Introduction:
Pastors Pana and Tai Mamea of Hilltop Christian Center in Tacoma, WA gave a wonderful presentation this past Sunday October 16, 2011, on the subject of “Health and Nutrition” and its correlation to God’s calling upon us to do His work in the world that really inspired me, and this brief study is dedicated in their honor.
3 John 2
Dear friend, I hope that all is well with you and that you are healthy in body as you are strong in spirit.
1 Corinthians 6: 13
Food was made for the stomach and the stomach for food. (This is true both God will do away with both of them).
NOTE: Curious as to why the apostle Paul mentions food [meats] at the start of this passage because he could have certainly left it out.
1 Corinthians 3: 17
God will destroy anyone who destroys this temple. For God’s temple is holy and you are that temple.
NOTE: The Hebrew word that translates as destroy is “churban” also means, bring to ruin. If one pollutes/desecrates [through willful neglect accumulates harmful and disease-causing toxins] or doesn’t honor and treat as sacred his own body [Temple], which is the habitation of God in the ‘Spirit’ then such a person will eventually suffer the consequences. One wonders if Coronary Artery Disease, High Blood Pressure, Gall and Kidney stones, Constipation, Obesity, Pancreatic Cancer, Colon Cancer, Liver Cancer, Type I & II Diabetes, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (“Leaky Gut”), Urinary Tract infections, Osteo and Rheumatoid Arthritis, High Serum Cholesterol and Triglyceride levels, and diseases of the Immune and Lymphatic System, including a low White Blood Cell count are all related in some way to poor nutrition and a lack of proper exercise as well as not getting the appropriate amount of rest/sleep. Also, the apostle Paul must have been quite impressed with the influence of the Greeks and their Olympic Games and their emphasis on physical fitness, especially the running marathons because he uses the imagery in comparing our life in this ‘faith’ as in a race to the finish line. Of course, as in any type of athletic competition one has to be in good physical conditioning/training, mentally alert and well-disciplined; eating right and getting lots of rest.
1 Corinthians 9: 24-27a
Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their [physical] training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should.
1Timothy 4: 8, 9a
Physical training (exercise) is good (profitable or beneficial-it pays off), but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come. This is a trustworthy saying and everyone should accept it.
2 Timothy 4: 8
I have fought the good fight [like a boxer that scored a TKO]. I have finished [won] the race, and I have remained faithful [disciplined and diligent?] And now the prize [winner’s garland or wreath] awaits me-the crown of righteousness, which the LORD, the righteous Judge will give me on the day of His return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look for ward to His appearing [to reward the one who gains victory over his competitor or adversary]. (Cp. Ephesians 6: 12)
Hebrews 12:
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses [former victorious faith-warriors and spiritual athletes among the Patriarchs] to the life of faith [that we are now in], let us strip off every weight [physical, mental or whatever it is that will impede our doing the work of service that God has for us to do] that slows us down, especially [and including] the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance [like in a 26 mile marathoner] the race that God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus [Yehoshua] the Champion, who initiates and perfects our faith [gives us all the resources that we will need to compete and win].
Ephesians 5: 29a
No one hates his own body but feeds [nourishes] and cares for [cherishes] it.
1 Corinthians 6: 19-20
Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself [anymore]. For you were bought with a price, therefore glorify God in [not just with] your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.
CONCLUSION: It can be seen from reading the selected Scriptures in this study that there is a correlation and secondary meaning which includes physical health to promote doing the work of God. The many inferences that the apostle Paul included are no mere coincidence and should not be taken lightly or dismissed altogether; as some in the body of Christ [Moshiach] will be inclined to do.
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
October 16, 2011
robertrandle51@yahoo.com
