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what know ye not that your body ?

# Your Body: The Sanctity and Stewardship of God’s Temple

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### The Surprising Inquiry from Scripture: *“Know Ye Not That?”*

In the rich tapestry of the New Testament, the apostle Paul addresses the Corinthian church with a question that disrupts comfortable Christianity: **“Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost?”** (1 Corinthians 6:19, KJV). This isn’t a question posed out of mere curiosity; it’s a wake-up call, challenging believers to grasp their true identity and its divine implications.

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### Setting the Scene: A Church in Turmoil

The first-century church of Corinth was far from idyllic. They were wrestling with internal strife, choosing secular courts over those held by fellow believers, and many were mired in sexual immorality (1 Corinthians 6:1, 2). They were so engaged with worldly vices—even forming unions with temple prostitutes—that Paul saw fit to rebuke their moral complacency (1 Corinthians 6:16-18).

It’s within this bleak context that Paul pen’s the prophetic verse that shakes us from our seats: **“Know ye not?”**

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### *“You Are Not Your Own”*: A Revolutionary Truth

Paul’s message can be broken down into three pivotal points:

1. **Your Body: God’s Temple**
The Holy Spirit resides within every believer, making our bodies holy sanctuaries. In biblical times, the temple was a sacred place reserved for divine purposes—a living analogy which now applies to each of us (Ezekiel 37:26-27). Therefore, engaging in activities such as immorality, gluttony, or substance abuse not only pollutes our physical temple but also disrespects the divine presence within.

*Examine*: How would you treat a physical house of God? Our bodies are no less sacred, so our lifestyle choices should be reflective of that divine dwelling.

2. **We Were Purchased at a Cost**
Christ’s sacrifice has redeemed us, making our bodies God’s property, not ours to exploit (1 Peter 1:18-19). Our bodies belong to Him, not in the sense of slavery, but of partnership. We are Holy sanctuaries where God dwells, not slaves to sin, but living sacrifices transformed by grace (Romans 12:1).

3. **Glorifying God Through Our Bodies**
From lifestyle to habits and choices, every aspect of our lives should echo Jesus’ presence. Every decision we make should reflect a deeper adherence to holiness, a testament to the fact that we have been sanctified—set apart—by our Savior.

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### Practical Implications: From Sanctity to Sanctification

– **Purity in Intimacy:** Paul’s call to refrain from fornication underscores the sanctity of our bodies (1 Corinthians 6:18). Respecting physical boundaries is an act of spiritual purity and is essential for marital health.
– **Holistic Care:** Treating our bodies with respect honors its divine purpose. A careful check—Are your dietary habits, personal care, and self-image God-honoring or self-gratifying? Ignoring our physical well-being diminishes our spiritual purity.
– **Mission in Our Being:** As God’s vessels, our bodies should actively serve God’s purpose. Do we leverage our lives, health, and actions to reflect Christ’s love and grace to the world around us?

*Key Takeaway*: This isn’t legalism; it’s the fulfillment of a redeemed identity. The way we treat our bodies matters eternally, shaping our own destiny and that of the broader Body of Christ.

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### Beyond Guilt: Grace as the Motivation

Paul’s exhortations aren’t rooted in legalism but grace. His directives flow from the cross where redemption was made complete. We’ve been *bought with a price* (1 Corinthians 6:20), underlining that salvation grounds our sanctity. Redemption doesn’t provide us with permission for sin but calls us to holy living as partners in Christ’s mission.

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### Conclusion: Living as a Divine Domicile

Paul questions the Corinthian church about treating their bodies as tokens of earthly freedom rather than as sacred vessels of divine presence. *We are not our own, but temples*; revering the Spirit residing in us demands a lifestyle of holiness.

#### Next time you’re challenged or tempted, hear Paul’s compelling question: “Know ye not?” Choose holiness not out of duty, but as an act of reverence. In nurturing your body, you honor God’s presence within you, becoming part of His eternal narrative.

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### Reflection

**Glorify God in your body, and in your spirit (1 Corinthians 6:20).** Let’s ensure every part of our lives is a testament to His holy presence. Delve deeper into biblical commentary and resources [BibleGateway](http://biblegateway.com).

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