Care of the Body – (Overcoming Addictions, Gluttony, Inactivity)
1. Christ died so we could serve God with our bodies as well as our minds and spirits (1 Corinthians 6:13-14,19-20, 1 Thessalonians 5:23).
2. Our bodies were purchased with Jesus' blood. We are waiting for our bodies to be redeemed (Romans 8:22-23)--to be “glorified”.
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While we are waiting, we are called to use our bodies for obedience to God—striving to live as we would live if we already had glorified bodies (Romans 6:12-14, 1 John 3:2-3, Philippians 3:10-14).
3. Our first task as believers is to learn to use sacrifice our bodies in order to serve God(Romans 12:1).
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We should be willing to cut off limbs if they were to cause us to sin (Mark 9:43-48).
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We should keep our bodies “beaten” or disciplined through regular, vigorous exercise, fasting, and a healthy diet (1 Corinthians 9:24-27).
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We should not depend on any comfort or substance in order to be content (1 Corinthians 6:12).
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Addictions, dependencies, withdrawals...all these are slavery to the flesh that leads to death (Romans 6:16).
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*If you cannot take care of your body (amongst other earthly things), you cannot be entrusted with any other growth in the kingdom (John 3:12, Luke 16:12).
4. Needed practices to keep the body disciplined:
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Maintain a consistent exercise routine, and gradually increase its time or intensity.
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Regularly abstain from bodily comforts until your self-control, joy, and peace are unaffected when you go without them (Philippians 4:11-13). Be uncomfortable until it's not uncomfortable anymore, and then make it more uncomfortable.
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Examples:
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Regularly fast from food.
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Increase physical activity (push to be moving and/or on your feet for long periods of time).
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If you're trying to break a certain dependency or addiction, fast from food while praying for self-control to repent from your dependency.
Everyone should make a plan for how often they will exercise and how often they will fast. Start somewhere!