Wk 7 // June 7 & 8
Wk 7 // LET’S TALK ABOUT IT
June 7 & 8, 2025
Small Group Study
SERMON RECAP
Spend a few minutes recapping this week's sermon together.
TAP HERE TO VIEW THE SERMON NOTES.
INTRODUCTION
Health and fitness is one of the most popular topics in American culture, and hardly a day goes by that a new exercise, diet, or vitamin trend isn’t making its impression in the cultural landscape, even as others make their way out. The irony is that while Americans are fascinated with diet and exercise plans, we are still one of the most unhealthy countries in the world. Obesity continues to rise, even among children, and there’s no denying that mental health is a major issue in our country, too. Today we will spend some time discussing why personal health matters to the Christian and how it is linked to church health.
UNDERSTANDING
HAVE VOLUNTEERS READ:
- 3 JOHN 2-4
- 1 CORINTHIANS 3:16-17
- 1 CORINTHIANS 6:19-20
Healthy living matters to God for many reasons. When we are physically healthy, we are able to walk with God and serve Him unhindered. This was the case with Gaius in 3 John. Without the distraction of mental, physical, or emotional setbacks, we can focus our thoughts and energy on living for God. In addition, Paul tells the Corinthians that our bodies are a temple and that we should honor God with our bodies. Making choices that promote healthy living shows God honor and respect.
In Old Testament times, God limited His earthly presence to the Holy of Holies, an inner sanctuary within the temple that was accessible only to the High Priest on one day a year. However, all of that changed after Jesus’ resurrection, when He sent the Holy Spirit to earth in His place. The Spirit took up residence in the life of each believer, and He still does that today. When Paul talks about your body being a temple of the Holy Spirit, he reminds us that the believer’s body is a sacred vessel, bought at a price by the Son of God. For this reason, we have no business doing anything with the Lord’s body that does not glorify Him.
God had given His people six days each week for work, but He also gave them a day for rest. Our bodies, minds, and souls need time for refreshment by spending time with God. Healthy lives clearly matter to God. Jesus drove home this point during His earthly ministry, much of which was dedicated to healing people from their physical and mental ailments. He made it clear that personal health is critically linked to spiritual health. In Mark 5, we read about Jesus healing people in three very distinct ways.
READ SELECT PORTIONS OF MARK 5:1-43.
Sickness and death entered the world through the fall. Before Adam and Eve sinned, there was no sickness, sorrow, or death. And before sin entered the world, people didn’t have to fear being possessed by unclean spirits. Thus, when Jesus exercised authority over the demons, sickness, and death, He was not just showing us how great He is, He was telling us that He has come to do something about those things. In doing so, He showed that God is not only concerned with our spiritual health, He is concerned with our physical health, too.
APPLICATION
PRAYER
Split up into pairs or small groups and take a few minutes to share prayer requests specifically related to living healthy lives. This may include prayers for healing or for discipline in decision making. Then spend time praying for those requests. Challenge your group members to follow up with each other during the week.
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ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE COMMENTARY
[for further reading on this passage]
3 JOHN 2-4
Verse 2. Addressing Gaius again simply as beloved, the elder followed the conventional practice of expressing good wishes to Gaius. In Christian correspondence, this element often became a prayer of thanksgiving to God. John wanted Gaius to prosper in every way. The verb prosper means literally “to have a good journey” and metaphorically “to succeed.” Specifically, the elder’s prayer centered on good health for Gaius. John’s prayer did not mean that Gaius was ill, though it did not rule out the possibility of a particular health concern. John did not express a similar desire for Gaius’s spiritual well-being because John knew that Gaius’s soul was already prospering. In fact, John wanted Gaius to thrive physically just as he was progressing spiritually.
Verse 3. The elder had confidence in Gaius’s spiritual progress because certain brethren had brought him evidence of it. These brothers testified to Gaius’s truth. Their good report made the elder very glad. These believers related two characteristics of Gaius’s spiritual well-being: his truth and his love (v. 6). Gaius’s hospitality to other believers indicated that he was walking in truth. Gaius’s adherence to sound doctrine is no doubt also included in John’s use of this phrase. Gaius lived a balanced Christian life, adhering to both truth and love.
