Faith & Reason Nexus

The Bible addresses various aspects of the human body, and how it should be treated in relation to God’s commands. These instructions highlight the importance of maintaining purity, reverence, and discipline in all areas of life, including physical actions and desires. Below are some key examples of sins of the body:

Sins of Unholy Passion

1. The sin of NOT REMEMBERING that the body belongs to Christ
   • 1 Corinthians 6:20: “For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”
   This verse emphasizes that the body is not our own but belongs to Christ. We must live in a way that reflects this reality, avoiding sinful behaviors that dishonor Him.
2. The sin of NOT TREATING the body as the temple of the Holy Spirit
   • 1 Corinthians 3:16: “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?”
   This verse reminds believers that their bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, we must avoid actions that defile or harm the body, recognizing it as sacred.

Sins of Unbridled Appetite

1. The sin of NOT KEEPING the body under the spirit
   • 1 Corinthians 9:27: “But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.”
   Paul emphasizes the importance of self-discipline, ensuring that the desires of the body do not control us but are kept under submission to God’s will.
2. The sin of DRUNKENNESS
   • Ephesians 5:18: “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit.”
   Drunkenness is a sin that leads to loss of self-control, affecting the body and the mind. This verse instructs us to avoid drunkenness and instead be filled with the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to live rightly.

Sins of Expensive Adornment

1. The sin of EXCESSIVE FOCUS on outward appearance
   • 1 Peter 3:3-4: “Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.”
   While it’s not inherently wrong to care for one’s appearance, the focus should not be on external adornment but on inner qualities that are pleasing to God, such as humility and a gentle spirit.

Sins of Not Yielding to God

1. The sin of NOT YIELDING the body as a living sacrifice
   • Romans 12:1: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”
   This verse encourages believers to offer their bodies to God in service, avoiding any behaviors that corrupt or misuse the body for sinful purposes.
2. The sin of NOT RECOGNIZING that the members of the body are the members of Christ
   • 1 Corinthians 6:15: “Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid.”
   Paul warns against uniting the body with immoral actions, such as sexual sin, reminding us that our bodies are part of Christ, and should not be used for sinful purposes.

Conclusion

The Bible calls believers to respect the body as a sacred vessel, to discipline desires, and to live in a way that honors God. The sins of the body, including indulgence in unholy passions, uncontrolled appetites, excessive adornment, and failure to yield to God, hinder our spiritual growth and relationship with God. By following the Scriptures and treating our bodies with reverence, we can honor God with our whole being.