SIGNS THAT YOU ARE DISHONOURING YOUR BODY

SIGNS THAT YOU ARE DISHONOURING YOUR BODY

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Corinthians 6:18-20

Supporting Texts: Romans 12:1, 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5, 1 Corinthians 3:16-17, Galatians 5:19-21, Proverbs 6:27-29

INTRODUCTION:
Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, created not just for physical function but also for divine habitation and service. God expects us to honour Him with our bodies in purity, holiness, and self-control. Unfortunately, many believers dishonour their bodies unknowingly through actions and lifestyles that contradict God’s word. This Bible study reveals the signs that one is dishonouring their body and how to realign with God’s will.

1. INVOLVEMENT IN SEXUAL IMMORALITY

a) Fornication and adultery
Sexual activity outside of marriage is a major way people dishonour their bodies. (1 Corinthians 6:18)

b) Pornography and lustful thoughts
Feeding your mind with immoral content defiles the body from within. (Matthew 5:28)

c) Homosexual practices and perversions
These are deviations from God’s design and dishonour His temple. (Romans 1:26-27)

d) Casual attitudes toward sin
Treating sexual sin lightly is a sign of spiritual decline and dishonour. (Ephesians 5:3)

e) Biblical Example: The sons of Eli (1 Samuel 2:22-25)
They defiled the temple by committing immorality and God judged them severely.

2. ABUSE OF THE BODY THROUGH SUBSTANCES

a) Drug abuse and drunkenness
These alter the mind and weaken the body, which should glorify God. (Proverbs 20:1)

b) Smoking and harmful habits
Willfully damaging the body through addictions is dishonourable. (1 Corinthians 3:17)

c) Gluttony and uncontrolled appetites
Overindulgence in food or pleasure is a form of bodily dishonour. (Proverbs 23:20-21)

d) Neglecting proper rest and care
Refusing to care for the body leads to burnout and breakdown. (Mark 6:31)

e) Biblical Example: Nabal (1 Samuel 25:36-38)
His indulgence in wine and lack of self-control led to his death.

3. LACK OF MODESTY AND DECENCY

a) Indecent dressing
Dressing to seduce or show off the body exposes a lack of reverence. (1 Timothy 2:9)

b) Seeking worldly validation through appearance
Valuing looks over inner purity is dishonouring. (1 Peter 3:3-4)

c) Imitating godless fashion trends
Adopting ungodly styles makes the body a billboard for sin. (Romans 12:2)

d) Using the body to manipulate or seduce
Such actions are rooted in pride and dishonour God. (Proverbs 5:3-5)

e) Biblical Example: Jezebel (2 Kings 9:30-37)
She painted her face to manipulate and seduce, ending in disgrace.

4. ENGAGING IN VIOLENT OR SELF-HARMFUL BEHAVIOUR

a) Fighting, cutting, or injuring oneself
These reflect a rejection of God’s creation and gift. (Mark 5:5)

b) Participating in gang violence or crime
Involvement in such acts dishonours God and invites judgment. (Psalm 11:5)

c) Attempting suicide or expressing hatred toward your body
This denies God’s purpose and ownership of your life. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

d) Verbal abuse or curses on oneself
Words have power—cursing your body is dishonouring. (Proverbs 18:21)

e) Biblical Example: The demon-possessed man in Gadara (Mark 5:1-5)
He lived among tombs and cut himself until Jesus delivered him.

5. USING THE BODY FOR UNGODLY PURPOSES

a) Involving in occult rituals and tattoos for demonic reasons
This opens the body to spiritual contamination. (Leviticus 19:28)

b) Working in environments that require moral compromise
Jobs that promote sin use your body for what dishonours God. (2 Corinthians 6:17)

c) Dancing or performing in sinful settings
Using the body to entertain in ungodly places grieves the Spirit. (Romans 6:13)

d) Profaning the body with blasphemous symbols or language
Speaking or displaying things against God is dishonourable. (James 3:10)

e) Biblical Example: The Corinthians (1 Corinthians 6:15-20)
Paul rebuked them for joining their bodies with harlots, warning that they were God’s temple.

CONCLUSION:
God has called us to glorify Him in our bodies and spirits, which are His. When we dishonour our bodies, we invite spiritual decay and distance from God's presence. Recognising these signs and turning back to God in repentance brings restoration and honour. Let us commit to using our bodies to worship and serve the Lord.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, help me to honour You with my body and every part of my being.
2. I repent of every way I have defiled or dishonoured my body knowingly or unknowingly.
3. Deliver me from every form of addiction and harmful habits, O Lord.
4. Father, purge me from all impurities of the flesh and spirit.
5. Lord, give me grace to live in sexual purity and holiness.
6. I disconnect myself from every defilement of the past in Jesus’ name.
7. Lord, restore Your temple in me and dwell continually in my life.
8. Let my body reflect Your glory and not the corruption of the world.
9. Father, teach me to carry myself with dignity and reverence.
10. I receive power to live a sanctified life, set apart for God.