Smoke Cigs/Dip A Sin?

[thesunisout]

I don't smoke

Good to hear

 

[InfinityandBeyond]

So my having a small glass of wine when I am out eating for a special occasion is deliberating harming my body?

Did I say anything about wine?

You can drink your wine if you want, it's your life (although it would be good if you're able to drink legally )

 

[InfinityandBeyond]

The minute that you're picking through the bible trying to find something to justify your behavior, you're already in the wrong. The fact that you would do so demonstrates that you're under conviction about it, and scripture says that everything not done in a good conscience is sin.

Romans 14:23

But the man who has doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin.

It also says that we should never do anything which would cause someone else to stumble. The fact is, a smoking Christian is a very poor example for Christ, and it will cause others to stumble. It's not "acting all pious" to follow the commands of our Lord to live sanctified lives. If the whole world were gone tomorrow, I wouldn't stop following the Lord. Neither do we follow Noah, or Charles Spurgeon; we follow Jesus Christ, and we are commanded to abstain from even the suggestion of impropiety.

Yes yes, I agree.

 

[dengirl]

Deleted

 

[candle glow]

Smoking is certainly harmful to the body, but then again the point was made that there isn't much processed food out there that isn't also harmful to the body. Walking out of the house in many parts of the world without sunscreen on his harmful to the body.

Breathing car fumes is harmful to the body. Being a Christian can be harmful to the body!

"Harm to the body" hardly seems like reasonable criteria for determining if something is a sin.

The teaching from Paul about how the body is a temple is specifically referring to sexual immorality via fornication and adultery, so I think it's a bit unfair to lump other issues like drinking or smoking in with a teaching which clearly had a specific lesson intended.

Smoking can also be a bad witness to others around us, but you can't please everyone all the time. There will always be someone who is all too ready and willing to be offended over just about anything.

I think the strongest case for smoking being a sin probably comes from a situation where others nearby invariably have to breath the smoke in even though they don't want to. I'm fairly certain "second-hand smoke" has been proven to be legitimately dangerous to those who breathe it in.

But if a person is out in the woods somewhere, or in a designated smoking area, then second-hand smoke would not be a problem.

I think, probably, the most significant evidence that smoking is not a sin is that Jesus said it is not what goes into our mouths that makes us unclean, but what comes out of our mouths, via the heart.

He was talking about the Jew's rules against eating "unclean" food but I think the spirit behind the teaching relates to others issues like drinking, smoking, taking vitamins, pain killers, or eating any number of foods which really can be shown to be unhealthy. They had become so self righteous about their health rules that they stopped thinking about what was happening in their hearts.

 

[jenjen486]

The Word says that it is not what enters a man that is evil but what comes out of his heart that makes him evil. God looks at the attitude of our hearts in everything that we do. It is not a sin in itself to smoke but rather why anyone does it? 1 Corinthians 10:23-Everything is permissible"--but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible"--but not everything is constructive. What we do should be about our witness and testimony to someone. If we are clearly consumed by something or someone other than Christ then how are we convincing anyone that He is all that matters. If we do something that is associated with how the world does things then how does it look any different? We always have to examine whether something is beneficial for saving a soul. If someone who I've been sharing the Gospel with asks me to go have a drink with them...then I would go with my heart being fully fixed on pointing them towards Christ. My actions and my words, which are an overflow of my heart, would be what wins them over...seeing an example of not giving over to drunkenness, lust, profanity and whatever else that goes along with what the world calls okay. May our hearts continuously be about the salvation of others!

 

[candle glow]

Nice post, Jen. I agree that it's our motivations for why we do what we do that God will be looking at.

 

[Michaelismyname]

i will enter the topic from a nice simple stance and hold to it .

go kneel in prayer .. sing ,praise worship ,enjoy the presence of the lord .. and if he offers you a ciggy ..its ok . get the point ?

 

[ChristianMom74]

We are studying Romans for Sunday morning Bible study. We started Romans 6 this past Sunday. That convicts you of sin big time. Smoking as a sin isn't in the Bible. I feel it is a sin. We are to be a living sacrifice, our bodies are a temple. One lady who smokes doesn't feel it is a sin. I think an addiction puts whatever that one is addicted to before God. It does not glorify God. I think it someone who is not a Christian sees a Christian smoking, then they will figure Christians can do whatever. It is not good to someone's testimony. I have smoked. It controls you. You always have in the back of your head, when you can get your next one. If you don't have them your mind gets so focus on getting them. Anything, even if it is for two minutes that puts God so far out of your mind because you are so focused on getting that cig in before service starts, before you can sit down and study or whatever, it is a sin.
Anything that is turned into an idol, is then a sin. When someone is a smoker, cigs become that idol.