Verse 4. The elder emphasized that he could have no greater joy than knowing that his children were living according to the truth. Paul used the designation “children” to refer to his converts. The designation may imply that John had led Gaius to faith in Jesus Christ. On the other hand, the term may sim- ply refer to people under John’s pastoral care toward whom he demonstrated fatherly concern. In any case, the elder’s joy as a “parent” was bound up in the spiritual welfare of his children. The phrase walking in the truth means applying truth to one’s daily behavior. Those who walk in truth practice what they say they believe.
Christians rejoice when they learn that believers remain faithful to Christ and to His people. Just as John was glad when he learned that Gaius was remaining faithful to Christ and to His people, we too should rejoice when we hear that other Christians are demonstrating faithfulness.
June 7 & 8, 2025
Small Group Study
SERMON RECAP
Spend a few minutes recapping this week's sermon together.
TAP HERE TO VIEW THE SERMON NOTES.
- What was one takeaway from this week's sermon for you?
- Were there any stories, ideas, or points that stuck out?
- Was there anything that challenged you?
INTRODUCTION
- Have you ever tried any diet or exercise fads? If so, which one(s)? What was your experience like with that fad? Did you see results? Why do you think it was so popular?
- Do you think your physical fitness and overall health matters to God? Why or why not? Spend a few minutes discussing people’s responses.
Health and fitness is one of the most popular topics in American culture, and hardly a day goes by that a new exercise, diet, or vitamin trend isn’t making its impression in the cultural landscape, even as others make their way out. The irony is that while Americans are fascinated with diet and exercise plans, we are still one of the most unhealthy countries in the world. Obesity continues to rise, even among children, and there’s no denying that mental health is a major issue in our country, too. Today we will spend some time discussing why personal health matters to the Christian and how it is linked to church health.
UNDERSTANDING
HAVE VOLUNTEERS READ:
- 3 JOHN 2-4
- 1 CORINTHIANS 3:16-17
- 1 CORINTHIANS 6:19-20
- From these various texts, what do you learn about why personal health matters?
- In 3 John 2-4, John prayed that his friend Gaius would be physically healthy, to go along with his spiritual health. What difference does physical health make in “walking in the truth” (v. 4)?
Healthy living matters to God for many reasons. When we are physically healthy, we are able to walk with God and serve Him unhindered. This was the case with Gaius in 3 John. Without the distraction of mental, physical, or emotional setbacks, we can focus our thoughts and energy on living for God. In addition, Paul tells the Corinthians that our bodies are a temple and that we should honor God with our bodies. Making choices that promote healthy living shows God honor and respect.
- What does it mean that your body is the temple of the Spirit, and that it is not your own?
- God paid a steep price to make your body His own. What price did He pay? How should this truth change the way we make decisions when it comes to how we live?
In Old Testament times, God limited His earthly presence to the Holy of Holies, an inner sanctuary within the temple that was accessible only to the High Priest on one day a year. However, all of that changed after Jesus’ resurrection, when He sent the Holy Spirit to earth in His place. The Spirit took up residence in the life of each believer, and He still does that today. When Paul talks about your body being a temple of the Holy Spirit, he reminds us that the believer’s body is a sacred vessel, bought at a price by the Son of God. For this reason, we have no business doing anything with the Lord’s body that does not glorify Him.
- Read Philippians 3:18-19 and 1 Corinthians 10:31. What do these passages reveal about why it’s important to make healthy choices with food?
- Read 1 Peter 5:7. Worry and stress drastically affect your mental and emotional health. How do you “cast all your anxiety on God?”
- Read Deuteronomy 5:12-15. Why is rest also an important part of living a healthy life? Why does rest matter to God?
