Scripture teaches that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, and as such, we are called to honor God with our physical well-being. The apostle Paul writes in 1 Timothy that physical exercise has some value, but it is far outweighed by the importance of spiritual discipline. In 1 Corinthians, Paul emphasizes the need to discipline our bodies to live a life pleasing to God, and in Philippians, he expresses confidence that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. Additionally, 3 John expresses a desire for believers to prosper in all things, including bodily health, as a reflection of their spiritual wellness, and 1 Corinthians 9:27 highlights the importance of self-control in all aspects of life, including physical training.
15 Bible Verses on Physical Exercise
15 verses
Relevance Score
29%
For physical exercise is of limited value, but godliness is valuable in every way, holding promise for the present life and for the one to come.
Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body.
Beloved, I pray that in every way you may prosper and enjoy good health, as your soul also prospers.
No, I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.
Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way as to take the prize.
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.
But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.
Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary; His understanding is beyond searching out. He gives power to the faint and increases the strength of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall. But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way as to take the prize. Everyone who competes in the games trains with strict discipline. They do it for a crown that is perishable, but we do it for a crown that is imperishable. Therefore I do not run aimlessly; I do not fight like I am beating the air. No, I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.
Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair or gold jewelry or fine clothes, but from the inner disposition of your heart, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in God’s sight.