Very strong demons and they keep you thinking that it is only addiction. Only a smoker can understand this seeming contradiction of wanting to quit and at the same time not wanting too. In view of the harm caused by tobacco, growing, trading in and smoking of tobacco are judged to be haram (forbidden). Smoking marijuana just to get high can be damaging too. With so much controversy over the health risks of vaping, is it crazy to ask whether or not vaping is a sin? That is certainly a long introduction, but I want you to know that I know of what I speak. The doctor warned him that smoking was harmful, yet he refused to admit it. 5,595 +3,139 Christian Married. Exposure to smoke can cause people to develop many lung problems, such as allergies, asthma, and heart problems. Many studies have shown that in the first two years of life, babies of parents who smoke at home have a much higher rate of lung diseases such as bronchitis and pneumonia than babies with non-smoking parents. There is no doubt that cigarettes are addictive, and should be avoided. The door to the outside had a large window and I saw one of the deacons of our church coming across the parking lot rapidly taking puffs on his cigarette as he hurried to enter the church. There is nothing like having a smoke after a good meal and a cup of coffee and I was craving a cigarette. Maybe someone who reads this or hears the message will be encouraged and will overcome this sin and they too will grow closer to the Lord. Many years ago, you could go to church and might notice the large numbers of cigarette butts in the parking lots. I have always thought it was, with the caveat that the Bible does not expressly forbid it. Love of neighbor. As a spoken-word artist and a member of Beautiful Eulogy, he seeks to bring creativity and theology together to glorify the Lord who created them both. This is the symbol that God uses to explain this relationship a believer has to the Lord. Parents who smoke at home can aggravate symptoms in some children with asthma and even trigger asthma episodes. It is no fun to watch someone dying from cancer or heart disease when you know was totally preventable and was caused by their addiction to cigarettes. However, it contains principles showing that God does not approve of unhealthy and unclean habits and thus views smoking as a sin. But I was strongly addicted to cigarettes and I failed each time I tried to quit. It not only harms our health, it hurts our testimony and controls us. A young mother was saved while I was pastor of my second church. . Smoking has many harmful effects and can often lead to other addictions. She related to me that she visited one of our church trustees, who smoked and tried to hide it. This message is not meant to be scornful or condemning, but it comes from my heart, from the Word of God to help those who are under this addiction. Amazingly, I considered him to be a hypocrite....and yet I smoked too! I do not believe you are offering me a cigarette!" They are Christians and yet they smoke! (Psalm 104:14, 15; Ecclesiastes 3: 13; 9:7) The Bible also acknowledges the medicinal value of wine. NothingIsImpossible Well-Known Member. Why not right now, this very moment reach into you pocket, or purse and take out that packet of cigarettes, that cigar, or tobacco product and get rid of it. Many people ask questions such as is smoking a sin? This is a terrible thing. This teaches the clear doctrine that all believers receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and are indwelled by the Him. She was able to quit smoking and this victory in her life was only one of many more to come. Let me share some reasons why. "Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world" (1 John 4:4). If you truly desire to overcome this bad habit, remember that struggling to overcome is what God expects. If we want to please God, we should obey secular authorities.​—Romans 13:1. The Bible does not mention smoking * or other means of using tobacco. The bible does not forbid smoking cigarettes or smoking pot directly. I had for years wanted to quit because of my health, but now it dawned on me that smoking was a bad testimony in front of my son and these boys that Pete and I were seeking to lead to Christ. They are not forbidden for the time being from eating meat, however, nor are they instructed or requested to stop smoking tobacco. Respect for life. In one instance, people brought to Jesus a man lying on a bed. They will make so many different excuses and twist words to justify sin. He closed his wonderfully worded prayers thanking God for how wonderful the Lord was yet he over looked 1 Cor. Ultimately, however, it isn’t about what “I believe” is right or wrong according to the Bible. In all my years as a pastor I have never seen any spiritually strong or mature Christian who smoked. Simply get rid of everything associated with smoking. In a raised voice he said, "Cooper! "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness".  |  The believer cannot overcome sin without God's help and God's help and power is ever present with us. How can one account for the fact that this man's wife who never smoked a cigarette in her life died of lung cancer the doctors said absolutely came from cigarette smoke? In that, smoking is a sin. You bet it is! There is another aspect of this matter that is as serious as the health problems smoking causes and that is the ruined testimony of smokers who profess Christ as Savior. That was over ten years ago and she remains today faithful to the Lord. We were all praying for her. My first encounter with the matter of smoking affecting one's testimony occurred shortly after I was saved. Pete and I both smoked and we made a pact together that we would quit and for two or three weeks we both did. Everything in moderation. I was delivered from demons of smoking, two hours very hard and exhausting battle of casting out spirits.. After smoking a packet of cigarettes a day for 35 years. What Does the Bible Say About Alcohol? A caller named Cat asks if smoking is a sin and if so, do we have to go to Confession? Marijuana and Alcohol. The Devil used this Christian man who was sinning against God and his own body to defeat this young lady who was struggling also with sin. How can you know drinking lots of alcohol or even smoking a cigarette on a daily basis is a sin? Most people who justify their use of marijuana will likely do so on … Smoking is identified as one of the main causes of death in our society today. However, the principles discussed apply equally to the use of chewing tobacco, snuff, electronic cigarettes that contain nicotine, and similar products. Would you like to read this article in %%? Today, in most Christian circles, smoking and use of tobacco is said to be sin. By the way that was twenty six years ago and I have not had any respiratory problems since and all my allergies cleared up. In view of the harm caused by tobacco, growing, trading in and smoking of tobacco are judged to be haram (forbidden). Is Smoking a Sin? Smoking by pregnant women seems to predispose premature babies to respiratory distress syndrome. Infants and children have tender tissues and are more susceptible to passive smoke. Is smoking a sin? by Dean VanDruff. They knew it was wrong and because they could not overcome it they were affected spiritually. Smoking is an addiction and Christians are to guard against addictions. That is what is meant by saying some things were not "expedient." There are numerous reasons why quitting the smoking habit is a good idea for everyone but especially for Christians. Looking back I know the reason now. You are not your own; you were bought at a price. The conviction that griped my heart at that moment was overpowering. Passive smoke exposure is associated with 150,000 to 300,000 cases of chronic bronchitis and pneumonia in children younger than eighteen months. A young mother was saved while I was pastor of my second church. Is Smoking Weed a Sin? Confessing it to God must come from the heart and we must truly admit that using tobacco is sin and must be rid of it. Smoking is not only bad for your health, but it is also highly addictive. Corinthians 6:12 reminds us that nothing should master us. Because of sin we live in a fallen world and therefore there are no perfect Christians. with your whole mind.” (Matthew 22:37, 38) “Keep your senses completely.” (1 Peter 1:​13) A person cannot fully control his mind when abusing drugs, and many people even become addicted to them. Question: Is smoking weed a sin? It bothered me greatly and honestly, from that day on I had no respect for this deacon in our church. Although the Bible does not address smoking directly, it's clear from several verses that smoking does not accomplish the will of God. Of course no one can find a scripture in the Christian Bible that says something like "Thou shalt not smoke cigarettes or cigars." In the South where so many people smoke and many have made their living producing tobacco if you mention it in preaching some people will take offense. 1. The Bible’s answer The Bible does not mention smoking * or other means of using tobacco. Corinthians 6:12 reminds us that nothing should master us. The Prophet, peace be upon him, is reported to have said, 'Do not harm yourselves or others.' Jesus was returning home from a preaching tour.People brought to Him a man lying on a bed. If you have other smokers in the house proclaim you home a "smoke free zone" and ask them to from now on smoke outside. Finally, she came to church and heard the preaching of God's word and was saved. Not tobacco but other substances such as opium, and yet it doesn’t even get a mention. What happened next I will never forget. I think so. Tobacco is a slow but merciless killer that first debilitates its victim and them methodically destroys their lives all the while giving their prey a murderous pleasure. Smoking—A Physical Sin. Although I was not a heavy smoker, using only about fifteen cigarettes a day, I had sinus problems and lots of respiratory health illness and I wanted to quit smoking because I thought it might help my suffering. Let me ask you; is murder sin? Smoking is also a physical sin! Biblically the matter is very simple even though many would not like to think so. A dear friend our ours died several years ago due to lung cancer the doctors said came from smoking. “God . I think so. Very strong demons and they keep you thinking that it is only addiction. One of the guys knowing that I was a Christian said to me “hey I know you’re a Christian what does the Bible say about smoking “bang?” I was starving and had just started eating my well-made chapati and quickly said, “it is a sin.” She was honestly trying and everyone could see that. Alcohol on the other hand does, not to be a drunkard. Another good part of this story was that about a year after she was saved her husband was also saved and now her daughter who is about twelve years old. Is smoking a sin? A believing person (Arab or Chinese, French or Moorish) has something to strive for, but to achieve the