A Theology Of Fitness

May God himself, the God who makes everything holy

and whole, make you holy and whole, put you together-spirit, soul, and body-and keep

you fit for the coming of our Master, Jesus Christ. (1 Thessalonians 5:23 – The Message)

Four Ways You Can View Your Body

You can reject it!

You can perfect it!

You can neglect it!

You can respect it!

What God Says About Your Body

My body was made by God

You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit them together in my mother's womb.

Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! It is amazing to think about.

(Psalm139: 13,14 – Living Bible)

My body was worn by God

And Christ became a human being and lived here on earth among us and was full of loving

forgiveness and truth. (John 1:14 – Living Bible)

My body was bought by God

You are not your own; you were bought with a price.Therefore honor God with your body.

(1 Corinthians 6:20 – New International Version)

Since God Made My Body, Then It Is Extremely Important

My body is a temple, therefore it impacts my worship

Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? (1 Corinthians 6:19 – New International

Version)

My body is a tool,therefore it invigorates my work

Offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God which is your spiritual

worship. (Romans 12:1 – New International Version) 

My body is a testimony, therefore it impacts my witness

Let's make a clean break with everything that defiles

or distracts, both within and without. Let's make our entire lives fit

and holy temples for the worship of God. (2 Corinthians 7:1 – The Message) 

So How Can I Get F.I.T.?

I am praying that all is well with you and that your body is as healthy as I know your soul

is. (3 John 2 – Living Bible)

You made my body, Lord; now give me sense to heed your laws.

(Psalm 119:73 – Living Bible)

F

Focus Set a goal and then pursue it!

A well-thought-out plan will work to your advantage. (Proverbs 21:5 – The Voice)

All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away,

but we do it for an eternal prize. (1 Corinthians 9:25 – New Living Translation)

I

Intentionality Make a plan and then work it!

Offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God which is your spiritual

worship. (Romans 12:1 – New International Version)

You need a good nutritional plan

Everything is permissible for me – but I will not be mastered by anything.

Food for the stomach and the stomach for food . . . (1 Corinthians 6:12-13 – New International Version)

If you are the type who eats too much too fast, do whatever is necessary to curb your enthusiasm for

food. (Proverbs 23:2 – The Voice)

You must do everything for the glory of God, even your eating and drinking.

(1 Corinthians 10:31 – Living Bible)

You need a good training plan

I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should.

(1 Corinthians 9:27 – New Living Translation)

Learn how to take charge over your own body, maintaining purity and honor.

(1 Thessalonians 4:4 – The Voice)

Athletes in training are very strict with themselves, exercising self-control . . .

(1 Corinthians 9:25 – The Voice)

T

Tenacity Keep going and don’t stop it!

I'm running hard for the finish line. I'm giving it everything I've got. No sloppy living for me! I'm

staying alert and in top condition. I'm not going to get caught napping . . ." (1 Corinthians 9:26-27 –

The Message)

So let us not become tired of doing good; for if we do not give up, the time will come when we will

reap the harvest. (Galatians 6:9 - Good News Bible)

We Must Always Keep Our Fitness In The Right Perspective

Physical exercise has some value, but spiritual exercise is much more important, for it provides a reward in both this life and the

next. (1 Timothy 4:8 – New Living Translation)

Let’s Pray