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God's Table

6 min

The body as temple

A famous phrase — read in its actual context.

← Bible & Health

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 is quoted about food, exercise and sleep. Paul wrote it about sexual purity — and the principle he states does reach further.

The context

  • The chapter addresses sexual immorality in Corinth.
  • Paul's argument: your body is not your own, it was bought with a price.

The principle it establishes

Biblical principle
  • Glorify God in your body — the whole use of it.
  • That includes rest, work, purity and the care of health, as stewardship rather than vanity.

Where it is misused

  • It is not a proof text for a particular diet, supplement or fitness regime.
  • It is not a reason for shame about illness, disability or ageing.

What Scripture says

  • The believer's body belongs to God and is to glorify Him.

What Scripture does NOT say

  • It does not name any specific food, exercise or health practice.

Questions to reflect on

  • What would stewardship of my body look like this week — not perfection, stewardship?

Reflection journal

What would stewardship of my body look like this week — not perfection, stewardship?

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