Transformation is possible! But how? Join us as we talk about the reliable pattern for change- Vision, Intention, and Means and how we can apply this to Spiritual Formation in the Way of Jesus.
My Body, His Temple
Speakers
Josh Blount
Lead Pastor
Notes
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1 Corinthians 6:12-20 “I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but I will not be mastered by anything. 13 You say, “Food for the stomach and the stomach for food, and God will destroy them both.” The body, however, is not meant for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. 14 By his power God raised the Lord from the dead, and he will raise us also. 15 Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself? Shall I then take the members of Christ and unite them with a prostitute? Never! 16 Do you not know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, “The two will become one flesh.” 17 But whoever is united with the Lord is one with him in spirit. 18 Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body. 19 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; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.
Strength - your physical body, your body posture, your physical energy.
Our body is a primary resource for the spiritual life. It is the place where we live and express ourselves. It is God's gift to us and the instrument through which we can serve Him and others. Ignoring the body in spiritual formation is to ignore a central aspect of who we are. Our bodies are not just shells or containers for the soul; they are an essential aspect of our identity and our capacity to act. Spiritual formation involves the body, as it is through the body that our spiritual lives are lived out. We must steward our bodies without making them our ultimate focus.
Dallas Willard
Your body is an integral part of your spiritual life
1. See It For What It Is
Galatians 5:19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God."
Flesh = Sarx - the sinful nature within us.
Body = sōma - our physical form
Your body is not your enemy, the flesh is.
Ephesians 6:12 We wrestle not against flesh and blood”…
Our fight is not against flesh-and-blood enemies, and that includes the flesh and blood that makes up our bodies!
Your body, is a morally neutral. It is the influence we subject it to that determines its direction.
Misidentifying your body as evil leads to a fractured understanding of yourself and God's work in you. By seeing your body as a vessel for God's work, you can align it with His purposes, allowing the Spirit to transform and use you fully.
N.T. Wright
Your body is a necessary gift from God!
Without a body, we cannot preach, baptize, or serve. The physical presence of our bodies is crucial to God manifesting His love and power in the world.
A gift seen as a threat will never be opened and appreciated for what it is. God's gifts require a posture of openness and trust to be truly received and integrated into our lives.
Henri Nouwen
2. Keep The Order In Order
1 Corinthians 14:33 God is not the author of confusion, but of peace
PEMDAS
Body leads is a lie from Hell!
P - Prioritize God first
E - Elevate scripture over opinions
M - Magnify Jesus through worship
D - Dedicate yourself to serving others
A - Apply generosity in all you do
S - See to your own self-care
When we chase pleasure, and we forfeit peace.
The deceitfulness of sin is that it promises joy and fulfillment, but delivers only pain and emptiness. When the fleeting pleasure passes, it leaves behind a trail of soul problems such as anxiety, depression, and addiction.
John Owen
Body leads is a lie from Hell!
Mark 8:36 What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?
In gaining the world, we often gain nothing but death, for what is wealth or power without the life of the soul?
Charles Spurgeon
3. Offer What Belongs To God To God
1 Corinthians 6:15 Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself?
1 Corinthians 6:19 your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;
How’s your vehicle doing?
The redemption of our bodies was costly—it required the sacrifice of Christ. To neglect or abuse our bodies is to dishonor the very price He paid.
R.C. Sproul
Romans 12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.
Offering your body as a living sacrifice is the key to controlling its weaknesses. It's a daily decision to present yourself to God, allowing Him to work in and through you to overcome the frailties of your fallen nature.
Tim Keller
3 To-Do’s In Offering Your Body To God
#1 Offer your body to God.
#2 Accept Your Body As It Is.
#3 Choose To No Longer Misuse Your Body.
10 Practices To Steward Your Body With God
1. Get enough sleep
He gives His beloved sleep. Sleep is the best physician that I know of. Sleep has healed more pains and heartaches than any doctor in history. When you lie down to sleep, remember that God is watching over you, and it is He who gives you rest.
Charles Spurgeon
2. Eat food that's healthy
3. Exercise regularly
4. Sabbath Message: Sabbath Rest, Pace for the Race
5. Embrace your limitations
Embracing our limitations is not a sign of weakness, but rather a recognition of our humanity. It's in acknowledging our limitations that we can truly lean on God's strength and grace to guide us through every season of life.
Tim Keller