1 Timothy 4:8

“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 Corinthians 9:24-27

“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.”

Knowing that my body is the Temple of the Holy Spirit, it should not surprise me that God has created certain rules and principles to keep it healthy and fit. My body is deteriorating – always moving towards death – but embracing God’s principles will strengthen me and better equip me to use my time on earth wisely.

According to Dr. Don Colbert, there are seven pillars of a healthy body: Water, Sleep and Rest, Living Food, Exercise, Detoxification, Nutritional Supplements, Freedom from Stress. By working with these things instead of against them, I can make my body stronger. The bottom line is that I need to embrace what is wise for my body.

Both of today’s Scripture passages speak to the idea of training, of willpower, of a struggle to beat the body into shape. That image is one that Paul used often – the image of a person striving to get into spiritual and physical shape. That is an image we need to embrace. After all, God cares about our body - it belongs to Him.

Look again at 1 Timothy 4:8. Summarize what Paul said about physical training and spiritual training.

How does Paul’s image in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 apply to physical training? How does it apply to spiritual training?