God had given His people six days each week for work, but He also gave them a day for rest. Our bodies, minds, and souls need time for refreshment by spending time with God. Healthy lives clearly matter to God. Jesus drove home this point during His earthly ministry, much of which was dedicated to healing people from their physical and mental ailments. He made it clear that personal health is critically linked to spiritual health. In Mark 5, we read about Jesus healing people in three very distinct ways.
READ SELECT PORTIONS OF MARK 5:1-43.
- What was day-to-day life like for the demon-possessed man (vv. 1-5)? Compare and contrast the man’s state in verses 1-5 with his state in verses 16-20.
- We may not be possessed by demons, but what are some ways people need mental healing today? How can we as a church body help bring that healing?
- Now look at the story in verses 25-34. What was the root of the woman’s suffering, and what did Jesus say had healed her? Do you more often seek a cure for your physical or spiritual needs? Why?
- The final healing miracle in Mark 5 involves Jesus bringing Jairus’s daughter back to life. What stands out to you the most in the account of Jesus’ healing, verses 40-43?
- What can we learn about our ministry to others through Jesus’ example in Mark 5?
Sickness and death entered the world through the fall. Before Adam and Eve sinned, there was no sickness, sorrow, or death. And before sin entered the world, people didn’t have to fear being possessed by unclean spirits. Thus, when Jesus exercised authority over the demons, sickness, and death, He was not just showing us how great He is, He was telling us that He has come to do something about those things. In doing so, He showed that God is not only concerned with our spiritual health, He is concerned with our physical health, too.
APPLICATION
- What are some of the practical decisions we make that show God we glorify Him with our bodies?
- How do your personal health choices also impact the health of our church as a whole?
- What is one area of your life that the Holy Spirit is bringing conviction to when you think about making healthy choices?
- What immediate changes can you make to work on honoring God with that area of your life? How can our group help hold one another accountable?
PRAYER
Split up into pairs or small groups and take a few minutes to share prayer requests specifically related to living healthy lives. This may include prayers for healing or for discipline in decision making. Then spend time praying for those requests. Challenge your group members to follow up with each other during the week.
—----------------------------------
ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE COMMENTARY
[for further reading on this passage]
3 JOHN 2-4
Verse 2. Addressing Gaius again simply as beloved, the elder followed the conventional practice of expressing good wishes to Gaius. In Christian correspondence, this element often became a prayer of thanksgiving to God. John wanted Gaius to prosper in every way. The verb prosper means literally “to have a good journey” and metaphorically “to succeed.” Specifically, the elder’s prayer centered on good health for Gaius. John’s prayer did not mean that Gaius was ill, though it did not rule out the possibility of a particular health concern. John did not express a similar desire for Gaius’s spiritual well-being because John knew that Gaius’s soul was already prospering. In fact, John wanted Gaius to thrive physically just as he was progressing spiritually.
Verse 3. The elder had confidence in Gaius’s spiritual progress because certain brethren had brought him evidence of it. These brothers testified to Gaius’s truth. Their good report made the elder very glad. These believers related two characteristics of Gaius’s spiritual well-being: his truth and his love (v. 6). Gaius’s hospitality to other believers indicated that he was walking in truth. Gaius’s adherence to sound doctrine is no doubt also included in John’s use of this phrase. Gaius lived a balanced Christian life, adhering to both truth and love.
Verse 4. The elder emphasized that he could have no greater joy than knowing that his children were living according to the truth. Paul used the designation “children” to refer to his converts. The designation may imply that John had led Gaius to faith in Jesus Christ. On the other hand, the term may sim- ply refer to people under John’s pastoral care toward whom he demonstrated fatherly concern. In any case, the elder’s joy as a “parent” was bound up in the spiritual welfare of his children. The phrase walking in the truth means applying truth to one’s daily behavior. Those who walk in truth practice what they say they believe.
Christians rejoice when they learn that believers remain faithful to Christ and to His people. Just as John was glad when he learned that Gaius was remaining faithful to Christ and to His people, we too should rejoice when we hear that other Christians are demonstrating faithfulness.
