Question and answer: “So what makes these substances wrong?”

Anything that damages your body, or puts you in a state where you are unable to think or act properly, is clearly wrong. It has been proven that smoking, taking certain drugs and drinking excessively can kill you. God says, “You shall not murder” (kill) Exodus 20:13. Whether you kill others or yourself, it is wrong and therefore should not be done.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 ‘Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore, glorify God in your body’

Most ungodly habits like smoking, drugs, and drinking are very expensive and can lead you into debt, and on a slippery downward slope.

Have you ever seen a drug abuser or an alcoholic? Would you like to end up like them? There is hope for anybody with an addiction as God can do all things. Certain things may be legal, but are they moral or godly?

Wisdom: Be over cautious if you are in doubt whether something is right or wrong. Stay safe, rather than sorry. If you make a mistake, then repent.

“How much alcohol is too much?” To be honest I don’t know because alcohol affects different people in various ways. Drinking socially has been the downfall of many people, and we are warned not to associate with believers who are drunkards, 1 Corinthians 5:11, Proverbs 23:19,20, Ephesians 4:17-24.

If you force someone to go for a drink with you, then you are in big trouble Habakkuk 2:15. If you encourage a weaker brother/sister to go drinking with you, you could be leading them into sin! 1 Corinthians 8:9-13.

Proverbs 20:1 ‘Wine is a mocker, intoxicating drink arouses brawling and whoever is led astray by them is not wise’

Fact: Most ungodly habits are very difficult to stop, so don’t start one.

Certain establishments are best avoided so that you will not be tempted to fall under peer pressure. Any fool can get drunk, smoke or take drugs, but it takes a man or a woman of God to say no.

Think: Am I knowingly harming myself in any environment that I go to?

More Info: Genesis 9:20-23, 19:30-38, Proverbs 23:29-35, Isaiah 28:1-4, 7-8, Luke 21:34, Romans 6:16, 1 Cor. 6:9-11, Gal. 5:16, Eph. 5:18, Heb. 4:15-16.

Visit the interactive version of this course online. www.byfaith.co.uk © 2003 ByFaith Media.