1
Your body belongs to God. “You are not your own.” 1 Corinthians 6:19 God purchased you completely — ownership is settled. *** Ownership determines obedience. *** Redemption restores His rightful claim. *** We must live under His authority. Lord, remind me daily that every part of me is Yours — not mine.
2
Your body is a temple. “…your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit…” 1 Corinthians 6:19 God dwells in you — His presence makes your life sacred. *** Holiness is proximity to God. *** Purity honors His presence. *** Sin has no right inside His temple. Holy Spirit, make Your dwelling clean and beautiful in me.
3
You are bought with blood. “You have been bought with a price…” 1 Corinthians 6:20 Jesus paid for you with His life — obedience honors His sacrifice. *** Grace is priceless. *** Redemption demands response. *** Devotion reflects value. Jesus, let every choice show how precious Your blood is to me.
4
Your body must glorify God. “…therefore glorify God in your body.” 1 Corinthians 6:20 Every action becomes worship or rebellion. *** Holiness is visible. *** Living must match believing. *** The body preaches Christ. Lord, be glorified in everything my body does today.
5
You must present your body. “Present your bodies a living sacrifice…” Romans 12:1 Worship is surrender — consistent, ongoing, complete. *** God wants full access. *** The altar demands constancy. *** Holiness is daily devotion. Father, here is my body — take it and use it fully for Your glory.
6
You are motivated by mercy. “By the mercies of God…” Romans 12:1 We obey not from fear but gratitude. *** Mercy moves us toward God. *** Love fuels obedience. *** Grace inspires surrender. Lord, overwhelm me again with mercy until my obedience is joyful.
7
Holiness is required. “…a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God…” Romans 12:1 Acceptable worship reflects God’s character. *** Holiness reveals love. *** Purity is the path of joy. *** God deserves our best. Holy God, produce Your holiness in every part of my life.
8
Obedience is worship. “…your spiritual service of worship.” Romans 12:1 Worship begins with the will, not the song. *** The body must agree with the voice. *** Praise must be proven. *** Submission is sacred. Lord, let my obedience be louder than my singing.
9
Your mind must be renewed. “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Romans 12:2 The body follows what the mind treasures. *** Scripture re-writes our thinking. *** Truth is transformation’s engine. *** Thoughts shape holiness. Father, replace every lie in me with Your truth.
10
Obedience reveals God’s will. “…good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2 God guides surrendered hearts. *** Direction follows devotion. *** God’s will is always best. *** Clarity grows with obedience. Lord, I trust Your will — make me willing to walk in it.
11
You must work out salvation. “Work out your own salvation…” Philippians 2:12 Grace energizes obedience; obedience expresses grace. *** Salvation is fully God’s work. *** Sanctification involves our cooperation. *** Growth demands effort. Lord, help me put to work what You have placed within me.
12
Holiness requires reverence. “…with fear and trembling.” Philippians 2:12 Awe protects the soul from carelessness about sin. *** Grace is holy. *** Sin is deadly. *** God deserves seriousness. God, restore holy fear to my life that guards my devotion.
13
God empowers obedience. “For it is God who is at work in you…” Philippians 2:13 We enact what God energizes. *** Strength comes from the Spirit. *** Weakness invites grace. *** God never abandons His work. Lord, work so powerfully in me that obedience becomes my joy.
14
You must rule your body. “You shall be over my house…” Genesis 41:40 The believer acts as steward over God’s property. *** The body obeys the Spirit — not the flesh. *** Discipline is holy rulership. *** God expects self-governance. Holy Spirit, give me authority and strength over every desire.
15
Christ reigns from the throne. “…only…will I be greater than you.” Genesis 41:40 All rulership rests under His supreme Lordship. *** Jesus commands every decision. *** Submission ensures righteousness. *** He leads; we follow. King Jesus, rule my decisions from Your throne of grace.
16
Self-control is Spirit-control. “…self-control…” Galatians 5:23 The Spirit disciplines and directs our desires. *** The fruit shows the root. *** The flesh must be crucified daily. *** Desire must bow to Christ. Lord, produce self-control so strong that sin has no foothold.
