Scripture misconceptions are frequently based upon superficial understanding of Bible texts and truths. For example, very few Bible teachers seem to grasp the biblical definition of gluttony. Most people consider gluttony as referring to the sin of overeating. However, the Bible’s built-in dictionary suggests a completely different scenario. Consider the two parallels within our text. Proverbs 23:21 defines the drunkard as someone among winebibbers in verse 20. Additionally, Proverbs 23:21 defines the glutton as someone among riotous eaters of flesh in verse 20. This context shows us that gluttony is not determined so much by the amount of food eaten, but the manner of food consumption. The fact that gluttony and drunkenness are mentioned every time together further confirms this truth (Deuteronomy 21:20; Proverbs 23:21; Matthew 11:19; Luke 7:34). Notice that the last two references in Matthew and Luke refer to the false accusations hurled toward the Saviour. When Christ’s accusers referred to Him as a gluttonous man and a winebibber, they were referring to His associations with the publicans and sinners, not His personal eating and drinking habits!
Every generation has their own set of ritualistic practices: vegetarianism, the refusal to eat meat, and veganism, the refusal to eat any animal product, are increasingly popular today. The problems arise when proponents of these practices seek to promote the idea that meat eating is evil and should be eliminated. Today’s passage proves that the scriptures teach just the opposite. In fact, any individual preaching or teaching a necessary abstinence from eating meat is preaching a doctrine of devils. Regardless of what the modern doctors, scientists, or latest fad diets prescribe, the Bible clearly states that God does not intend for His people to abstain from eating meat. Much of the modern movement stems from an idolatrous view of the animal kingdom. Yet, God clearly provided animals for man’s survival and continuation.
Throughout mankind’s history, God has placed various dietary restrictions upon people. In the beginning, God gave man herbs and fruit for meat (Genesis 1:29). Under the law, the diet expanded, yet still excluded certain animals that the Lord deemed unclean (Leviticus 11:1-23). The issue was so important that questions concerning dietary restrictions were raised in the early church. In the end, the only restrictions specifically given for the New Testament church were that they should not partake of food knowingly offered to idols, and they should refrain from eating the blood (Acts 15:20, 29; Acts 21:25). 1 Timothy 4:4 confirms these truths by stating that no creature is to be refused based upon some man-made mandate.
The various dieting trends push for several additional times that man should eat. The Bible clears up any question concerning the number of meals an individual should eat in a single day. Believers should be very careful not to accept the latest trends as though they are the best or even from the Lord. Within scripture, one finds someone partaking of the meal commonly called breakfast (Judges 19:5), at other times, one finds someone partaking of a meal at noon (Genesis 43:16), and at other times, partaking of an evening meal (Luke 24:29-30). In the case of Elijah, the Lord only fed him twice a day (1 Kings 17:6). The most important truth to realize and consider: know that food purposes to give man the necessary strength to fulfil the will of the Lord.
The Bible says that God provides food for His people (Matthew 6:26). This God-given provision has been that way since the beginning of man’s existence on earth (Genesis 1:29). Interestingly, the Bible also says that God provides food for the animal kingdom (Psalm 147:9). One might declare that “the animals must go out and search for food to eat” and “men must go to work and earn wages in order to purchase their food.” However, a good response to this mind-set would be to focus on how men and animals are able to get their food: “Who gives the animals the strength and the prowess to find the food?” or “Who gives man the health and ability to work his job, earn his wages, and purchase his food?” With a more objective mind-set, you can see why man owes God thanks for the food that he eats. Every Christian should bow his head and give thanks to God for His provision before partaking of any meal.
