OVERVIEW

Have you ever stopped to think seriously about God’s meticulousness being shown in how He designed humanity? This lesson will inspire you to consider your response as you examine the spiritual makeup of man. It will also cause you to see the link between the human body and the soul as one of its spiritual counterparts. Their purpose and how their interdependent nature will also be addressed. It is anticipated that the experiences that cause you to know there is a true and living God will become more meaningful as you submit to the Word of the Lord as the authority for judging beliefs about the body and the soul and their relevance to God’s eternal plan.

OBJECTIVES

During this lesson, you should be able to:

1. Identify the Components of Human Existence: Students will be able to differentiate between the body and soul as described in Genesis 2:7 and explain their respective roles in human life.
2. Explain the Purpose of the Body and Soul: Students will understand the purpose of the body in housing and expressing the soul, as well as the purpose of the soul in expressing identity, character, and relationship with God.
3. Analyze Biblical References: Students will analyze biblical references such as Genesis 2:7, 1 Corinthians 15:38, and James 2:26 to support the concepts of body and soul presented in the lesson.
4. Evaluate the Interaction Between Body and Soul: Students will evaluate how the body serves the soul and how the soul influences bodily actions and experiences, as supported by biblical examples and everyday observations.
5. Critically Reflect on Misconceptions: Students will critically evaluate common misconceptions about the relationship between the body, soul, and Spirit of God, based on biblical teachings presented in the lesson.

PREPARATION ACTIVITY

SELF CHECK

When you think about creation, what do you normally focus on? Why?

THE CREATION OF MAN

The revelation of the mystery of Christ is quite vast, so it is prudent to start by covering the fundamentals. Let's begin by examining the creation of humanity as depicted in Genesis 2.

Genesis 2:7

And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.

The scripture above highlights two primary components of man: the body and soul. God starts by taking dust and shaping man from it. When Moses says, "God formed man of the dust," he is referring to the creation of the human body.

Activity 2.1 - Find three (3) additional scriptures that mention that the human body is made from dust.

Scripture 1

Scripture 2

Scripture 3

Activity 2.2 - What are other names for “body” mentioned in the Bible?

THE PURPOSE OF THE BODY

The body was created for the purpose of housing, identifying, and expressing the soul.

Housing: The body serves as the dwelling place for the soul. It allows the soul to exist on the earth.

Identification: The body bestows uniqueness upon each creature, allowing us to distinguish between animals and humans (1 Corinthians 15:38). Additionally, the distinctiveness of the body enables us to recognize our loved ones as opposed to strangers.

Expression: The body acts as the vessel through which the soul expresses its character, behaviors, and preferences.

THE CREATION OF THE SOUL

After shaping the body from dust, God breathed air (the breath of life) into Adam's nostrils, to form a living being called - the soul. Both dust and air are earthen elements, therefore, the human race is considered, earthy, carnal, or natural in contrast to heavenly beings, who are considered celestial.

Activity 2.3 - What are other names for “soul” mentioned in the Bible?

1.

2.

3.

Some people believe that the breath of life is synonymous with the Spirit of God, but this is a misconception. The breath of life simply refers to the air we breathe, a natural element of the earth. Hence, Adam did not have the Spirit of God dwelling within him. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit occurs only at salvation, which commenced on the day of Pentecost following Jesus' ascension.

DID YOU KNOW? It is erroneous to believe that when God created Adam, He placed His Holy Spirit in him resulting in everyone becoming children of God. Read Romans 8:8-9.

Here are scriptures that confirm that the soul is made from air, a natural element:

1 Corinthians 15:47

The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven.

Job 7:7

O remember that my life is wind: mine eye shall no more see good.

Job 12:10

In whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind.

Ezekiel 37:5, 9-10

5 Thus saith the Lord GOD unto these bones; Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live:

…

9Then said he unto me, Prophesy unto the wind, prophesy, son of man, and say to the wind, Thus saith the Lord God; Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live.

10 So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood up upon their feet, an exceeding great army.

DID YOU KNOW? – Animals have breath of life too. See Genesis 7:15 & Ecclesiastes 3:19-20.

THE PURPOSE OF THE SOUL

The soul is a non-physical living component of man and is the source of all thought, character, personality, beliefs, feelings, and desires. The soul is the true identity of a person. While the body is what we typically use to recognize and distinguish one another, the essence or true identity of a person lies in their soul. The soul is the real person.

The soul is a living being, created to express itself on the earth for the purpose of loving, worshipping and serving God. It is the responsibility of the soul to use its body to honor God by obeying His commands.

Did you notice that Adam was described as a living soul, not merely a living body? This is because the soul is the essence of the individual, whereas the body is simply the vessel in which the soul lives and expresses itself. In fact, the soul is what animates the body. When a soul leaves its body, the body becomes lifeless and will ultimately return to dust.

James 2:26

For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

The body was designed to serve the soul, which is why it ceases to function when the soul departs. The body possesses no inherent power or will; instead, it is governed by the soul. If someone raises their hand, it is the soul within them that initiates the action.

While there are bodily functions that operate without direct instruction from the soul, they only function because of the soul's presence within the flesh. These involuntary systems of the body operate to ensure that the body can effectively serve the soul.

Let's look at how the scripture teaches this concept.

THE SCRIPTURE

THE INTERPRETATION

Leviticus 5:2 - Or if a soul touch any unclean thing, whether it be a carcase of an unclean beast, or a carcase of unclean cattle, or the carcase of unclean creeping things, and if it be hidden from him; he also shall be unclean, and guilty.

How does a soul touch an unclean thing? It does so by using the hands of its body. The body has no desires; these are found in the soul. Therefore, it is the soul that is judged as guilty.

