Hands-free narration of this study — good for the car.
Synopsis
Because the body is the temple of the Spirit and the mind's instrument, care of health is a spiritual matter. But health reform is not a ladder to holiness; it is gratitude working outward. Rightly taught it removes hindrances to hearing God; wrongly taught it becomes a new legalism.
Key points
- The body is the temple of the Holy Spirit.
- Health practices support, but never produce, spiritual life.
- Health teaching must be framed by grace or it becomes a new law.
Key texts
- 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
- 3 John 2
- 1 Corinthians 10:31
- Romans 12:1
- Comprehension
1. Why is bodily health a spiritual concern?
- Scripture
2. Read 1 Corinthians 10:31. What principle governs eating and drinking?
- Scripture
3. Read Romans 12:1. How is the body involved in worship?
- Doctrinal Clarity
4. How does health reform become legalism, and how is that prevented?
- Contrast
5. Contrast health teaching as good news with health teaching as condemnation.
- Doctrinal Clarity
6. Why should the health message be presented as an entering wedge and not a hammer?
- Application
7. What one habit most limits your usefulness at present?
- Application
8. How can your congregation teach health without shaming anyone?