1 Timothy 4:1–5 (ESV) — 1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times
some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and
teachings of demons, 2 through the insincerity of liars whose consciences
are seared, 3 who forbid marriage and require abstinence from
foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe
and know the truth. 4 For everything created by God is good, and nothing
is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5 for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer.
NOTE: One of my
concerns with the movement toward OT law by certain churches, is that it
ignores one of the most central thoughts of the NT -- the law is dead, it has
been crucified, it has no power. Now this referenced teaching could be
asceticism or some gnostic teaching, but it also connects with OT law, where
certain foods were (still are) not approved (not kosher).
There may be physical reasons for not eating certain foods, but there are no
spiritual reasons (Constable, 2003). There is a natural tendency in man to
perform and to be perceived as performing, and for that matter performing well.
We seem to struggle with this performance idea in our relationship with God. I
believe we even fall into patterns of tradition because they relate to our idea
of performance. God wants our heart not our empty actions. God does want
action, but for the right reason. Performing sacrifices, attending church, even
doing good deeds are not the central aspect of a relationship with God. Jesus
tells a story of people who come to him telling him of all the things they did
in his name, and he tells them to depart and that he never knew them.
Religiosity is the great disease of our time -- no real life-changing
relationship, just a bunch of rules.
PRAYER: Father, help
me to see where I live by rules and not in an abiding and deep relationship
with the savior. I want to be like David, a man with a heart after you.
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