Memory Verse: Remove falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches—feed me with the food allotted to me” Proverbs 30:8
Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 3:9-17; 11:27-33; 12:12-31
Introduction:
The human body is a remarkable “machine.” Like all machines it is made up of many movable and stationary parts and it is constructed to perform a variety of different tasks. It needs the proper “fuel” and maintenance to run with optimum efficiency.
In our modern, urbanized societies, where everything is readily available to maintain our bodies, we often find human beings in far worse mental and physical shape than in poorer rural countries. In countries like Australia, England and the United States or Canada, there is also a great abundance of tension and stress. Food may be available in a wide variety, but it is often long on abundance while short on nutrition. Exercise is necessary for good health as well, but a computer operator gets little physical stimulation pushing buttons, neither can the office worker build a satisfactory bicep just by raising and lowering an ink pen or telephone receiver. Most jobs today are technical in nature, requiring more mental than physical effort. Americans and western Europeans are very sports minded, but mainly as spectators rather than participants and TV has turned many of us virtually into “couch-potatoes.” We even have remote control station changing devices to keep us from getting off the couch or out of our chairs.
God has very clearly let it be known that our bodies represent the very Temple of God; this has physical as well as, spiritual implications. It is our responsibility to do our job, no matter what the results. Paul says, that if any man defile God’s temple, then that man will be destroyed of God. How many people who smoke, drink, or otherwise practice poor habits of health and hygiene are shortening their lives through intemperance and excess? Above all people, Christians should recognize the need and duty for keeping themselves healthy and clean, both morally and physically. Hence, God takes very seriously our actions in the church.
If we judge, i.e. examine ourselves, as for the Lord’s Supper, then God would not need to correct us, but when Christians are unwilling to do this self-examination, God Himself will discipline us. Paul used the human body to illustrate the need for unity in the diversity that existed in the church. Christians are part of the whole body infused by the one God. Every individual Christian has a role assigned by God Himself and is intended for the “profit of all” (1 Corinthians 12:7). Do we care for our body, be it our own individual or our church, we need to remember that we should give of ourselves to others and whenever any part of the body has a need, we should minister and help that part.
Study Questions:
- Will obedience to God do anything for physical health? Proverbs 3:3-8. Note: Trusting in God is a conscious dependence on God, much like leaning on a tree for support. These verses describe general patterns, not rules that have no exceptions. However, these are the results that often follow a full commitment to God.
- Can righteousness contribute to good health? Psalm 1:1-6; 92:12-15. Note: God is intimately involved with the way of the righteous.
- What does Paul recommend in dealing with our own bodies? 1 Corinthians 9:24-27; Romans 6:16-19. Note: Paul highlights the principle that everyone is a slave to someone or something—whether it is a person, possession, or activity, but a Christian should be a slave to God’s righteousness.
- Would an overseer—Bishop, or episkopos, in the church be expected to be temperate and in control of mind and body? Titus 1:7-9. Note: They were to possess the character required to promote good works and sound doctrine among the believers, unlike those who were self-willed.
- Did Felix respond favorably to Paul’s discussion concerning righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come? Acts 24:24-27. Note: Felix knew about the Christian faith from his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish and the great-granddaughter of Herod the Great. Also, Felix had governed Judea and Samaria for six years. When Paul spoke on righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment, it is supposed that Felix was reminded of his own immoral life and hence, refused to talk any more about the Way because of his guilty conscious.
- With regard to mental health, what is the scriptural promise to those who keep their mind upon God? Isaiah 26:3.
- What mental attitudes may prove beneficial to the body? Romans 13:11-14. Note: Christians should clothe themselves with Christ-like characteristics.
- Anger is a dangerous emotional pitfall and can often lead to violence, what advice is given to the child of God regarding this volatile state of mind? Proverbs 15:1-4; 1 Thessalonians 5:9-11.
- Though future judgment does not depend upon eating and drinking habits, per se, would a truly saved person willfully continue practicing poor health habits? Romans 14:1-13; 1 Corinthians 10:23-33. Note: Days and diets are not the issues, but whether what is being done is committed to the Lord. Christians belong to the Lord; they will live and die in relation to Him. Though we have freedom we also have a responsibility. Doing all to the glory of God involves encouraging fellow Christians and spreading the good news about Christ, this should be our desire.