Our Bodies: Temples, Not Tool Sheds



Living a Holy Life – Reflecting God’s Nature

I. The Call to Holiness: A Reflection of God's Character

  • Key Scripture: Leviticus 11:44 – "Be holy, for I am holy"

  • Main Idea: Holiness is not optional—it’s a royal invitation to reflect God's nature.

  • Illustration: Mirror reflecting light; holiness as a dress code at God's banquet.

  • Point: We are God’s children, and like a family resemblance, holiness should mark us.

II. Our Bodies: Temples, Not Tool Sheds

  • Key Scripture: 1 Corinthians 6:19 – Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit

  • Main Idea: Holiness involves honoring God with our bodies.

  • Illustration: Temple vs. tool shed; burger in a church; tuxedo in the mud.

  • Application: Treat your body as sacred—health, habits, and self-discipline matter.

III. Holiness: Not Perfection, But Purpose

  • Key Scripture: Romans 12:1 – Present your bodies as living sacrifices

  • Main Idea: Holiness means being set apart for God’s use, not flawless performance.

  • Illustration: Olympic torch runner; daily pizza sacrifice.

  • Point: It's a deliberate lifestyle, not a one-time event.

IV. Holiness Reveals and Reflects God’s Glory

  • Key Scripture: Matthew 5:16 – Let your light shine...

  • Main Idea: Holy lives glorify God and draw others to Him.

  • Illustration: Wearing God’s jersey; spotlight on God’s goodness vs. in people’s eyes.

  • Application: Live so your life highlights—not hides—God’s character.

V. Holiness Transforms: Thoughts, Actions, and Love

  • Key Scriptures:

    • Matthew 5:28 – Lust begins in the heart

    • 1 Peter 1:22 – Holiness overflows in love

  • Main Idea: Holiness starts inward and flows outward.

  • Illustration: Thoughts as whiteboards; loving like washing feet after someone stepped on yours.

  • Point: Holiness isn’t about looking spiritual, but being sincerely loving and pure.

VI. Powered by Grace, Not Grit

  • Key Scripture: Philippians 2:13 – God works in you...

  • Main Idea: We don’t achieve holiness alone—God empowers it.

  • Illustration: Dancing with the perfect partner; charging a phone.

  • Point: Holiness is God's work in us, not just willpower or rule-following.

VII. Holiness Protects and Guides

  • Key Scriptures:

    • Proverbs 14:12 – The way that seems right ends in death

    • James 1:12 – Enduring temptation brings life

  • Main Idea: Holiness keeps us safe from spiritual harm.

  • Illustration: Perfume in the eyes; fireproof suit; coupon-wrapped temptations.

  • Application: Choose wisdom and obedience to avoid spiritual traps.

VIII. Holiness in Everyday Life

  • Main Ideas:

    • Bodies: sacred space, not spiritual garbage bins

    • Thoughts: mind renewal over mental chaos (Romans 12:2)

    • Relationships: grace over grudges

    • Culture: swim upstream with courage

  • Illustrations:

    • Donuts as spiritual warfare

    • Holiness as hugging a cactus

    • Flamingo floaties in spiritual quicksand

    • Parking lot holiness test

  • Point: Holiness is practical—visible in diet, thoughts, texts, and traffic.

IX. Joyful Holiness: Not Sour Religion

  • Key Scripture: Galatians 5:22 – Fruit of the Spirit

  • Main Idea: True holiness is joyful, not judgmental.

  • Illustration: Sour lemons vs. spiritual fruit; playground with boundaries.

  • Point: Holiness should look like freedom, not a frown.

X. Summary & Reflection

  • Summary Points:

    1. Holiness reflects God’s nature (Leviticus 11:44)

    2. Our bodies are sacred spaces (1 Corinthians 6:19)

    3. Holiness protects and transforms (Romans 12:1-2)

    4. It affects thoughts, actions, love (1 Peter 1:22)

    5. It’s empowered by grace (Philippians 2:13)

  • Closing Illustration: Cleaning the living room because an important guest (Holy Spirit) already lives there.

XI. Application & Discussion Questions

  1. What does it look like in everyday life to reflect God’s character?

  2. How can treating your body as a temple change your habits?

  3. How can you be “set apart” without isolating yourself?

  4. What can you do to renew your mind daily?

  5. Who models holiness in your life, and what has it taught you?

XII. Final Encouragement

  • Holiness isn’t about flawlessness—it’s about faithfulness.

  • It’s showing up daily with clean hands, a humble heart, and a yes to God.

  • Every act of obedience is applause in heaven.

  • Holiness is God's gift to you—for your good and His glory.


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