What does the Bible say about physical exercise?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible commends caring for our bodies with disciplined gratitude, while teaching that godliness and faithful service to Christ matter far more than physical fitness. First Timothy 4:8 recognizes that bodily training has some value, yet places it beneath godliness, which bears eternal promise. Because believers’ bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and belong to God, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 calls us to honor him in bodily choices. Exercise can therefore be received as wise stewardship, strengthening us for work, service, and endurance. Yet our confidence is not in strength or appearance, but in Christ, who sustains his people (Philippians 4:13). Like athletes who train with self-control (1 Corinthians 9:24-27), Christians pursue perseverance in the greater race of faith.
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Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- 1 Timothy 4:8
For bodily exercise has some value, but godliness has value for all things, having the promise of the life which is now, and of that which is to come.
- 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
[19] Or don't you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which you have from God? You are not your own, [20] for you were bought with a price. Therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.
- 3 John 1:2
Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be healthy, even as your soul prospers.
- Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.
- 1 Corinthians 9:27
but I beat my body and bring it into submission, lest by any means, after I have preached to others, I myself should be rejected.
- Romans 12:1
Therefore I urge you, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service.
- Proverbs 31:17
She girds her loins with strength, And makes her arms strong.
- Proverbs 24:5
A wise man has great power; And a knowledgeable man increases strength;
- 2 Timothy 4:7
I have fought the good fight. I have finished the course. I have kept the faith.
- 1 Corinthians 9:24
Don't you know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run like that, that you may win.
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