How can we glorify God in our bodies, as instructed in 1 Corinthians 6:19? Our Bodies Are Not Our Own “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own.” — 1 Corinthians 6:19 • Scripture states plainly that ownership has transferred; Christ purchased us. • 1 Corinthians 6:20 continues, “you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body.” • Because God lives in us, everything done in or with the body should reflect His holy presence. Seeing the Body as God’s Temple • 1 Corinthians 3:16 — “Do you not know that you yourselves are God’s temple, and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?” • Psalm 139:13-14 reminds us we are “fearfully and wonderfully made,” crafted by God for His purposes. • Treating the body as God’s dwelling place changes how we think about food, rest, entertainment, clothes, sexuality—everything becomes worship. Guarding Purity and Holiness • 1 Corinthians 6:18: “Flee from sexual immorality.” The command is active—run, not reason. • 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4: “For it is God’s will that you should be holy… each of you must learn to control his own body in holiness and honor.” • Practical steps: – Set clear moral boundaries. – Filter what enters through eyes and ears. – Cultivate friendships that encourage holiness. Stewardship of Health • Proverbs 3:7-8 links fearing the Lord with “health to your body and nourishment to your bones.” • 1 Timothy 4:8 acknowledges “physical exercise is of limited value,” yet it is still valuable; discipline in diet, sleep, and activity honors the Creator. • Avoiding substances or habits that damage the body shows gratitude for the gift God gave. Using the Body as an Instrument of Righteousness • Romans 6:13: “Do not present the parts of your body to sin… but present yourselves to God… and your members to God as instruments of righteousness.” • Hands serve the needy, feet carry the gospel, mouths speak truth in love, eyes look with compassion. • Hebrews 13:15-16 joins verbal praise with tangible service: “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise… And do not neglect to do good and to share with others.” Living Sacrifices in Everyday Life • Romans 12:1: “Offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—your spiritual service of worship.” • Daily choices that glorify God: – Integrity at work and school. – Honesty in speech; no gossip or coarse joking (Ephesians 4:29). – Modesty that points attention to Christ, not self. – Rest that trusts God enough to cease striving (Psalm 127:2). Displaying Christ Before a Watching World • Philippians 1:20: Paul’s aim was “that Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.” • Matthew 5:16: “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” • When believers steward their bodies well, the world sees a living picture of God’s wisdom, purity, and joy. Every heartbeat, breath, step, and word can declare, “Lord, this body is Yours; may You be glorified in it today.” |
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