While bodybuilding is not directly mentioned in the Bible, Scripture speaks to how we care for and use our bodies. Today, we’ll explore biblical principles about physical strength and how it relates to honoring God.
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What Does The Bible Say About Bodybuilding
1 Corinthians 3:16
“Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?”
This verse reminds us that our bodies are temples of God’s Holy Spirit. As Christians, we should strive to take care of our bodies and keep them healthy, honoring God with our physical well-being.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”
Our bodies have been redeemed by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Therefore, it is our responsibility to glorify God in our bodies by taking care of them and using them for His purposes.
1 Timothy 4:8
“For while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.”
This verse acknowledges that physical exercise has some value, but it places greater significance on godliness, which benefits us not only in this life but also in the eternal life to come.
Proverbs 31:17
“She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong.”
This verse praises a woman who takes care of her physical strength. It encourages us to embrace physical fitness as a way to empower ourselves and fulfill our responsibilities.
1 Samuel 2:3
“Talk no more so very proudly, let not arrogance come from your mouth; for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.”
While physical prowess is important, this verse reminds us not to boast in our own strength. We should recognize that our actions, including how we care for our bodies, are ultimately weighed by God.
Romans 12:1
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.”
We are called to present our bodies as living sacrifices to God. This involves offering ourselves wholly to Him, including our physical bodies, and dedicating them to His service.
1 Timothy 4:7
“Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness.”
While physical training may have its benefits, this verse emphasizes the importance of training ourselves for godliness. Our focus should be on cultivating a close relationship with God and growing in spiritual disciplines.
Proverbs 24:5
“A wise man is full of strength, and a man of knowledge enhances his might.”
Wisdom and knowledge contribute to our overall strength. As we pursue physical fitness, we should also seek to grow in wisdom and knowledge, understanding that true strength encompasses both physical and spiritual aspects.
Colossians 3:23
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”
When engaging in bodybuilding or any form of physical training, we should do it wholeheartedly, offering our efforts as an act of worship to the Lord rather than seeking approval or recognition from others.
Philippians 3:14
“I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
As we pursue physical fitness, we should remember that our ultimate goal is to fulfill the calling of God in our lives. We press on, not just for earthly rewards, but for the eternal prize that awaits us in Christ Jesus.
1 Corinthians 9:24-27
“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.”
This passage draws a parallel between physical athletes and the discipline required in the Christian life. Just as athletes train and exercise self-control to obtain a temporary reward, we should discipline our bodies and keep them under control for the sake of our eternal reward in Christ.
Ecclesiastes 9:10
“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might, for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going.”
We are encouraged to give our best effort in all that we do, including bodybuilding. As humans, we have limited time on earth, but through our dedication and hard work, we can make the most of every opportunity.
1 Timothy 4:8
“For while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.”
While physical training has some benefits, its value is limited to this present life. On the other hand, cultivating godliness holds promise not only for our earthly existence but also for our eternal life with God.
Proverbs 14:23
“In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty.”
Hard work and effort yield positive outcomes, and this principle applies to bodybuilding as well. We should actively engage in physical training rather than merely talking about it or having empty intentions.
1 Samuel 16:7
“But the LORD said to Samuel, ‘Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.’”
While physical appearance may be important in bodybuilding, we should remember that God values the condition of our hearts above all else. The true measure of our worth lies in our character and relationship with Him.
Proverbs 16:3
“Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established.”
In bodybuilding, as in any endeavor, we should commit our efforts to the Lord, seeking His guidance and surrendering our plans to Him. When we align ourselves with God’s will, He establishes and directs our path.
1 Corinthians 16:14
“Let all that you do be done in love.”
No matter our pursuits, including bodybuilding, we should let love be the motivating force behind all our actions. Love for God, ourselves, and others should shape our approach to physical training and guide our interactions.
Romans 12:12
“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”
Bodybuilding often involves facing challenges and persevering through trials. In these moments, we should find hope in God, practice patience, and remain steadfast in prayer, relying on His strength to carry us through.
1 Corinthians 14:40
“But all things should be done decently and in order.”
This verse reminds us to approach bodybuilding in a disciplined and organized manner. We should strive for proper form, follow training plans, and maintain a balanced approach to avoid injury and promote overall well-being.
1 Corinthians 10:31
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
Our approach to nutrition and hydration in bodybuilding should align with the principle of glorifying God. We should make choices that benefit our bodies and honor God, avoiding unhealthy habits that may harm us.
Philippians 4:13
“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
A key aspect of bodybuilding is pushing ourselves to achieve new goals and surpass our limits. With Jesus as our source of strength, we can overcome challenges, both physical and mental, and accomplish things beyond our perceived abilities.
Galatians 6:9
“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not give up.”
Bodybuilding requires consistency and perseverance. Even when progress seems slow, we should not grow weary or give up. By maintaining our commitment, we will eventually reap the rewards of our efforts.
2 Timothy 1:7
“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”
Bodybuilding often involves overcoming fears and pushing past comfort zones. With God’s spirit within us, we are empowered to embrace challenges, love ourselves and others, and exercise self-control in our training.
Psalm 139:14
“I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.”
Bodybuilding should be approached with a sense of gratitude and awe for the bodies God has given us. As we work to improve ourselves physically, let us remember that we are fearfully and wonderfully made by the Creator.
Isaiah 40:31
“But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”
By relying on the Lord, our strength is renewed. In bodybuilding, as in life, we can trust in God’s provision, which enables us to endure and persevere without growing weary or fainting.
Philippians 2:3-4
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others.”
Bodybuilding should not be driven by selfish motives or the desire for personal recognition. Instead, we should approach it with humility, considering others’ needs and seeking to use our physical strength to serve and uplift those around us.