17
Guard your heart. “Guard your heart…” Proverbs 4:23 What enters the heart is lived out by the body. *** Temptation feeds on access. *** Influence forms appetite. *** Boundaries protect purity. Lord, help me guard every gate into my soul.
18
Refuse lust. “…abstain from fleshly lusts…” 1 Peter 2:11 Lust wants to re-enslave what Jesus freed. *** Sin cannot be negotiated. *** Purity requires refusal. *** Lust wages war — holiness must too. Father, give me courage to reject everything that dishonors You.
19
Purity enables usefulness. “…useful to the Master…” 2 Timothy 2:21 Holiness prepares us for God’s assignments. *** Cleansing precedes calling. *** God works through clean vessels. *** Purity protects purpose. Lord, purify me until You can trust me with every task.
20
The goal is Christ exalted. “…Christ will…be exalted in my body.” Philippians 1:20 Every part of this body must declare Jesus’ worth. *** Holiness reveals Christ’s beauty. *** The body displays His glory. *** Joy is found in devotion. Lord, be magnified in my strength and in my weakness — in every breath.
10 BIBLICAL DEVELOPMENTS OF THIS TRUTH
1
His Temple, Not My Property
“For you have been bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body.” 1 Corinthians 6:20
Salvation places a sacred deed of ownership over my life — God’s name is written on me. I am not negotiating a lease with God; I belong to Him permanently. Every decision about my body must now pass through the authority of Jesus Christ.
*** We must stop acting like renters.
*** Christ owns every breath, thought, and heartbeat.
*** My body exists to showcase His glory.
Lord Jesus, I surrender the rights to my body. Take every part and fill it with Your holiness for Your glory alone.
2
A Dwelling Place for God
“…a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you…” 1 Corinthians 6:19
The Spirit’s presence is not a metaphor — He truly indwells us. The Temple in Jerusalem has been relocated into your very flesh.
*** God is not visiting — He has moved in.
*** Holiness is not a Sunday event — it is a constant presence.
*** Where God dwells, sin has no right to remain.
Holy Spirit, cleanse Your temple. Let every hidden room be filled with Your light.
3
Not My Own
“…you are not your own…” 1 Corinthians 6:19
The battle of holiness begins with this truth — I am not in charge anymore. Jesus is King.
*** Surrender is not a one-time act — it is a daily confession.
*** Holiness is obeying the rightful Owner.
*** Freedom is found only in submission to Him.
Father, remind me each day that I belong to You, and obedience is life.
4
A Living Sacrifice
“Present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice…” Romans 12:1
Sacrifice is not comfortable — it is costly. But God never wastes a surrendered life.
*** God requires a whole body, not partial devotion.
*** Worship is physical obedience to God’s will.
*** Every sacrifice ends in God’s glory and our joy.
Lord, here is my body — Yours to command and consume for Your glory.
5
Christ in My Body
“Christ will even now…be exalted in my body…” Philippians 1:20
The world sees Jesus when my body says “yes” to the will of God and “no” to sin.
*** God wants to display Christ through me.
*** My body is a missionary of grace.
*** Every action preaches a sermon.
Jesus, shine through my weakness so that Your power is seen.
6
A Vessel for Honor
“…be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master…” 2 Timothy 2:21
What God cleanses, He intends to use.
*** Sanctification prepares us for service.
*** Holiness is usefulness to God.
*** Purity protects God’s purposes in us.
Cleanse me, Lord — that I may serve without shame.
7
Temple Maintenance
“Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling…” Philippians 2:12
God works in me — but I must cooperate.
*** Grace is active, not passive.
*** God’s work in us demands our obedience.
*** Discipline is not legalism — it is love responding to grace.
Father, strengthen my will to pursue holiness as You work in me.
8
A Guarded Temple
“Make no provision for the flesh…” Romans 13:14
We must shut the doors sin keeps trying to unlock.
*** What enters the body influences the soul.
*** Temptation grows where we feed it.
*** Sin cannot be managed — only mortified.
Lord, guard my heart, my senses, and every gateway into Your temple.
