This Body Fashioned Anew
Our bodies will be transformed to be like Christ's glorious body, giving us hope in the midst of suffering.
John MacArthur emphasizes the importance of spiritual discernment, which is the ability to distinguish divine truth from error and half-truths, essential for the Christian life. The writer describes discernment as the power to see beyond what is evident to the average mind, enabling one to differentiate between truth and falsehood, virtue and vice, good and evil. The sermon highlights the need for believers to cultivate discernment through the study and application of Scripture, enabling them to distinguish light from darkness, truth from error, and righteousness from unrighteousness.
Text
Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body. (Philippians 3:21)
Often when we are racked with pain and unable to think or worship, we feel that this indeed is "the body of our humiliation," and when we are tempted by the passions which rise from the flesh we do not think the word vile at all too vigorous a translation. Our bodies humble us; and that is about the best thing they do for us. Oh, that we were duly lowly, because our bodies ally us with animals and even link us with the dust!
But our Savior, the Lord Jesus, shall change all this. We shall be fashioned like His own body of glory. This will take place in all who believe in Jesus.
By faith their souls have been transformed, and their bodies will undergo such a renewal as shall fit them for their regenerated spirits. How soon this grand transformation will happen we cannot tell; but the thought of it should help us to bear the trials of today and alt the woes of the flesh. In a little while we shall be as Jesus now is. No more aching brows, no more swollen limbs, no more dim eyes, no more fainting hearts. The old man shall be no more a bundle of infirmities, nor the sick man a mass of agony. "Like unto his glorious body." What an expression! Even our flesh shall rest in hope of such a resurrection!
Sermon Outline
- The Problem of Our Vile Body
- Our bodies humble us and link us with the dust
- Our bodies are subject to pain and temptation
Key Quotes
“Our bodies humble us; and that is about the best thing they do for us.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“We shall be fashioned like His own body of glory.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“In a little while we shall be as Jesus now is.” — C.H. Spurgeon
Application Points
- We should trust in the hope of our resurrection to bear the trials of today.
- Our bodies will be transformed to be like Christ's glorious body, giving us a new hope for the future.
- Faith in Jesus is the key to our transformation and regeneration.