“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit…? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honour God with your bodies.”
Because Christ has purchased us and the Holy Spirit lives in us, our bodies and our entire lives must be dedicated to God. Paul reminds the Corinthian believers that Christianity is not only about what we believe with our minds or what we do in church. Our bodies belong to God. The Holy Spirit lives in us, Christ has purchased us, and therefore our lives should bring glory to Him.
- Our Body Is the Temple of the Holy Spirit.6:19 “Your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit…”
- God’s Spirit lives in us John 14:16–17 – The Holy Spirit dwells with and in believers
Romans 8:9 – Anyone who belongs to Christ has the Spirit of Christ.
2 Corinthians 6:16 – “We are the temple of the living God.”
- Therefore, we must respect our bodies
Our bodies are not merely instruments for our own pleasure. They are entrusted to us by God. 1 Thessalonians 4:3–5 – Live in holiness and honour.
Romans 12:1 – Present your bodies as a living sacrifice.
Application: Ask yourself: What do I allow my eyes to see?
What do I allow my mouth to speak? Where do I allow my body to go?
How do I use my time and physical strength?
If the Holy Spirit lives in us, our lifestyle must reflect His presence.
- We Do Not Belong to Ourselves. 1 Corinthians 6:19. “You are not your own.”
This is one of the most challenging truths of Christian discipleship.
- We belong to Christ Romans 14:8 – “Whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.”
Galatians 2:20 – “It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.”
Philippians 1:20–21 – Christ is to be exalted in our bodies.
- We must surrender our desires to God
The world says, “My body, my choice, my life.” The Christian says, “My body belongs to Christ.”
Luke 9:23 – Deny yourself, take up your cross, and
follow Jesus.
Before making decisions, ask: “Is this what I want, or is this what God wants?” Christian freedom does not mean freedom to do whatever we desire. It means freedom to serve God.
- We Have Been Bought with a Price 1 Corinthians 6:20 “You were bought at a price.”
- The price was the blood of Christ
1 Peter 1:18–19 – We were redeemed with the precious blood of Christ.
Acts 20:28 – The church was purchased with Christ’s blood.
Ephesians 1:7 – We have redemption through His blood.
Our salvation was not cheap. Jesus gave His life for us.
- The cross shows our value to God
We should never forget what Christ has done for us. Romans 5:8 – Christ died for us while we were still sinners. Galatians 1:4 – Christ gave Himself for our sins.
If someone purchased an expensive and valuable jewel and entrusted it to you, you would not treat it carelessly. Christ purchased us with His precious blood. Therefore, we should not treat our lives carelessly.
- 4. Therefore, Glorify God with Your Body.
1 Corinthians 6:20. “Therefore honour God with your bodies.” The word “therefore” connects our conduct with what Christ has done for us.
- Glorify God through holy living
1 Peter 1:15–16 – “Be holy in all your conduct.” Ephesians 5:3 – Avoid sexual immorality and impurity. 2 Timothy 2:22 – Flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness.
- Glorify God through our daily work
Colossians 3:17 – Whatever we do, do it in the name of the Lord.
Colossians 3:23 – Work wholeheartedly for the Lord.
- Glorify God through serving others
Matthew 5:16 – Let your light shine so others may glorify God.
1 Peter 4:10–11 – Use God’s gifts to serve others.
Our bodies can glorify God through: our eyes, mouth, hands, our mind and our whole body.
Our whole body – living as an offering to Christ.
Three Great Truths:
- The Holy Spirit lives in me. Therefore, I must live a holy life.
- I do not belong to myself. Therefore, I must surrender my life to Christ.
- I was bought with a price. Therefore, I must glorify God with my life.
Conclusion:1 Corinthians 6:19–20 gives us the proper Christian understanding of our lives:
The Spirit lives in me. Christ owns me. The cross purchased me. Therefore, my life must glorify God. The question is not simply, “What am I allowed to do?