9
Glorify God in the Body
“…whether by life or by death.” Philippians 1:20
To glorify God means my body must display His worth and rule.
*** Every choice either honors God or rebels against Him.
*** Worship is seen in lifestyle before it is heard in songs.
*** The body must agree with the confession of the mouth.
Jesus, let glory rise like incense from this temple.
10
The Reward of Holiness
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” Matthew 5:8
When the temple is clean, vision is clear.
*** Purity unlocks deeper fellowship.
*** Holiness leads to joy unspeakable.
*** The presence of God is the prize.
Lord, let me see You — and change me into Your likeness.
HOW THEN SHALL WE LIVE?
We must stop excusing sin in the body. The body is not a prison — it is a sanctuary. We must present ourselves daily to God, discipline our desires, guard our minds, and live like temples filled with glory. Holiness is not optional — it is the identity of every believer.
POEM — “HOLY GROUND”
This body is Yours, Lord.
Purchased with priceless blood.
A place where heaven walks the earth.
A temple of unseen glory.
Holy ground.
Cleanse every thought.
Silence every lie.
Rule every desire within.
This flesh obeys its King.
Holy ground.
Let Jesus be seen here.
Not hidden, not whispered.
But boldly displayed for Your glory.
This life set apart.
Holy ground.
SERMON CONCLUSION / INVITATION
Here is the call:
Present your body to God.
Your mouth, your eyes, your thoughts, your desires — all His.
Jesus bought you — now let Him rule what He bought.
If you will give Him your body, He will fill His temple with glory.
“Lord, take Your temple — and show Yourself in it.”
A CONSECRATED BODY
(Romans 12:1)
“Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.” (NASB)
God never intended salvation to remain an internal, invisible reality. Grace does its deepest work in the hidden places of the heart, but it is always meant to be displayed in the visible actions of a consecrated body. Paul begins this appeal not with threat, but with mercy. The One who saved us now summons us to offer our entire selves as a living sacrifice. We are not called to die on an altar — we are called to live on one. And the fire of that altar is the presence of God Himself, consuming sin, refining obedience, and revealing Christ.
10 BIBLICAL DEVELOPMENTS OF THIS TRUTH
1
Mercy Is the Motivation
“By the mercies of God…” Romans 12:1
Holiness begins with gratitude, not guilt. The God who showed mercy calls us to show devotion.
*** Mercy is the doorway into sacrifice.
*** We obey because He loved us first.
*** A grateful heart is a surrendered heart.
Lord, Your mercy still amazes me — let it move me to deeper obedience.
2
A Presented Body
“Present your bodies…” Romans 12:1
God does not accept imaginary devotion. He calls us to hand Him our actual bodies — the instrument of every choice we make.
*** Present means “place at His disposal.”
*** God’s will requires physical obedience.
*** Holiness is lived in real moments and real decisions.
Father, I place my body at Your feet. Take what is Yours.
3
A Living Sacrifice
“…a living sacrifice…” Romans 12:1
Unlike the dead sacrifices of the Old Testament, God wants a breathing, walking, surrendered life.
*** Living means ongoing, not one-and-done.
*** Sacrifice means costly love.
*** God wants the altar of our daily lives.
Lord, make my whole life an offering that pleases You.
4
Holy and Acceptable
“…holy, acceptable to God…” Romans 12:1
God is not pleased with half-hearted devotion. He desires purity rooted in love for Him.
*** Holiness is wholeness in Christ.
*** Acceptable means aligned with God’s character.
*** Purity is not cosmetic — it is spiritual.
Holy Spirit, cleanse my motives and make me a pleasing offering.
5
Worship Through Obedience
“…which is your spiritual service of worship.” Romans 12:1
Worship is not primarily what happens in church — it is what we do with our bodies every day.
*** Worship is obedience made visible.
*** The body can glorify or grieve God.
*** True worship cannot be separated from daily choices.
Lord, let my life be worship before my words ever are.
6
Transformation Through Surrender
“Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Romans 12:2
The body follows the mind — and the mind follows what it beholds.
