Taking Care of our Bodies

Study 3 – Food & Drink

In this study, we discussed the history, purpose, and symbolism of food and drink in the Bible; concluding with  practical applications about gluttony and self-control. Main points:

1. A vegetarian diet was the pre-fall and “very good” provision of God (Genesis 1:29-31).

2. After the fall/flood, man’s diet was broadened to include meat (Genesis 9:1-4).

3. Food has always been symbolic of order and obedience (e.g., Tree of Knowledge, Levitical Codes, etc.).

4. Food is to be enjoyed as a providentially-provided gift from God (Psalm 104:14-15).

5. Gluttony results in negative temporal consequences (Proverbs 23:19-21, 29-35; 25:16).

6. Gluttony is also a sinful and idolatrous work of the flesh (Galatians 5:16-26; Philippians 3:19).

7. Rules and regulations are not the solution for a lack of self-control (1 Timothy 4:1-5; Colossians 2:20-23).

 

 

Study 4 – Medicine & Doctors

In our final study, we explored the origin of sickness and death, established that medical science was a legitimate field of study/practice, and exposed ancient and modern abuses/idolatry.

1. Death is the consequence of original sin and sickness the ordinary means thereto (Genesis 2:16-17).
2. Scripture seems to take the use of “medical treatments” for granted (Isaiah 1:6, Jeremiah 8:22, Luke 10:34).
3. “Pain management” is not only allowable, but also commanded (Proverbs 31:6, 1 Timothy 5:23).
4. Luke, the author of the third synoptic Gospel and the book of Acts, was a medical doctor (Colossians 4:14).
5. Those who are suffering/sick should seek spiritual solutions to their physical problems (James 5:13-18).
6. Trusting in doctors/medicine instead of the Lord is a sin (2 Chronicles 16:12-13, Psalm 103:2-5).
7. There is a fine line between “pharmakeia” and sorcery (Galatians 5:20, Revelation 18:23, 21:8, 22:15).

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