daily choices and how they align with the sacredness of our bodies as vessels of God's presence.
Finally, we acknowledged the hope of resurrection, the promise that God will one day resurrect our bodies. This hope encourages us to embrace the aging process with grace and confidence, knowing that our current physical limitations are temporary. As we navigate the journey of life, we are reminded to cultivate attitudes and behaviors that reflect our faith, impacting how we live and interact with others.
Key Takeaways:
1. Freedom vs. Beneficial Choices: While we have the freedom to make choices, not all are beneficial. It requires wisdom to discern what truly benefits us and aligns with God's purpose for our lives. This discernment is crucial in how we steward our bodies and live out our faith. [01:24]
2. Aging and Stewardship: Our bodies have an expiration date, and aging is a natural part of life. We are called to steward our bodies wisely, making choices that honor God and reflect our understanding of our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit. [03:32]
3. Bodies as Temples: Our bodies are not our own; they are temples of the Holy Spirit. This truth challenges us to honor God with our bodies, recognizing their sacredness and the responsibility we have to steward them well. [12:47]
4. Hope of Resurrection: The promise of resurrection offers hope and encourages us to embrace aging with grace. Our current physical limitations are temporary, and we look forward to the day when God will resurrect our bodies. [28:23]
5. Impact of Attitude: Our attitudes and behaviors today impact how we age and interact with others. Cultivating a heart aligned with God's values influences our relationships and how we navigate life's challenges. [30:50]
Youtube Chapters:
- #!!0:00!!# - Welcome
- [01:24] - The Call to Missions
- [02:43] - Introduction to Ecclesiastes 12
- [03:32] - The Reality of Aging
- [04:35] - Stewardship of Our Bodies
- [05:45] - Remembering Our Creator
- [06:35] - The Gift of Youth
- [07:18] - Challenges of Aging
- [08:32] - Pain and Aging
- [10:02] - Our Bodies Belong to God
- [11:36] - Unique Nature of Sexual Sins
- [12:47] - Bodies as Temples of the Holy Spirit
- [13:21] - Physical Decline with Age
- [14:09] - Importance of Physical Activity
- [15:12] - Preventative Health Measures
- [17:07] - Poetic Imagery of Aging
- [18:01] - Physical Changes with Age
- [20:45] - Honoring Our Seniors
- [24:33] - Conclusion: Fear God and Keep His Commandments
- [25:23] - Jesus and the Temple of His Body
- [26:10] - God's Spirit in Our Bodies
- [27:29] - Honoring God with Our Bodies
- [28:23] - Hope of Resurrection
- [29:43] - Stewardship and Jesus' Example
- [30:50] - Attitude and Aging
- [31:46] - Gratitude for Church Seniors
- [33:07] - Wisdom from Church Elders
- [43:10] - Changed Family Trees
- [44:06] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Ecclesiastes 12:1-8
- 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Ecclesiastes 12:1-8 describe about the process of aging and the human body?
2. According to 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, what is the significance of our bodies being temples of the Holy Spirit?
3. In the sermon, what examples were given to illustrate the concept of freedom versus beneficial choices? [01:24]
4. How does the sermon describe the inevitability of aging and its impact on our lives? [03:32]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the imagery in Ecclesiastes 12:1-8 help us understand the importance of remembering our Creator in our youth?
2. What does it mean for our bodies to be temples of the Holy Spirit, and how should this influence our daily decisions? [12:47]
3. How does the sermon suggest we balance the freedom to make choices with the need to make beneficial decisions for our bodies? [01:24]
4. What role does the hope of resurrection play in how we view and accept the aging process? [28:23]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current lifestyle choices. Are there any changes you need to make to better honor God with your body? [27:29]
2. How can you actively remember and honor your Creator in your daily life, especially during times of physical strength and health? [05:45]
3. Consider the freedoms you have in your life. Are there any areas where you need to exercise more discernment to ensure your choices are beneficial? [01:24]
4. How can the hope of resurrection influence your attitude towards aging and physical limitations? [28:23]
5. Identify one specific way you can steward your body better this week, whether through diet, exercise, or rest. [15:12]
6. Think about the seniors in your community or church. How can you show them respect and learn from their wisdom? [20:45]
7. What practical steps can you take to cultivate a positive attitude and behavior that reflects your faith, especially as you age? [30:50]
Devotional
Day 1: Discernment in Freedom
In our journey of faith, we are granted the freedom to make choices, yet not all choices are beneficial. This freedom requires discernment, a wisdom that aligns our decisions with God's purpose for our lives. As we navigate daily life, we must consider how our choices impact our spiritual and physical well-being. The call to steward our bodies wisely is a reflection of our commitment to live out our faith in a way that honors God. This discernment is not just about avoiding harm but actively seeking what truly benefits us and aligns with God's will. [01:24]
"For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another." (Galatians 5:13, ESV)
Reflection: What is one decision you face today where you need to seek God's wisdom to discern what is truly beneficial for your spiritual and physical well-being?