*** Transformation is God’s work; surrender is ours.
*** Renewal begins with Scripture.
*** A renewed mind produces a renewed body.
Lord, reshape my thoughts until they mirror Your truth.
7
The Will of God in the Body
“…that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2
We often ask God to reveal His will, but He waits for us to present our bodies first.
*** Obedience precedes clarity.
*** God reveals His will to surrendered hearts.
*** His will is always good even when it is hard.
Father, make Your will my delight and Your path my joy.
8
A Sacrifice That Stays on the Altar
“With my whole heart I seek You…” Psalm 119:10
We are prone to crawl off the altar — surrender must be renewed daily.
*** Yesterday’s sacrifice cannot carry today.
*** Holiness is maintained, not assumed.
*** God helps us keep offering ourselves.
Lord, hold me steady on the altar of obedience.
9
The Body Made Holy Ground
“Be holy, for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:16
When we present our bodies, God sanctifies the very space we surrender.
*** Holiness is God’s work in God’s temple.
*** The presence of God creates purity.
*** A surrendered body becomes sacred.
Holy God, make this body Your holy ground.
10
The Joy of the Sacrificed Life
“In Your presence is fullness of joy…” Psalm 16:11
The life surrendered to God discovers a joy the world cannot give.
*** Sacrifice leads to satisfaction.
*** The altar becomes a place of delight.
*** God never demands what He does not reward.
Lord, let the joy of Your presence be my strength in obedience.
HOW THEN SHALL WE LIVE?
We live on the altar. We stop dividing our lives into sacred and secular, worship and work, spiritual and physical. Every moment becomes worship when our bodies are His. We examine our habits, our wants, our disciplines, and our desires — and we place all of them at His disposal. A consecrated body reveals a consecrated heart.
POEM — “ON THE ALTAR”
By Your mercy I come here.
Not proud, not strong, but willing.
You ask for my body, not my intentions.
You want my days, not my dreams.
I place them on the altar.
Burn away what is false.
Expose what is hidden.
Let nothing stand between us.
I am Yours in the open places.
I am Yours in the quiet ones.
Make my life worship.
Not a song but a surrender.
Not a promise but obedience.
Not a moment but a lifetime.
On the altar.
SERMON CONCLUSION / INVITATION
The question is simple:
Have you presented your body to God?
Not theoretically.
Not symbolically.
But truly — entirely — willingly.
God is not asking you to die for Him.
He is asking you to live for Him.
To step onto the altar.
To stay there.
And to let His fire make you holy.
“Lord, this is Your body.
Do with it what brings You glory.”
WORKING OUT WHAT GOD HAS WORKED IN
(Philippians 2:12)
“So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence—work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” (NASB)
Salvation is entirely the work of God—full, free, and forever secure in Christ. But once God deposits His life within us, He calls us to use what He has given. We do not work for salvation—we work out salvation. Obedience becomes the visible evidence of the invisible grace within us. The reverence of “fear and trembling” is not dread of losing salvation, but awe before God’s holy work inside us. The Christian life is the responsibility of cooperation: God works in us; we work out what He has already accomplished.
10 BIBLICAL DEVELOPMENTS OF THIS TRUTH
1
God Works Within—We Work Without
“For it is God who is at work in you…” Philippians 2:13
The strength to obey does not originate with us—it flows from God in us.
*** Grace energizes obedience.
*** Obedience reveals salvation’s reality.
*** God supplies what He commands.
Lord, work in me so powerfully that obedience becomes my joy.
2
Obedience is Not Optional
“My beloved…you have always obeyed…” Philippians 2:12
Grace does not excuse disobedience; it empowers holiness.
*** True faith produces true obedience.
*** The saved desire to please Christ.
*** The heart of salvation is surrender.
Jesus, cause my obedience to be as constant as Your love.
3
Authentic When Unseen
“…not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence…” Philippians 2:12
True devotion remains when no one is watching.
*** Integrity proves relationship.
*** Secret obedience is the purest worship.
*** God sees what people never do.
Lord, make my unseen obedience my strongest obedience.