 

[Michaelismyname]

ChristianMom74 yes -romans ch 6 states it very well and clearly.

whenever we seek to satisfy the cravings of the flesh in so much as it does not pertain to the natural sustenance of life (ie water and basic food,sleep) we do not walk after the Spirit but after the flesh .
that is the opposite of what we are called to do by God - so if you wish to title it.. it is the sin of disobedience

in some instances (as guided by the Holy Spirit ) we are called on, in a state of mourning the absence of the Lord Jesus in a persons life to even deny the flesh in basic sustenance also.

the problem is -folk care more for what they want then loving the lord Jesus . this is evident by thier fruit and those words they hide in their heart ..." ahh but I WILL ", which is rebellion . and when they speak to justify their action of self gratification of flesh -their own words condemn them .(apply this to any action in life that one would be ashamed of should they suddenly find themselves standing in the presence of God.

May the lord Jesus bless them with a revelation of the state of their, and our, hearts and lead us all as one into Godly sorrow and repentance by the working of His Holy Spirit which is unceasingly and mightily at work in us to transform us into the image of the lord Jesus . amen

 

[candle glow]

go kneel in prayer .. sing ,praise worship ,enjoy the presence of the lord .. and if he offers you a ciggy ..its ok . get the point ?

Can you explain what you mean by "if he offers you a ciggy"? Like, God appears to someone in person (or sends an angel) and literally offers the person a cigarette? It sounds like you may be trying too hard to create a "ridiculous scenario" in order to support your point of view.

It's a bit like someone who says, "Find Jesus? Sure, I'll just have a look under this table. *looks* Ohhh darn he's not there, I guess God doesn't want me to find him. "

whenever we seek to satisfy the cravings of the flesh in so much as it does not pertain to the natural sustenance of life (ie water and basic food,sleep)

Can you explain how one determines what "basic food" is? Perhaps you could give some examples of what basic food is and what basic food is not so that we can understand where you are coming from.

 

[RINO 72]

Friends, when we make the bible speak in areas it does not, we actually make it silent where it speaks the loudest.

 

[Michaelismyname]

Can you explain what you mean by "if he offers you a ciggy"? Like, God appears to someone in person (or sends an angel) and literally offers the person a cigarette? It sounds like you may be trying too hard to create a "ridiculous scenario" in order to support your point of view.

It's a bit like someone who says, "Find Jesus? Sure, I'll just have a look under this table. *looks* Ohhh darn he's not there, I guess God doesn't want me to find him. "

HI , it is a factitious comment - the point being - its never going to happen - the lord is never going to offer you a cigarette ,would not ever offer you one . I use the light hearted analogy because we are called to walk after the Spirit and not after the flesh - it is not a matter of rules and law but of living in obedience to the holy Spirit .

Can you explain how one determines what "basic food" is? Perhaps you could give some examples of what basic food is and what basic food is not so that we can understand where you are coming from.

Sure - perhaps i used the worng word when i used basic .. all I meant is .. food that is required to sustain the body in the normal course of living a day to day Godly life (excluding excess and encouraging moderation) .after all to gorge one self on roast chicken and chocolate ice-cream would be as wrongful as smoking . while not rule or law neither are advisable .
however once The holy Spirit has directed a person to not smoke (and he gives freedom in the blood of Jesus to overcome ) it is, after that , a sin to that person by way of it being disobedience to the Holy Spirit in their life .
-----------

and yes - i feel you pulled me up on giving a lazy reply lol

 

[captainkate]

Do you think smoking Cig's or Dip is a sin? When I first smoked a Cig Which wow it has been along time I got real dizzy and a really strong buzz and it felt good. This kind of sounds like a little drunken state or high. Same results with dip, obviously you gain a tolerance but it still makes you feel "Good". Being dependent on cigs seems kind of bad to. God says to be only dependent on him and I know sometimes people can not go without a cig or dip. What's your thoughts?. I myself personally do not smoke anymore mostly because of lung issues which I thank God for doing to me in a weird way because I am not sure if I would have ever quit without that.

Hi Mock,
I don't know if it's a "sin". I smoked for 6 years and then almost immediatly after I got saved, Jesus put on my heart to quit smoking. He did not want me to do that for some reason and I never asked why. I did not know any scripture, never read the Bible, but I knew it was Him.

He gave me the grace to do it. I quit the same day, with almost half a carton and more than half a pack left..... threw it all out and never looked back.

 

[candle glow]

Hi Michael,

HI , it is a factitious comment - the point being - its never going to happen - the lord is never going to offer you a cigarette ,would not ever offer you one .

I was questioning the logic of the comment. You said that if God himself doesn't come down out of Heaven to offer someone a ciggy, then it's obviously sinful. At least, that's what it looked like you were saying.

