For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website.
Scriptures cited:
- 1 Samuel 4:18 -- Eli overweight
- 1 Samuel 2:29 -- the real issue was spiritual
- 1 Samuel 2:12-17 -- his sons were affected, too
- Judges 3:17, 21-22 -- Eglon
- Amos 4:1 -- sins of the rich oppressors
- James 5:5
- Ezekiel 16:49
- 1 Corinthians 4:4
- 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 -- body the temple of the Spirit
- 1 Corinthians 8:1-11:1 -- limiting freedoms for sake of others and glory of God (see 8:1-11:1)
- Galatians 5:23 -- self-control a fruit of the Spirit
- Proverbs 23:2 -- take drastic measures if you will eat inappropriately! (admittedly out of context)
- There is no scripture dictating the ideal body shape or body weight. What is "fat" is partly a matter of perception, culture, or fashion.
Reasons to stay trim:
- Our bodies are temples of the Spirit; self-control is a fruit of the Spirit.
- Our example to others (including children); we don't want anything to impede the gospel.
- Respect for those who have nothing -- those who struggle to eat at all.