In confronting the Corinthians, Paul points out how sexual immorality is physically and spiritually destructive: “he who sins sexually sins against his own body” (1 Cor. 6:18). Neil Plantinga observes, “Sex, like fire, is a powerful gift which can not only draw us to its warmth, but also burn us painfully. Sex needs a context. It needs a fireplace. Sex needs to be guarded by the security of that life-long union we call marriage.” (C. Plantinga, Beyond Doubt, Grand Rapids: Bible Way, 1980, p. 84.)
Becoming Less Flesh (1 Cor. 6:20b) — Despite countless New Year’s resolutions to lose weight, good nutrition and fitness require wise decisions. We know that our decisions, day by day, will either contribute to a healthier lifestyle, or they may hinder our long-term health and well-being. Wise decisions are the hallmark of a well-disciplined person. Admittedly, we may chafe at the idea of being well-disciplined.
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Yet, we know that self-discipline is important and even necessary, in order to steward our health and to honor God with our bodies (1 Cor. 6:20b). Long before Webster defined discipline as “training that produces obedience and self-control,” Paul penned these words to Timothy: “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come (1 Tim. 4:8).
Not surprisingly, to honor God by growing in spiritual fitness demands the same commitment, and many of the same disciplines, required as we seek to grow in our physical health and fitness. How goes your spiritual training of late? You may not need a new treadmill. Instead, a daily quiet time and a brisk prayer walk might be just the answer. (Gary Bruland)
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Sermon brief provided by: Gary Bruland, Pastor of West Shore Baptist Ch., Camp Hill, PA