Day 2: Embracing the Aging Process
Aging is an inevitable part of life, and our bodies, like all things under the sun, have an expiration date. This reality calls us to steward our bodies wisely, making choices that honor God and reflect our understanding of our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit. As we age, we are reminded of the importance of remembering our Creator in our youth and making choices that reflect our faith. The process of aging is not just a physical journey but a spiritual one, where we learn to trust in God's timing and plan for our lives. [03:32]
"So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom." (Psalm 90:12, ESV)
Reflection: How can you honor God with your body today, acknowledging the reality of aging and the call to steward your physical health wisely?
Day 3: Sacredness of Our Bodies
Our bodies are not our own; they are temples of the Holy Spirit. This truth elevates the significance of how we treat our bodies, as they were bought at a price through Jesus' sacrifice. We are called to honor God with our bodies, recognizing their sacredness and the responsibility we have to steward them well. This perspective challenges us to consider our daily choices and how they align with the sacredness of our bodies as vessels of God's presence. [12:47]
"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 habit or practice you can adopt today to honor the sacredness of your body as a temple of the Holy Spirit?
Day 4: Hope in Resurrection
The promise of resurrection offers hope and encourages us to embrace aging with grace. Our current physical limitations are temporary, and we look forward to the day when God will resurrect our bodies. This hope is a source of strength and encouragement as we navigate the challenges of aging, reminding us that our ultimate hope is in God's promise of eternal life. As we live out our faith, we are called to cultivate attitudes and behaviors that reflect this hope, impacting how we live and interact with others. [28:23]
"For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality." (1 Corinthians 15:53, ESV)
Reflection: How does the hope of resurrection influence your perspective on aging and the way you live your life today?
Day 5: Attitude and Influence
Our attitudes and behaviors today impact how we age and interact with others. Cultivating a heart aligned with God's values influences our relationships and how we navigate life's challenges. As we reflect on our journey, we are reminded of the importance of living out our faith in a way that honors God and impacts those around us. Our attitudes are a reflection of our faith and can be a powerful witness to others, encouraging them to seek God's presence in their own lives. [30:50]
"Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person." (Colossians 4:6, ESV)
Reflection: What is one attitude or behavior you can change today to better reflect God's values and positively influence those around you?
Quotes
Here are the selected quotes from the sermon transcript:
1. "The theme of the whole book is searching for meaning and purpose when it comes to our life. And there's two ways to live life, right? There is under the sun, S -U -N, which is the theme all through the book. Everything is meaningless under the sun. Or there's another way we can live life. Under the S -O -N. Under the sun. And when you live your life following Jesus, he gives your life meaning and purpose." [02:54] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Today, we're looking at chapter 12, which is the theme of aging. Every one of you, every one of you, no one escapes that there is a stamp on our bodies, and that stamp has an expiration date on it. Our bodies will expire. One day. God knows when that day is. Every one of us, we have an expiration. Do not use after this certain date, right? Now, some of us push it when it comes to food. We're like, oh, that's still good for a couple more weeks. Well, it's a hard expiration date when it comes to our physical bodies." [03:32] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "What are the things that your body allows you to do today? Go and do that today because there's a day coming you will not be able to do it. That's good stewardship. That's being wise. Don't waste the fact that your body can get you to the top of a mountain today. It's hot, so maybe not today in Arizona. Before the evil days come in, because there's a day coming where you're going to be like, man, life is really, really hard." [07:18] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "My body belongs to God. It is his property. I don't own my body. God does. He created my body and he expects me to use it in the way that I want to use it. way he intended it to be used, right? My body and your body belong to God. There's some things that we can do with our bodies, but it's not beneficial." [10:02] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "There's something unique about sexual sins. 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 your gods with your bodies. In the Old Testament, God chose to dwell in tabernacles, and then David's son, Solomon, builds the temple." [11:53] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "God chooses to dwell in your body. Your body is the temple in which you are. God chooses to dwell in and do his work in. How we choose to steward and manage our bodies is a big deal. What we choose to put into our bodies is a big deal. How we manage it and steward it, really, really important." [12:40] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "We have the ability to manage and steward our bodies because his body was crushed for you and for me. His body was crushed. His body was beaten. He went willingly to the cross so that you and I might have the gift of aging. You're like, it's a gift. Yes, it's a gift. Every day we have is a gift." [30:17] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Your attitude just gets accentuated as you get older. The things in your heart begin to come out. Some of you, you know, you were around your parents at the end of their life and they were saying some stuff like, whoa, mom, dad, easy. And so your attitude, you get to address now. Your heart, your convictions, your beliefs, how you treat people today, how you address that today is going to impact you when you're 85 on your deathbed, how you treat people." [31:03] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Our culture does not do a very good job of honoring our seniors. I've been in different cultures of the world. They do a phenomenal job. There is automatic respect to seniors and in the cultures, many cultures of the world, they are elders, right? We have elders of the church, but they're elders. They have our respect because they have lived longer than I have. They know more than I do." [21:17] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "Make your life count by following Jesus. Jesus gives your life meaning and purpose. Fear God and keep his commandments for this is the whole duty of man. We read Ecclesiastes again in light of what we know about Jesus. Jesus said something about his body. He said, Three days you will destroy this body, but I will rise it again. He calls his body the temple." [24:47] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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