Leviticus 5:4 - Or if a soul swear, pronouncing with his lips to do evil, or to do good, whatsoever it be that a man shall pronounce with an oath, and it be hid from him; when he knoweth of it, then he shall be guilty in one of these.

How does a soul swear? He does so with the lips of his body. But the soul itself is judged as guilty.

Leviticus 5:15 - If a soul commit a trespass, and sin through ignorance, in the holy things of the Lord; then he shall bring for his trespass unto the Lord a ram without blemish out of the flocks, with thy estimation by shekels of silver, after the shekel of the sanctuary, for a trespass offering.

How does a soul sin? He does so by using his body to disobey God.

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT - When the body is in physical pain, it is the soul that mourns.

Job 14:22

But his flesh upon him shall have pain, and his soul within him shall mourn.

The soul serves as the origin of all feelings and emotions. While the brain sends and receives signals via the nervous system, it is ultimately the soul that experiences these sensations. Without a soul, the body has no capacity for feeling or emotion.

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT – Have you ever attended a funeral and gotten the chance to see the body in the casket? Do you notice that it is lifeless? There is nothing you can do to stimulate it – the body without the spirit (soul) is dead.

THE 5 SENSES - GATES TO THE SOUL

The body enables the soul to engage with the world through the five senses: sight, smell, taste, touch, and hearing. However, it is the soul that interprets the experiences derived from these senses. Additionally, our mind, which operates through the brain (a component of the body), facilitates our ability to think and interpret our interactions. Considering that the mind is a function of the body, which was created to serve the soul, it follows that the mind also serves the purposes of the soul. Thus, it is the soul that generates thoughts and not the mind.

Matthew 15:19

For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:

The scripture above demonstrates that thoughts originate in the heart (soul). Thus, the soul utilizes the body to think and to engage in either good or evil deeds. Moreover, it is the soul that reacts to situations; feelings of offense or anger stem from choices made by the soul rather than the body. Conversely, feelings of joy and peace are reflections of the soul's disposition.

THE SOUL IS THE MASTER OF THE BODY

Here are examples illustrating how, even though our bodies share the same anatomy, the interpretations of experiences by the soul may vary.

Example #1

One may look at a painting in an art gallery and immediately fall in love with it whereas another may see the same painting and think it is absolutely hideous. With their eyes they have both seen the same thing, however it is the soul that interprets what is seen into preference.

Example #2

Barbara enters Billy’s home which he perfumed with lavender scents. She instantly begins to cry because she is reminded of the lavender shrubs at the hospital where her mother died. Once again, the scent is the same, but whereas Billy enjoys the scent Barbara does not because she connects the scent to an experience.

Job 23:13

But he is in one mind, and who can turn him? And what his soul desireth, even that he doeth.

Activity 2.4 – In the table below give scenarios that depict how the soul uses the body for righteousness or unrighteousness. Reflect on your experiences as you select each example and make a note in your journal of the impressions you had.

PARTS OF THE BODY

RIGHTEOUS USE

UNRIGHTEOUS USE

EYES

EARS

MOUTH

HAND

BRAIN

In conclusion, Job 23:13 highlights the connection between the soul and the body. For instance, desires originate in the soul, making it a vital component. These desires are then manifested through the body as either godly or ungodly thoughts and feelings. God intends for us to align our thoughts and emotions with His own regarding our experiences. That's why we can appreciate His plan of salvation, which empowers us to live godly lives.

LESSON 1 - MAIN POINTS

Here are some key points to remember from this lesson:

Creation of Man: Genesis 2:7 describes how God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, making man a living soul.

Purpose of the Body:

Housing: The body serves as the dwelling place for the soul, allowing it to exist on Earth.

Identification: The body provides uniqueness and enables recognition of individuals.

Expression: The body is the vessel through which the soul expresses character, behavior, and preferences.

Creation of the Soul:

After forming the body, God breathed air into Adam's nostrils, creating the living soul.

The soul is considered earthy or natural, distinct from celestial beings.

The breath of life refers to air, not the Spirit of God.

Purpose of the Soul:

The soul is the source of all thoughts, character, beliefs, feelings, and desires.

It is created to love, worship, and serve God, using the body to honor Him.

The soul is the true identity of a person, while the body is merely a vessel.

Interaction of Body and Soul:

The soul animates the body; when the soul departs, the body becomes lifeless.

The body serves the soul, as bodily functions are governed by the soul.

The soul experiences physical sensations and emotions.

The Law and the Soul:

Actions of the body are attributed to the soul in biblical judgment.

The soul sins through the actions of the body.

The Five Senses as Gates to the Soul:

The body enables engagement with the world through sight, smell, taste, touch, and hearing.

The soul interprets experiences derived from the senses.

The mind, a function of the body, also serves the purposes of the soul.

Examples of Soul Interpretation:

Different interpretations of experiences by individuals illustrate the role of the soul in preference and emotion.

EXTENDED STUDY & LEARNING RESOURCES

Choose one of the resources below to help you to further examine the spiritual make-up of man and to respond to the case scenario below:

CASE: Barry decided that he wanted his friends to understand that they are more than a physical body. To do so, he wrote a poem, as shown below. However, upon sharing it with one of his friends before going public, he was told that something is wrong with it.

POEM.

You're more than just your body's frame,

Beyond flesh and bone, you hold a flame.

God placed His Spirit into your core,

As He did with Adam, in a time before.

Beyond muscles and nerves, you shine bright,

More than a body, you're a wondrous sight.

Embrace it all, body and soul,

You are God’s child forevermore.