Live Healthy

Bible Reading: Daniel 1:12-15 (KJV)

BIBLE PASSAGE: Daniel 1:12-15 (KJV) (RCCG Sunday School Student Manual 12 April 2026)

12 Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink.

13 Then let our countenances be looked upon before thee, and the countenance of the children that eat of the portion of the king’s meat: and as thou seest, deal with thy servants.

14 So he consented to them in this matter, and proved them ten days.

15 And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king’s meat.

INTRODUCTION: While it is good to pay serious attention to critical aspects of our lives like career, family, fellowship with God, and ministry, we should not neglect our health (Acts 27:34; 1 Timothy 5:23). Without knowing it, we put our health at risk which results in health problems that could range from minor to chronic.

LESSON OUTLINE

1. THE IMPORTANCE
2. THE TIPS

1. THE IMPORTANCE

In as much as God created us as spirit beings af-ter His image (Genesis 1:26-27), He also gave us material bodies (Genesis 2:7) and He is concerned about our physical health (Jeremiah 30:17). It is, therefore, our responsibility and our offering of gratitude to God (Romans 12:1) to prioritise our health because our bodies are God’s temple (1 Corinthians 6:19) and the containers that enable us to exist and interact with the physical world without which we would be unable to fulfil God’s purpose (Genesis 1:28; 2:7).

It is important to take care of our bodies because:

1. Good health is God’s will for us (Jeremiah 30:17).
2. It is impossible to serve God without good health (Mark 5:18-20).
3. Good health brings glory to God (Acts 3:8-10).
4. It increases our productivity in every aspect of our lives (Proverbs 31:17).
5. Living healthy increases our self-worth (Daniel 1:12-15).
6. It is less expensive than ill-health (Mark 5:25-26).
7. We need to fulfil our purpose in life (Philippians 2:25-28).

2. THE TIPS

First and foremost, we need to involve God in our desire to be healthy. God will ensure that we are healthy when we obey/fear Him and depart from evil (Proverbs 4:20-22; Proverbs 3:7-8). It is important to renew our minds because negative thoughts and mindsets can be detrimental to our health (Romans 12:2).

Practically, we must minimise the intake of sugar and processed food. Eat more of whole grains, fruits and vegetables (Genesis 1:29; Daniel 1:8, 12-15). Always drink water, and take lot of it, especially during the day. Engage in regular exercise to aid blood circulation in the body (1 Timothy 4:8a). We must ensure that we walk more than sit in one position for long periods at a stretch, as this is detrimental to our health. Spend time outdoors and reduce screen time to prevent eye problems and brain malfunction. Be mindful of what you consume (Proverbs 23:1-3, 20-21; 1 Corinthians 10:31). Steer clear of alcoholic/strong drinks: it damages the organs and the image of the victims (Proverbs 20:1; 31:6).

CONCLUSION: What we eat or drink is our first medicine. Take good care of yourself.

QUESTIONS:

1. Why is it important to live healthy?
2. Identify four tips for living healthy.

FURTHER READINGS:

Sunday: Jeremiah 30:17 (KJV)

For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the Lord; because they called thee an Outcast, saying, This is Zion, whom no man seeketh after.

Monday: Mark 5:18-20 (KJV)

18 And when he was come into the ship, he that had been possessed with the devil prayed him that he might be with him. 19 Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee. 20 And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all men did marvel.

Tuesday: Daniel 1:8, 12-15 (KJV)

Daniel 1:8

But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.

Daniel 1:12-15

12 Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink. 13 Then let our countenances be looked upon before thee, and the countenance of the children that eat of the portion of the king’s meat: and as thou seest, deal with thy servants. 14 So he consented to them in this matter, and proved them ten days. 15 And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king’s meat.

Wednesday: Proverbs 20:1 (KJV)

Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.

Thursday: Acts 3:8-10 (KJV)

8 And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God. 9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God: 10 And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him.

Friday: Proverbs 31:17 (KJV)

She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.

Saturday: Proverbs 23:20-21 (KJV)

Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh: 21 For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags.

ASSIGNMENT: State five (5) importance of living healthy (2×5=10 Marks).