goals set is not enough to have knowledge about … as i know of several nuns ,brothers and priests that smoke cigarettes and they do not feel they are commiting a sin. Barnes says, "There are many things which, in themselves, may not appear to us to be positively wrong, but winch are so considered by large and respectable portions of the community; and for us to do them would be regarded as inconsistent and improper." Her husband had smoked in her presence for many years. For others it is more difficult and some use various medical means to help them to stop. "Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. You need to understand why. I used the illustration seeking to encourage others in letting God help them overcome difficult problems in their lives. You need to understand why. Since the addiction is also a chemical addiction to some degree, this makes it even harder to quit. Earlier Paul had admonished them for specific sinful acts. If a Christian is unsure of why to quit smoking and unsure as to whether or not it constitutes sin, our article entitled “What is the Christian view of smoking? Smoke is no more sin than a communion wafer is sin, but it is the act of smoking itself, or of eating unworthily, or of poisoning oneself that is sin. Habitually smoking cigarettes seems to say, "Life doesn't matter as much as my pleasures do." We have collected many questions and … Most generally, the case is made that we should be good stewards of our bodies. Is smoking weed a sin? One Saturday morning he and I planned to go down to the Tar River which was nearby to prepare a place we planned to have our boys camp out the next week. The subject however is complicated in practice as you are dealing with an addiction that is enjoyed by many people and something that provides the income a good number of professing Christians who either produce it or work in tobacco factories. Thank the Lord she had neighbors who were a godly retired couple and for many years they witnessed to her. I want you also to understand that during this time it was the word of God that brought me under conviction about this matter and the biblical principles were always on my mind. One must also realize that the Lord is always with you and with Him you can quit. In verse 12 of this passage Paul says, "All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any." It was a joy to see her life changing and see her growing as a young Christian! Smoking is an addition that takes control of our lives away from us. But it contains principles that rule out the recreational use of such addictive substances. Smoking is clearly harmful to our health and that in itself makes it a sin, however there is another reason that smoking is a sin. Smoking is Bad For Your Health, But Your Soul? One of the guys knowing that I was a Christian said to me “hey I know you’re a Christian what does the Bible say about smoking “bang?” I was starving and had just started eating my well-made chapati and quickly said, “it is a sin.” It results in addiction, resulting in the smoker becoming a slave to an unhealthy habit. The first step is to confess our sin to God as 1 John 1:9 tells us: Thomas Terry is the founder and proprietor of Humble Beast, a record label and ministry in Portland, Oregon. Here God is placing a limitation on our indulgences. And the fact that it is highly addictive should also encourage Christians to keep their distance. She was having a hard time quitting. Likewise, the sin is in the mind to commit the act of smoking, knowing what it does to the body, and to others. Exodus 20:13 commands that "Thou shalt not kill." The first young Christian woman had a godly neighbor who prayed for her and was used of the Lord to help her overcome this sin. Yet, God has all … The Bible doesn’t mention vaping or smoking; however, we can take into account other Biblical principles. Generally, the comments are: Of course all these statements are false except that smoking does give a degree of pleasure. And the fact that it is highly addictive should also encourage Christians to keep their distance. “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God.” (Romans 12:1) “Let us cleanse ourselves of every defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” (2 Corinthians 7:1) Smoking is unnatural and incompatible with being holy​—that is, clean and pure​—because tobacco users intentionally consume toxins that seriously damage their body. it’s said that before their meditation time their god known as Shiva smoked to enable him to relax and focus on the process fully. ^ par. Do you think that Jesus Christ would smoke or that He is pleased with you when you do? My father also died from emphysema partly caused by smoking after years using cigarettes and cigars. “You must love Jehovah your God . At the same time, we firmly believe that smoking is a sin that should be forsaken and, with God’s help, overcome. In the Old Testament the word applies to the inward parts of the temple were the two areas of the temple where only the priests entered. That was the straw that broke the camels back. Simply put, smoking is suicide. —1 Timothy 5: 23.Jesus drank wine during his time on earth.Matthew 26:29; Smoking was around the whole time when the bible was being written. Xanthippe_Voorhees September 24, 2017, 10:13pm On top of that most Hindus travel from far places to their main temple known as Pashtu to perform their ritual acts. There are no Scriptures that say thou shall not smoke, but smoking is sinful and I will explain why below. So for some, smoking