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1 Timothy 4:3
DailyBibleStudy.Org
3 Forbidding [koluo] to marry, [gameo] and commanding to abstain from [apechomai] meats, [broma] which [hos] God [theos] hath created [ktizo] to [eis] be received [metalepsis] with [meta] thanksgiving [eucharistia] of them which believe [pistos] and [kai] know [epiginosko] the truth. [aletheia] KJV-Interlinear
3 men who forbid marriage and advocate abstaining from foods, which God has created to be gratefully shared in by those who believe and know the truth. NASB
We have already seen how people will take what is stated in the Bible, and restate it out of context, so they can use it to serve their own purpose. Namely the previously studied roles of men and women. Do you even remember what they stood for?
Now, Paul uses two more examples of externalism, which have been used in history, as attempts to gain salvation or spiritualism through mans works.
History is full of cultures doing things to themselves, to their bodies, by forcing physical changes in themselves, in order to meet some higher purpose. Some cultures tie their feet up, some try to extend their necks, some poke sticks through their cheeks or ears, or arms, etc. And some try to define how society is to live together.
The Essenes practiced asceticism, denying marriage and enforcing special dietary regulations for the accomplishment of their spirituality.
Gnosticism boasted of a secret, hidden knowledge or code. They rejected the body as part of the evil, physical world.
And there are many more who believe that they must suffer at least as much if not more than Christ, in order to earn their acceptance in heaven.
However, God created both marriage and food and pronounced them both good, Gen 1:28-31; 2:18-24; 9:3.
Anything that conflicts with the Bible is false.
We are to find our completion in Christ, not in the external things of this life. Food, clothing, pain and such are not the spiritual life. Bible doctrine is Christ, and when you learn doctrine, then you put Christ inside of you, and fulfill your life unto Him as He intended.
You cannot earn, nor do you deserve spiritual brownie points.
All spiritual advantages come to you through grace, as a gift of God, and by no other means.
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