What does the Bible say about physical fitness?
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The Bible commends caring for the body with discipline and gratitude, while teaching that physical fitness is valuable but secondary to godliness and life lived for God’s glory. First Timothy 4:8 recognizes bodily training as having some value, yet directs believers toward enduring spiritual devotion. Because our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and belong to Christ, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 calls us to honor God in them rather than neglect or idolize them. Paul’s athletic imagery in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 encourages self-control and perseverance in pursuing holiness. Romans 12:1 and 1 Corinthians 10:31 place eating, exercise, and every ordinary activity under the aim of worship, trusting Christ for strength according to Philippians 4:13.
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Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- 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.
- 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 9:24-27
[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. [25] Every man who strives in the games exercises self-control in all things. Now they do it to receive a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible. [26] I therefore run like that, as not uncertainly. I fight like that, as not beating the air, [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.
- Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.
- 1 Corinthians 3:17
If anyone destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him; for God's temple is holy, which you are.
- 1 Corinthians 10:31
Whether therefore you eat, or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
- 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.
- 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.
- Proverbs 31:17
She girds her loins with strength, And makes her arms strong.
- 1 Corinthians 3:16
Don't you know that you are a temple of God, and that God's Spirit lives in you?
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