4
Fear and Trembling
“…with fear and trembling…” Philippians 2:12
This reverence comes from knowing God is near, holy, and working eternally in us.
*** Salvation is holy ground.
*** Sin is no small matter.
*** Awe shapes how we live.
Father, restore holy fear to my heart so that I never take Your grace lightly.
5
Use What He Has Given
“Work out…” Philippians 2:12
We are responsible to exercise the spiritual muscle God has built in us.
*** Grace must be practiced.
*** Faith must be exercised.
*** Holiness must be pursued.
Lord, keep me from spiritual laziness—make me diligent in obedience.
6
The Evidence of Salvation
“Faith without works is dead.” James 2:26
God saves us apart from works—but never without producing works.
*** Good works reveal the life within.
*** Salvation bears visible fruit.
*** Christ in us cannot stay hidden.
Holy Spirit, make my life undeniable proof of Christ’s presence.
7
Fighting the Flesh
“Abstain from fleshly lusts which wage war against the soul.” 1 Peter 2:11
Holiness requires a warlike attitude toward sin.
*** Sin must be resisted, not entertained.
*** The body must not dictate obedience.
*** Victory comes by Spirit-power.
Lord, make me ruthless with sin and tender toward You.
8
Training for Godliness
“Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness.” 1 Timothy 4:7
Spiritual habits strengthen spiritual health.
*** Growth demands discipline.
*** Discipline delights God.
*** Discipline transforms desires.
Father, help me practice what strengthens my soul and reject what weakens it.
9
Pressing Toward Christlikeness
“I press on…” Philippians 3:12
We do not coast into holiness—we chase Jesus.
*** Pursuit reveals priority.
*** A holy life moves forward, not backward.
*** Christlikeness is a lifelong pursuit.
Lord Jesus, keep me moving in Your direction every day.
10
The Reward of Obedience
“Well done, good and faithful servant…” Matthew 25:21
God sees every step of obedience—and rewards each one in eternity.
*** Obedience echoes beyond life.
*** God celebrates our faithfulness.
*** Heaven applauds holiness.
Lord, let my daily obedience store treasure where rust and time cannot touch it.
HOW THEN SHALL WE LIVE?
We must decide every day to cooperate with God’s work in us. We fight, we train, we obey, we pursue, we remove excuses. We take salvation seriously because God took our sin seriously. We do not coast—we commit. We do not drift—we discipline. We do not resist God’s work—we respond to it with joy and reverence.
POEM — “THE WORK WITHIN ME”
You place Your life in me.
Holy. Eternal. Strong.
I feel its pulling.
Calling me to become
What You already see.
Teach me to obey.
Not reluctantly.
Not occasionally.
But daily, willingly, thankfully.
A life that agrees with Your grace.
Make my steps Your handiwork.
My choices Your proof.
My obedience Your voice.
Until the world sees
The God who works within me.
INVITATION
God has already worked salvation into you—
Now He calls you to work it out.
Step into obedience.
Strengthen what He has supplied.
Say “yes” to Christ at every turn.
You are not alone—
the God who commands is the God who empowers.
The God who calls is the God who indwells.
“Lord, take what You placed inside me
and bring it out in glory.”
GOD-GIVEN AUTHORITY OVER GOD-REDEEMED BODY – (Genesis 41:40)
“You shall be over my house, and according to your command all my people shall do homage; only in regard to the throne will I be greater than you.” (NASB)
Joseph’s rise to authority in Egypt is far more than a political elevation — it is a picture of God’s rule in the life of the believer. Pharaoh placed Joseph over his entire house, second only to his throne. In the same way, God has entrusted us with real authority over our bodies, while He retains ultimate sovereignty over every part of our lives. We are responsible stewards of this physical “house,” managing desires, guarding purity, directing our actions, and exercising discipline that reflects the King’s rule. The One on the throne is greater — yet He commands us to rule this body on His behalf.
10 BIBLICAL DEVELOPMENTS OF THIS TRUTH
1
Entrusted with Authority
“…You shall be over my house…” Genesis 41:40
God gives believers real responsibility over the body He owns.
