A Culture Obsessed and Confused
We live in a culture that is obsessed with the body. And yet, at the same time, we are unbelievably confused about it.
Some people worship their bodies. They treat them as the highest priority. They sculpt them into a perfect image. They control every curve and contour. They spend thousands of dollars on gym memberships, supplements, makeup, and cosmetic procedures to make their body exactly what they want it to be.
Others hate their bodies. They dislike the way they look. They resent how they feel. They despise the pain they bring. Some wish they could trade bodies with someone else. Some wish they did not have to deal with a body at all.
Others simply use and abuse their bodies without thought.
Very few people actually understand what the body is for.
We have been considering what it means to be faithful stewards of the life God has entrusted to us. At the beginning of this series, we established an overarching truth: every single aspect of your life belongs to God, is a gift from God, and is to be used for God.
If that is true, then your body belongs to God.
Your body was given by God.
And your body is to be used for God.
Your body is a gift that must be stewarded for His glory.
You may have complicated feelings about your body. You may give it too much attention or not enough. But this morning we must see and think about our bodies in a way that is biblical, wise, and helpful — in a way that ensures they are used for God’s maximum glory.
The Corinthian Confusion
Corinth was an extremely immoral city — the “Sin City” of the Roman Empire. Prostitution was not only common; it was culturally accepted. Religious worship often involved sexual immorality. And though America has become increasingly obsessed with sex, Rome was far worse.
Even Christians in Corinth were making excuses for reckless behavior.
Paul quotes their slogans:
That was not Paul affirming truth. That was Paul quoting their argument.
They were saying:
“All things are lawful unto me.”
“I’m in Christ. I’m free. I’m at liberty. I can use my body how I choose.”
Paul responds:
“All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient.”
Not everything is helpful. Not everything is good. “I will not be brought under the power of any.”
Freedom in Christ does not mean slavery to sin.
Another slogan:
“Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats.”
In other words: the body was made for this — so it would be a shame not to enjoy it.
Underlying this is a dangerous belief: what I do with my body does not really matter, because spiritual things are what truly matter.
But Paul makes something clear:
What you do with your body matters to God.
We are whole beings — body, soul, and spirit. These cannot be separated without sacrificing part of who we are. How you use your body has physical and spiritual implications.
Your body matters to God as much as your soul does.
Four Purposes for Your Body
1. Your Body Was Created for Service
Verse 13 says:
Your body was not made primarily for sensual pleasure. It was made for God.
“Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body.”
It was created in His image.
Created that we might know Him.
Created that we might serve Him.
The Corinthians said, “My body is mine. It’s for my enjoyment.”
Paul says, “No. Your body was made by God and for God.”
Yes, God created pleasure. Food tastes good on purpose. Creation is beautiful on purpose. But the primary reason is so that we might see His glory in it.
We were also created to work. Work was not a post-fall problem. God works. He created us to work.
Our bodies were created to do — to labor for His glory.
And the Lord is “for the body.” That does not mean God exists to serve your desires. It means He is redeeming and sanctifying your body as much as your soul.
Jesus did not just die to save your soul. He died to redeem your body.
So ask yourself:
Are you using your body as a tool for God’s glory?
Are you strategically stewarding it for Kingdom usefulness?
2. Your Body Was Created for Eternity
“And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by his own power.”
Verse 14:
Many Christians imagine eternity as a floating, cloud-filled existence. But Scripture consistently teaches bodily resurrection.
When you die, your soul is temporarily separated from your body. But one day Christ will return, and He will reunite you with your body.
The body you are in right now is the body you will have for eternity — perfected, glorified, freed from sin — but yours.
Jesus was raised physically. He told Thomas to touch His wounds. He ascended bodily. He will return bodily.
And one day we will live bodily in a new heaven and new earth.
If this body is going to be with you forever, does it not matter how you treat it now?
What you put in it matters.
What you do with it matters.
How you care for it matters.
Start treating your body today like you intend to treat it in eternity.
“Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ?”
3. Your Body Was Created for Union
Verse 15:
When you are born again, you are united with Christ.
Paul references Genesis — “the two shall be one flesh.” Physical union creates spiritual implications. That is why sexual immorality is so serious.
When a believer joins himself to immorality, he brings Christ into that act. That is sobering.
What you do with your body has spiritual implications because you are united to Christ.
When you speak sinful words, Christ is there.
When you act sinfully, Christ is present.
But there is good news.
You are united to a perfect Savior who is redeeming and sanctifying you. If He has joined Himself to you, He will not cast you away.
He is faithful. He is working in you even now.
4. Your Body Was Created for Habitation
“Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you… and ye are not your own?”
Verse 19:
When you are born again, the Holy Spirit makes His home in you. Permanently.
You are the dwelling place of God.
This means:
- God is always with you.
- You can speak to Him at any moment.
- His power lives within you to obey Him.
But it also means something sobering:
Your body is the house of God.
We care for church buildings. We defend them. We maintain them.
But you are the Lord’s house.
Do you give your body the same care?
Final Questions
Are you using your body to the glory of God?
Are you preparing it for eternity?
Are you representing Christ with it?
Are you keeping it pure for the One who lives inside you?
If your answers are not satisfactory, be comforted.
Jesus died not only to redeem your soul but to redeem your body. He is sanctifying you — not shaming you.
This week:
- Use your knees to bow in prayer.
- Use your hands to worship.
- Use your feet to serve.
- Use your mouth to speak life.
- Work hard.
- Rest well.
- Enjoy the gift of your body.
It was not an accident.
It is a tool for His service.
And one day, we will enjoy Him in it forever.
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