It seems a bit unfair to put smoking in that context, while not doing so for so many other material goods we use/consume in everyday life which are not necessarily good for us.

however once The holy Spirit has directed a person to not smoke (and he gives freedom in the blood of Jesus to overcome ) it is, after that , a sin to that person by way of it being disobedience to the Holy Spirit in their life .

I agree with you, under the conditions you've listed. If a person feels God is telling him to quit smoking, and he continues anyway, then he is acting against his conscience and that can very easily be a sin.

However, I can't see that smoking in itself is immoral. It sure is unhealthy, but that's not the same as immoral. Depending on the circumstances, I'm almost certain to encourage people to stop smoking, because it's so unhealthy, expensive, and offensive to people in the immediate area.

Also, regarding the conscience, the bible suggests that God is greater even than our conscience. In other words, the problem with a conscience is that it can be trained.

For example, you have someone growing up his whole life believing it is sinful to eat "unclean" food. But then, a situation arises where we are called on to eat with others in order to work with them and teach them, but they eat "unclean" food and our conscience is offended.

What do we do? A similar situation happened to Peter, and God had to come down from Heaven to forcibly tell Peter to go against his conscience regarding eating "unclean food".

 

[thesunisout]

Hi Michael,



I was questioning the logic of the comment. You said that if God himself doesn't come down out of Heaven to offer someone a ciggy, then it's obviously sinful. At least, that's what it looked like you were saying.

It seems a bit unfair to put smoking in that context, while not doing so for so many other material goods we use/consume in everyday life which are not necessarily good for us.



I agree with you, under the conditions you've listed. If a person feels God is telling him to quit smoking, and he continues anyway, then he is acting against his conscience and that can very easily be a sin.

However, I can't see that smoking in itself is immoral. It sure is unhealthy, but that's not the same as immoral. Depending on the circumstances, I'm almost certain to encourage people to stop smoking, because it's so unhealthy, expensive, and offensive to people in the immediate area.

Also, regarding the conscience, the bible suggests that God is greater even than our conscience. In other words, the problem with a conscience is that it can be trained.

For example, you have someone growing up his whole life believing it is sinful to eat "unclean" food. But then, a situation arises where we are called on to eat with others in order to work with them and teach them, but they eat "unclean" food and our conscience is offended.

What do we do? A similar situation happened to Peter, and God had to come down from Heaven to forcibly tell Peter to go against his conscience regarding eating "unclean food".

You don't think polluting the temple of God immoral? Smoking cigarettes is one of the most singularly unhealthy things you can do. Not only that, but it's a terrible witness to unbelievers, and a stumbling block to other believers. There is also the physical addiction, which is bondage. Paul said that while all things are lawful, he would not be brought under the power of any. Those addicted to cigarettes are under the power of their addiction.

 

[candle glow]

You don't think polluting the temple of God immoral?

hey sunny. It's been a while since our last punch up.

You talk about "polluting" the temple of God. How much exhaust fumes do you reckon you breathe in each day? Do you drive a car? Do you ride public transport, like buses, taxis, etc? Do you walk or cycle along any street which cars drive along?

Most likely, you do, and as a result you breathe in toxic fumes which are definitely NOT good for your body. There ARE ways you could avoid this. You could avoid all streets which use vehicles, but that's highly impractical, isn't it.

A more realistic option would be to wear a gas mask to avoid breathing in pollutants. Is that something you are willing to do, or will you argue that you don't need to prevent pollutants in vehicle exhaust from polluting your body?

See how easy it is to become self righteous when it comes to health rules verses immoral rules?

How about sun block? Are you aware that sunlight can be harmful to our bodies? Do you put on sunscreen any time you walk around in the sun light? Have you researched how much sun light is dangerous and how much sun screen is necessary for protecting your skin? If not, why not? Aren't you concerned about your temple?

Those addicted to cigarettes are under the power of their addiction.

Sometimes people talk about addictions so easily, as though they themselves are totally above such filth. Addictions come in all shapes and flavors. For example, some people are addicted to money, to the point that they believe they would die without it.

Perhaps we should test it. Do you think people will die without money to take care of them, sunny?

 

[thesunisout]

hey sunny. It's been a while since our last punch up.

You talk about "polluting" the temple of God. How much exhaust fumes do you reckon you breathe in each day? Do you drive a car? Do you ride public transport, like buses, taxis, etc? Do you walk or cycle along any street which cars drive along?

Most likely, you do, and as a result you breathe in toxic fumes which are definitely NOT good for your body. There ARE ways you could avoid this. You could avoid all streets which use vehicles, but that's highly impractical, isn't it.

A more realistic option would be to wear a gas mask to avoid breathing in pollutants. Is that something you are willing to do, or will you argue that you don't need to prevent pollutants in vehicle exhaust from polluting your body?