*** Authority is a stewardship, not independence.
*** We manage what God has purchased.
*** Responsibility means accountability.
Lord, teach me to rule this body under Your authority.
2
Ruled by the Throne Above
“…only in regard to the throne will I be greater than you.” Genesis 41:40
God’s throne is the supreme authority — all rulings must align with His will.
*** Jesus is King — always.
*** My will must answer to His rule.
*** Submission ensures righteous governance.
Father, may every command of my body bow to Your throne.
3
The Body Must Be Governed, Not Indulged
“I discipline my body and bring it into subjection…” 1 Corinthians 9:27
When the body rules, sin reigns. When Christ rules, holiness grows.
*** Desire makes a terrible king.
*** Discipline is love for God made visible.
*** Flesh must be mastered, not obeyed.
Holy Spirit, help me govern my body with holy strength.
4
Self-Control Is Spirit-Control
“…self-control…” Galatians 5:23
The Spirit writes God’s law on our habits, appetites, and actions.
*** Victory comes from surrender.
*** Self-control is Spirit-powered holiness.
*** The fruit reveals the root.
Lord, bear Your fruit in my physical choices.
5
Kingdom Dominion in Everyday Life
“…you shall have dominion…” Genesis 1:26
Authority is not pride — it is purpose.
*** Dominion is living God’s design.
*** The body is part of our calling.
*** Holiness is Christ’s kingdom displayed.
King Jesus, extend Your kingdom through my obedience.
6
Guarding the Gates
“Above all else, guard your heart…” Proverbs 4:23
What the mind welcomes, the body executes.
*** Thoughts become habits.
*** Habits shape holiness.
*** Vigilance protects purity.
Lord, make me alert to every danger at the door of Your temple.
7
Stewardship of Sanctification
“Sanctify them in the truth…” John 17:17
God sanctifies — we cooperate by walking in the truth.
*** Sanctification is shared work.
*** Truth transforms the temple.
*** Holiness must be maintained.
Father, keep me faithful to pursue what You began in me.
8
The Honor of Being Responsible
“…a vessel for honor…” 2 Timothy 2:21
Responsibility is privilege — God trusts us with His temple.
*** Honor is holiness on display.
*** God dignifies our obedience.
*** We serve the Master with joy.
Lord, let honor rise from every part of my life.
9
Grace Strengthens the Steward
“Be strong in the Lord…” Ephesians 6:10
God never commands what He will not empower.
*** Strength comes from the Savior.
*** Weakness invites grace.
*** Grace grows where surrender lives.
Jesus, strengthen me for every battle within.
10
The Reward of Faithful Rulership
“Well done…” Matthew 25:21
God will reward how we governed His property.
*** Earthly obedience has eternal wages.
*** God sees secret faithfulness.
*** Stewardship ends in celebration.
Lord, may I hear Your words with joy when the stewardship ends.
HOW THEN SHALL WE LIVE?
We must exercise holy authority over our bodies. We refuse the dictatorship of sinful desire. We evaluate habits, take command of thoughts, and discipline passions to bow to Christ. We steward our bodies with reverent responsibility — honoring the rightful King who watches and strengthens every decision of His steward.
POEM — “THE KING’S PROPERTY”
This body is not mine.
But You have given me its keys.
I walk its halls with reverence.
Your rule my command.
Your throne above me.
Give me strength to govern well.
Not indulgence but obedience.
Not impulse but discipline.
Not my will but Yours.
The King’s property.
At the end of days.
When I lay these keys down.
May joy rise from this temple.
And Your voice welcome me.
Well done.
INVITATION
God has entrusted stewardship to you —
the stewardship of your own body.
Not to indulge.
Not to ignore.
But to govern with holy authority.
Christ is the King.
You are His steward.
“Lord Jesus, take the throne of my decisions.
Rule Your property.
Be glorified in Your temple.”
