Is it sin for Christians to smoke and drink alcohol?
Although many may argue that we should lead by example and not smoke and/or drink and yet go into an environment where there is drinking, such as a pub or club, and so we can be a silent witness. This could be regarded as a little too pious by the very people we are witnessing too, and in a way could actually alienate them more.
Once we are in Christ, we are set free from sin and bondage, and we are truly free (Jn 8:36,Gal 5:1). We are blessed by God that now we have freedom, the freedom to choose. In our freedom we can choose to sin or not to sin. We can choose to drink and smoke or not to drink and smoke, because in God’s wonderful Grace, we’re now not enslaved to sin, but have the wonderful freedom of choice. However, let us not continue in sin that excludes us from the kingdom, and perhaps drunkenness is one of these sins (1Cor 6:10, Gal 5:21)
However, both Jesus and Paul, point out that we should not worry about what we eat or drink (Lk 12:29) as in the Kingdom of God these are not important, (Rom 14:17) but to live righteously, be filled with the grace, love, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. (2Cor 11-14)
Therefore, we must do all things in faith, if we think something is a sin, (i.e. smoking a cigarette/cigar or having a drink) then it is sin to us and so we must refrain from it. (Rom 14:23) as we are called nor to sin anymore, and not to be drunk on wine but filled with the Spirit (Eph 5:18) and walk in the Spirit, not in carnal flesh.
But at the same time we are not to judge others, but only ourselves, and this is between us and God (Rom 14).
So then this can raise the question at what stage in consumption does the drinker become drunk?
I think I may have asked the unanswerable question, particularly if it is to be asked in a generic sense. However I personally believe that it is when you quench the Holy Spirit. This for some will be just one sip, particularly for those who have stepped over “the line” and have at some point in their lives given alcohol the stronghold by abusing it and then been abused by it . However, there are others who have never been to that point, and can enjoy a glass of wine and still not quench the Spirit.
So dear brother and sister, the choice is yours, just do not quench the Spirit, but feel free to live and love the Lord, giving thanks for all things, if you smoke, then do it in faith and thank God for each cigarette, just do not become a slave anything, as you cannot serve two masters. If you take a small glass of wine with your meal, again praise God for His wonderful provision.
Finally, we are called to love one and another, and particularly those that are not as mature in the faith as you are. Paul points out if our brothers or sisters are weaker in the faith, then follow their lead and do not please ourselves (Rom 15:1,2) for it is better not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that will cause your brother to sin. (Rom 14:21)
So for me this is the crux of it, if it is a sin to my brother I will not make him stumble.
Blessings
Tags: Christian Life
April 9th, 2010 at 3:11 pm
The Word is clear on smoking, as it is on other deadly addictions. Overeating and alcoholism are called gluttony and drunkenness by the Holy Spirit. Unrepentant gluttons and drunkards will not inherit the kingdom of God, 1 Cor. 5:11-13. Also see 1 Cor. 6:9,10 and Gal. 5:19-21. So that’s crystal clear. And smoking tobacco is far more deadly than alcohol. Every ten seconds, somewhere in the world, someone dies of tobacco-related causes. Tobacco kills more Americans each year than alcohol, cocaine, crack, heroin, homicide, suicide, car accidents, fire and AIDS combined. Let’s receive God’s Word with humility and brokenness over our sin. Yes, of course Jesus forgives, but there must be genuine repentance. If unrepentant drunkards aren’t going to make it in, neither are smokers. Slaves to tobacco who refuse to repent will not see God. I believe if we heard this truth from the pulpit there would be fewer smokers, gluttons, drunkards and other addicts, because it’s the truth that sets us free. We need a huge revival in the American church!