See how easy it is to become self righteous when it comes to health rules verses immoral rules?

How about sun block? Are you aware that sunlight can be harmful to our bodies? Do you put on sunscreen any time you walk around in the sun light? Have you researched how much sun light is dangerous and how much sun screen is necessary for protecting your skin? If not, why not? Aren't you concerned about your temple?

Hello candle glow. Good to see you again.

First, we don't determine what is true by equivocation. That is fallacious reasoning. You're trying to say that it is impossible not to pollute your temple, therefore, it's okay to smoke cigarettes. I'm sorry but that doesn't follow. We cannot help but be exposed to pollution in our environment, because it's everywhere. To escape it we would have to live in a cave and never come out of it. Gods word doesn't give us a choice about the matter. He said go into all the world and preach the gospel. He didn't say only go to places where you will be healthiest. He said go everywhere, so Christians don't always have a choice as to what they get exposed to. We trust God to take care of it. What we do have a choice about is what we put into our bodies. These are the instructions we have been given:

Rom. 12:1-2

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God

There is no way to fit smoking cigarettes into this verse. It is a sin to defile Gods temple, when He said be holy as I am holy.

Sometimes people talk about addictions so easily, as though they themselves are totally above such filth. Addictions come in all shapes and flavors. For example, some people are addicted to money, to the point that they believe they would die without it.

Perhaps we should test it. Do you think people will die without money to take care of them, sunny?

Mat 6:30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
Mat 6:31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?'
Mat 6:32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.
Mat 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Mat 6:34 "Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Gods word says, when we seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, all the things we need will be added to us. We need God to take care of us, not money. You cannot serve two masters, and depending on money instead of God is a sin.

I also noticed you didn't address the fact that a smoking christian is a stumbling block for both believers and unbelievers alike. There is also the fact that a smoking Christian is under the power of their addiction and thus is living a spiritually defeated life.

 

[candle glow]

First, we don't determine what is true by equivocation. That is fallacious reasoning.

Sounds like word salad, sunny. Keep it simple for the rest of us morons, okay?

You're trying to say that it is impossible not to pollute your temple, therefore, it's okay to smoke cigarettes.

No, I didn't say that at all. I asked you if there are circumstances in which you knowingly pollute your body. Unless you wear a gas mask every time you walk down the street, then my question remains valid.

Is it religious pride that prevents you from accepting such an obvious conclusion?

I'm sorry but that doesn't follow. We cannot help but be exposed to pollution in our environment, because it's everywhere.

That is a lie, sunny. You CAN "help it". I even gave you two options (though there are sure to be others, too). You can avoid all areas where vehicles operate OR you can wear a gas mask. You choose NOT to apply these options because they are either impractical or inconvenient for you. But they do still exist as options. The fact is, you choose to ignore them and as a result you willingly allow your body to be polluted.

See how easy it is to cast judgment? I am very much right in what I'm saying, and yet, you sense there is still something wrong with my conclusion, isn't it?

Why?

Because there is nothing lost to you in casting judgment against smoking. It's easy for you simply because you have no interest in smoking. But, if you are questioned on willingly breathing in toxic fumes from motor vehicles, you suddenly feel a need to justify such pollutants, because it would be inconvenient for you to take steps to avoid them.

There is no way to fit smoking cigarettes into this verse. It is a sin to defile Gods temple, when He said be holy as I am holy.

And yet, you defile the temple in many ways, and you justify it on the basis that God supposedly told you to by saying "go into all the world to preach the gospel".

Yet, if God told you to quit your job making money so that you CAN have time to go into all the world preaching the gospel and working for love, you would argue that you would die without money and therefore could NOT "go into all the world preaching the gospel".

What a hypocrite you are. You justify your self righteousness based on a teaching that you are not willing to even apply in the first place.

BTW, sunny. Saying "god bless you" on the side, while working for money is NOT "preaching the gospel" according to what Jesus taught.

Gods word says, when we seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, all the things we need will be added to us. We need God to take care of us, not money. You cannot serve two masters, and depending on money instead of God is a sin.

You didn't answer the question, sunny. Do you believe we will die if we stop working for money, and start working for love? Yes or no?

I also noticed you didn't address the fact that a smoking christian is a stumbling block for both believers and unbelievers alike. There is also the fact that a smoking Christian is under the power of their addiction and thus is living a spiritually defeated life.

I'd rather work with a sincere smoker than a self righteous heath nut any day. I'd bet my soul on that.

 

[Barefooter]

I'm a truckdriver and I smoke a pipe. I never smoke inside the truck, house, etc. It's not addicting because if it's 100 degrees out or freezing I skip it, no problem. I smoke purely for relaxation at the end of the day. It's just like having a cup of coffee in the morning.