A HOLY TEMPLE ON A HOLY ALTAR
(1 Corinthians 6:19–20 + Romans 12:1)
“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.” 1 Corinthians 6:19–20
“Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.” Romans 12:1
The Christian body is both a temple filled with the Holy Spirit and a living sacrifice laid upon God’s altar. We are the place where God dwells and the offering God receives. He purchased us with priceless blood — and He calls us to present what He owns. Holiness is not ceremonial; it is personal. Worship is not distant; it is daily. We glorify God not only with voices on Sunday, but with bodies devoted to Him every hour.
10 BIBLICAL DEVELOPMENTS OF THIS TRUTH
1
Not Our Own — Bought With Blood
“…you were bought with a price…” 1 Corinthians 6:20
Ownership is settled — God has the deed to our lives.
*** Salvation restores ownership to God.
*** The cross signed the contract of redemption.
*** The precious paid price demands precious obedience.
Lord Jesus, I acknowledge what is already true — I am Yours.
2
A Temple Filled With Glory
“…a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you…” 1 Corinthians 6:19
The presence of God is not distant — He lives in us.
*** We carry glory in clay bodies.
*** God will not share His temple with sin.
*** Holiness reveals His nearness.
Holy Spirit, cleanse Your living sanctuary.
3
The Altar of Daily Life
“Present your bodies…” Romans 12:1
The altar is not found at church — the altar is found in the heart of obedience.
*** Sacrifice is ongoing.
*** Worship is physical submission.
*** God wants every day, not just Sunday.
Lord, make my life the sacrifice You delight in.
4
Holiness Is His Expectation
“…a living and holy sacrifice…” Romans 12:1
Holiness is not optional — it is God’s rightful claim over His temple.
*** Holiness is what God saved us for.
*** Purity is the native atmosphere of His presence.
*** It is God who defines holy, not culture.
Holy God, make me reflect the purity of my Owner.
5
Obedience Is Worship
“…your spiritual service of worship.” Romans 12:1
We worship God best not with raised hands — but with surrendered lives.
*** Singing without obeying is empty sound.
*** The body must say “yes” where the lips do.
*** Worship is measured by obedience.
Lord, make my actions agree with my praise.
6
The Renewed Mind Directs the Body
“Be transformed by the renewing of your mind…” Romans 12:2
The body goes where the mind commands.
*** Renewing is replacing lies with truth.
*** Transformation begins in thought.
*** A holy mind produces holy action.
Father, renew my thinking until it honors You in everything.
7
Guarding the Temple Gates
“Make no provision for the flesh…” Romans 13:14
We starve sin by shutting off its supply.
*** Sin grows by what we feed it.
*** Temptation needs cooperation to thrive.
*** Holiness begins with wise boundaries.
Lord, fortify every opening where sin seeks to enter.
8
Discipline Is Devotion in Motion
“I discipline my body…” 1 Corinthians 9:27
A holy temple requires holy maintenance.
*** Desire must follow truth.
*** Obedience trains the body to submit.
*** Discipline protects calling.
Jesus, strengthen me to say “no” when the flesh screams “yes.”
9
Glorifying God in Every Moment
“…therefore glorify God in your body.” 1 Corinthians 6:20
The body is a stage where God’s worth is displayed.
*** God deserves visible devotion.
*** Ordinary actions can be worship.
*** Even suffering can shine His glory.
Lord, be magnified in my weakness and in my strength.
10
Joy Is the Reward of Living Sacrifice
“In Your presence is fullness of joy.” Psalm 16:11
The altar is not a place of loss — it’s a place of gain.
*** Sacrifice brings satisfaction.
*** Holiness brings happiness.
*** Worship brings wonder.
Father, make the joy of obedience my constant companion.
HOW THEN SHALL WE LIVE?
We treat our bodies as altars and temples — holy to the Lord. We banish sin from God’s dwelling place. We place our lives where God can command them. We live visibly for the glory of Jesus. We do not offer God our intentions — we offer Him our obedience.
INVITATION
You were bought.
You are indwelt.
You are called.
You must present.
The Holy Spirit lives in you —
so holiness must be lived through you.
Come to the altar.
Bow before the throne.
Let God rule what God has redeemed.
“Lord, I am Your temple.
Lord, I am Your sacrifice.
Make me holy for Your glory.”