Let’s Get Physical

Introduction

There’s really no debate when it comes to physical health. People will tell you outright that taking care of the body is very important. That’s the reason gyms are always full of people in the first few weeks of the year—people who made it their New Year’s resolution to exercise more, lose weight, and basically take their physical health seriously. But why are there still so many people living such unhealthy lives? Why is it that people who vowed to be healthy at the start of the year are back to their old unhealthy ways a few weeks later? I believe part of the problem is that they haven’t really understood the Biblical reasons why they need to take care of their bodies. And sadly, this includes Christians.

The Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, addresses sexual immorality – a sin against the body – occurring in the church at Corinth. As he admonishes the believers in Corinth, we see two fundamental reasons why we, as followers of Christ, should take care of our bodies. Today, we will explore these fundamental reasons, which should give us clarity on why we need to take physical health more seriously. Let us open our hearts and allow the Holy Spirit to enlighten us through God’s word and transform us from the inside out.

1. Our union with Christ includes our bodies. (1 Corinthians 6:12-17)

As Christians, we are one with Christ. Being one with Christ doesn’t include just one aspect of our being but everything, including our bodies. In 1 Corinthians 6:12-17, Paul argues with the believers in Corinth that their bodies are important in their unity with Christ, and they should never use their bodies for sexual immorality. In principle, what Paul is saying here is that whatever we do with our bodies affects us spiritually. So, this is not just about being physically healthy, though that’s important, but about being physically healthy so we can be ready to interact and engage with the Lord in all aspects of our lives.

2. Our redemption in Christ includes our bodies. (1 Corinthians 6:18-20)

Christ didn’t just redeem our spirits but our bodies as well, so we can bring glory to Him. In 1 Corinthians 6:18-20, Paul commands the believers in Corinth to flee from sexual immorality, for it is against God’s design for their bodies. Instead, their choices should reflect the truth that their bodies are now temples of the Holy Spirit and have divine ownership. In the same way, we should stop misusing our bodies and start taking care of them as the dwelling place of the Spirit. God should also have a say in how we use our bodies, for we are just stewards, not owners. Ultimately, our bodies, when healthy, can be used to bring glory to God.

Conclusion:

As we reflect on these fundamental reasons from 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, it becomes clear that taking care of our bodies goes beyond just being healthy. It involves our union with Christ and our redemption in Christ. In short, “taking care of the body is part of our spirituality.” As such, we should repent for taking our bodies for granted and start prioritizing both our physical and spiritual health in our walk with God.

Discussion:

1. Why do many people fail to maintain their New Year’s resolutions related to physical health? Can you relate to these reasons?

2. What do you think are the reasons why Christians are more inclined to take care of their spiritual health but disregard taking care of their physical health?

3. Before, what was your understanding of why we need to take care of our bodies? Did you gain a deeper understanding of taking care of our bodies after hearing this preaching? What insight stands out to you the most, and why?

4. In what ways do your union with Christ and redemption in Christ influence the choices you make regarding the use and care of your body?

5. What areas of your life do you feel like you’re taking your health for granted? How can the principle “taking care of the body is part of our spirituality” help you in these areas?