God created Lucifer as a perfect, holy being. Unfortunately, when Lucifer willfully chose to rebel against his Creator, his actions eventually severed the relationship for all of God’s creation. As a result of Lucifer’s rebellion, he became God’s archenemy as well as the enemy of all of God’s saints too. This is why Satan uses every tool in his spiritual arsenal to lure the believer into sin and rebellion. It is important to understand how a simple temptation leads to some dire consequences. A man’s lust draws him away from God and tempts him to fulfil his lustful desires. When lust is fully conceived, it brings forth sin. Repeatedly sinning hardens the heart and lessens the believer’s resolve. God always makes a way of escape according to 1 Corinthians 10:13. The child of God need only look for that way out because it will always be there. Like the Lord Jesus in Matthew chapter 4,the believer ought to respond to temptation with the word of God. If the Christian submits to God and resists the Devil, the Devil will flee rather than face defeat (James 4:7).
Contrary to today’s all-inclusive teachings, no one comes into this world as a child of God. In fact, the Bible plainly teaches that God becomes the Father of only those who trust Christ as personal Saviour. This new relationship between the Father and His children results from a personal, conscious, willing decision. As the Father of His children, God at times finds it necessary to chasten (or correct) believers. No chastening is enjoyable, especially that from an all-knowing Father. Unfortunately, when God begins administering His corrective hand, far too many Christians quit. Consequently, those who quit on the Lord never experience the by-product of God’s chastening—“the peaceable fruit of righteousness.” Christians should never take the grace of God in vain by thinking that simply being saved pleases the Lord. God wants and expects much more. His chastening hand confirms the believer’s wrongdoing and directs him in the right direction. When God cares enough to correct a man’s wrongdoing, it is an uncaring response to quit. The believer who loves the Lord will accept the correction and grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ.
Most people naturally want to be understood, loved, and accepted by others. Yet, sometimes no matter how hard one tries, some people will never accept those who replace the worldly pleasures of this life with a sacrificial service for the Saviour. Worldly people hate those who want to do right and live right. This makes the heartache and anguish resulting from the spreading of falsehoods sometimes difficult to bear. Yet, how should a Christian respond when wrongfully attacked for simply trying to do right? According to the Bible, it is admirable to suffer when wrongly accused. Again, the Bible provides Christ as the perfect example of wrongfully suffering. There was no sin in the Saviour, nor was there guile found in His mouth. Yet, He endured more grief than anyone who has ever lived. How did He handle it? When He was reviled, He did not respond accordingly. When He suffered, He did not threaten those who caused His pain. Believers are called to follow the steps of the Saviour. When people falsely accuse believers, they must endure, considering the great miscarriage of justice endured by Christ.
The Thessalonian believers chose to willingly trust Christ as Saviour and to obediently become His followers. According to Paul’s account, these believers endured great difficulties because of their faithfulness to the Lord. Paul commended them for their patience and faith for enduring these persecutions and tribulations. Unfortunately, far too many Christians today are unwilling to live godly (2 Timothy 3:12) for fear that living the Christian life will bring persecution and ridicule. These believers in Thessalonica understood what it was like to have people scoff at them for their boldness in the faith. They understood what it felt like to be mocked and cursed for their unwillingness to compromise. This is why Paul praised them. They endured the persecutions and tribulations with patience and faith. The world needs more Thessalonian type believers in the church today.
Prior military personnel know the difficulties associated with functioning as a good soldier. Their training focuses on teaching them how to endure physical and emotional hardships unique to their service. They learn how to follow and obey their chain of command and frequently do things commanded without always understanding the how and why. Paul’s letter to Timothy relates the Christian life to that of a soldier. Timothy, as well as every other faithful Christian, is challenged with difficulties based solely on the fact that he is a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul instructed Timothy how to react during those times when the difficulties arise. According to Paul, Timothy was to “endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” The Christian life is not supposed to be a life of ease. Fortunately, with Christ in focus, things take on a clearer focus with a notable purpose and plan. The Christian life contains “hardness” but submission to the true Commander in Chief helps the suffering seem like a light affliction (2 Corinthians 4:17). Like the good soldier, the faithful Christian needs to learn how to endure hardness in order to avoid bitterness and bewilderment during life’s battles.
