Holiness In Our Physical Bodies Series

Title: HOLINESS IN OUR PHYSICAL BODIES

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Supporting Texts: Romans 12:1, 1 Peter 1:16, 1 Corinthians 9:27, 1 Thessalonians 5:23

INTRODUCTION:

As believers, our physical bodies are not merely vessels for worldly activities, but temples of the Holy Spirit. The way we treat our bodies reflects our reverence for God, who created them. Holiness in our physical bodies involves making choices that honour God and glorify Him in every aspect of our lives. We must remember that God has called us to present our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to Him.

1. OUR BODIES AS TEMPLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

a) God’s Dwelling Place

1 Corinthians 6:19 teaches that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit.

b) Sacred and Set Apart

Our bodies are not to be used for unrighteousness but for righteousness (Romans 6:13).

c) Belonging to God

We were bought with a price—our bodies belong to God (1 Corinthians 6:20).

d) Sanctification of the Body

God calls us to honour Him with our bodies through sanctification (1 Thessalonians 4:3-4).

e) Biblical Example: Daniel and his friends made a commitment to not defile themselves with the king’s food (Daniel 1:8-16).

2. HOLINESS IN OUR DIET AND HEALTH

a) Eating to Honour God

What we eat and how we eat should reflect our respect for God’s creation (1 Corinthians 10:31).

b) Avoiding Excess and Gluttony

Proverbs 23:20-21 warns against gluttony and drunkenness.

c) Caring for Our Bodies

Taking care of our physical health is a form of stewardship (1 Corinthians 9:27).

d) Practising Moderation

Avoiding excessive indulgence in food, drink, or anything harmful is key to holiness (Philippians 4:5).

e) Biblical Example: The apostle Paul disciplined his body to bring it into subjection for the sake of the gospel (1 Corinthians 9:27).

3. AVOIDING IMMORALITY AND DEFILEMENT

a) Purity in Sexuality

1 Corinthians 6:18 calls us to flee sexual immorality, honouring God with our bodies.

b) Avoiding Lust and Impurity

Jesus warns against lustful thoughts that defile the heart (Matthew 5:28).

c) Protecting Our Minds and Bodies

Guarding both the mind and body against defilement is essential for holiness (Philippians 4:8).

d) Walking in the Light

We are called to walk in purity, as children of the light (Ephesians 5:8).

e) Biblical Example: Joseph’s escape from Potiphar’s wife is a model of fleeing immorality (Genesis 39:12).

4. A HOLY AND DISCIPLINED LIFESTYLE

a) Living with Self-Control

1 Corinthians 9:27 emphasizes self-discipline in all areas, including our physical actions.

b) Exercising for Health and Strength

Physical exercise is beneficial, but spiritual training is more important (1 Timothy 4:8).

c) Resting and Honoring the Sabbath

Resting properly is part of honouring God with our bodies (Exodus 20:8-10).

d) Practising Cleanliness and Hygiene

Maintaining personal hygiene reflects respect for God’s temple (Leviticus 11:44-45).

e) Biblical Example: Paul speaks of disciplining his body, ensuring it serves God’s purposes (1 Corinthians 9:27).

5. THE BLESSINGS OF HOLINESS IN OUR BODIES

a) God’s Presence and Power

When we honour God with our bodies, we experience His presence and power in our lives (Exodus 33:14).

b) Strength and Vitality

A disciplined and holy life brings physical and spiritual strength (Isaiah 40:31).

c) God’s Protection

Holiness in our bodies brings protection from sickness and harm (Psalm 91:10).

d) Spiritual Fruitfulness

Our bodies are instruments for bearing spiritual fruit when used for God’s glory (Romans 6:13).

e) Biblical Example: Jesus, though fully God, honoured His body by keeping it pure and holy, empowering Him for His ministry (Luke 4:14).

CONCLUSION:

Holiness in our physical bodies is an essential part of our walk with God. By presenting our bodies as living sacrifices, we honour God and experience His blessings. Let us commit to taking care of our bodies, living in purity, and using our physical selves to glorify the Lord.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Lord, I dedicate my body to You as a living sacrifice, in Jesus' name.

2. Father, help me to make choices that honour You in how I care for my body, in Jesus' name.

3. Holy Spirit, guide me to resist temptation and flee from immorality, in Jesus' name.

4. Lord, grant me the grace to practice moderation and avoid excess in all things, in Jesus' name.

5. Father, help me to use my body for Your glory, in Jesus' name.

6. Lord, deliver me from any unhealthy habits that defile my body, in Jesus' name.

7. Father, strengthen my resolve to discipline my body and bring it into subjection, in Jesus' name.

8. Lord, teach me to respect and honour my body as Your temple, in Jesus' name.

9. Father, bless me with strength, vitality, and health as I honour You with my body, in Jesus' name.

10. Holy Spirit, empower me to live a life of holiness in all areas of my life, in Jesus' name.