Introduction
We’re starting a new series called “Temple of God”, where we dive into God’s Word for wisdom on honoring God with our bodies. Our guiding verse, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, lays the foundation: “Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.”
This verse reminds us that when we accepted Jesus into our lives, the Holy Spirit took residence within us. It’s a concept that may be challenging to fully grasp, but it’s undeniably true. And it’s this truth that underscores the importance of honoring God with our bodies. We were purchased at a great cost – the blood of Jesus – and we now belong to Him. In this series, we will explore what it means to treasure and protect the temple that is our body.
Diving into God’s Word
In this series, we’ll talk about body image, beauty, comparison, modesty, and boundaries. These are subjects that often provoke differing opinions, but my aim is not to provide just another viewpoint. Instead, we will turn to God’s Word to discover His perspective on these matters.
1 Corinthians 6:19’s declaration, “you do not belong to yourself,” underscores our identity as daughters of God, redeemed by the blood of Jesus. Following Jesus involves denying ourselves, carrying our cross, and following Him. As we start this series, I encourage you to come before the Lord in prayer. Ask Him to open and soften your heart to what He has for you. You may disagree sometimes, but remember to go to His Word for truth.
Backing Words with Scripture
I will do my best to ground every message in this series in Scripture, ensuring that it’s not just my opinion. Honoring God with our bodies is no small feat, especially in a culture that sets unattainable beauty standards, pressures us to lose weight, and tempts us to constantly upgrade our wardrobes. It may require a renewal of your mind, a process that only the Lord can truly do in your life.
Remember, you are a precious daughter of God, and His Spirit dwells within you. As we journey together, we will explore God’s desire for how we should honor Him with our bodies.
Three Tips for This Series
1. Listen: Approach this series with an open heart, ready to receive the Word of God and the insights shared. Be open to His truth, even if it challenges your current beliefs.
2. Understand: Seek to comprehend the topics we discuss. God’s Word is alive and active, and He wants to give you wisdom and understanding as you seek Him for it.
3. Act: Don’t let this just be mere head knowledge. Take to heart what is shared and put it into action. As James 1:22-25 tells us, hearing God’s word but not acting upon it is like glancing at your reflection and forgetting what you look like.
Conclusion
Our hope for this “Temple of God” series is to encourage you in your precious identity as a daughter of the Lord and to challenge you to value the body He has given you and to honor Him with it. Together, we will go through this series, seeking to align our lives with God’s wisdom and truth. Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, and it’s time to treasure and protect it as such.