could be a sinful practice, but for those who can enjoy a good cigar with a clear conscience, it is a good thing. Smoking therefore is a sin, and something Christians should work diligently to remove from their lives. The Lord did not give up on me and that day God answered my prayers and through Him I overcame that additive habit and grew closer to the Lord. Such babies could also develop respiratory problems or suffer sudden infant death syndrome. (2005 update....one brother has quit!). Acute respiratory illnesses happen twice as often to young children whose parents smoke even if they are without asthma. Habitually smoking cigarettes seems to say, "Life doesn't matter as much as my pleasures do." These new generation of professing Christians does not care for God’s Word. All of that would seem to indicate smoking cigarettes is a sinful action for most everyone who smokes. Copyright © 2020 Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. Is Smoking a Sin? To smoke to excess is a sin against temperance; to smoke so that it is seriously affecting one’s health is a mortal sin; to have a smoking addiction is an imperfection. I went to end of the hall that led out of the church to get a drink of water. I have never known a Christian who was a smoker who was a real soul winner for Christ, nor one who showed forth a true commitment to Christ. Dear friend, God is not scolding you, but seeking to overcome sin in your life. By most accounts, there is no Catholic statute against smoking tobacco. Well, I think if we are honest and believe God we know that 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 clearly teaches it is sinful to harm our bodies. No, and yes smoking pot is indeed a sin. and committing suicide is a sin. Let me give you a personal example. Some people refuse to admit that smoking is harmful to one's health. Second hand smoke from cigarettes harms not just the smoker, but family, friends and co-workers. She was seeking his help, yet he then told her smoking was OK and there wasn't anything in the Bible against it, and offered her a cigarette! Being addicted to a substance is a no-no, since we should not let an addiction rule our lives. I tried, I really tried hard to quit, but each time I failed. I wonder what might have happened if this trustee had offered her biblical comfort, support as a Christian brother and prayed with her instead of giving her a cigarette! Yes it does. Cancer. By saying that our bodies were the temple of God, Paul was teaching that our bodies should be places free of any sin and separated to the Lord's service. I was delivered from demons of smoking, two hours very hard and exhausting battle of casting out spirits.. After smoking a packet of cigarettes a day for 35 years. Revised 2020 . Father Dave explains that The Church doesn't explicitly say that smoking is a sin, but points out that we could make an argument that any way in which we intentionally abuse our bodies is sinful. I felt like the lowest person on earth. I'd say its a sin. It is not in smoke. The Encyclopædia Britannica states that tobacco smoke is “believed to account for 90 percent of all cases of lung cancer.” Tobacco smoke can cause cancer in other organs, including the mouth, trachea, esophagus, throat, larynx, liver, pancreas, and bladder. I was in a small hotel called Mama Otieno’s eating chapos and beans. Original Air 12-16-14 Is Smoking a Sin? She said she had failed miserably. The context of 1 Corinthians 6 is that God is addressing sin within a believer's person's life. Smoking marijuana (or weed) for recreational use may be legal but is smoking or vaping weed a sin? Question: Is smoking weed a sin? I was like the fellow in the TV commercial advertising a system to quit smoking. For twenty years I do not remember any time I did not see my dad without a cigar in his mouth or in his hand. Let us see what God says: " 6:19-20. Does this conflict with the commonly held belief among Christians that smoking is a sin? Pete just looked at me with surprise and disgust. Is Smoking a “Sin” in Occultism? They will literately search the web to find out if it is a sin, then when they find out it is a sin they will say well pollution and gluttony is bad as well. Tobacco smoke increases the chances of respiratory ailments such as pneumonia and influenza. "What? There are many examples in the Bible where Christ showed people that their health problems were caused by sin. I think if most smokers who have tried to quit smoking will admit it, they too really deep down do not want to quit because their addiction it brings pleasure. Smokers are at greater risk of suffering a stroke or developing heart disease. The husband is in poor health today, but he is still living. How can we prove what is God's good, acceptable and perfect will of God with pack of cigarettes in our pocket? It may come as a surprise to many of my former acquaintances that I occasionally smoke a cigar or pipe, about once a week. Do you think it proper to pollute your body which is the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit? The need to be holy. It is proven to cause cancer, heart disease and hormonal problems. Yet, she had never smoked a cigarette in her life. For example: It is not sinful to fish, hunt, sew, collect things, etc. It not only harms our health, it hurts our testimony and controls us. Cigarette smoking is the major cause of lung disease, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis. I fought really hard to ignore my failure and put it out of my mind. Yet, smoking is on a lot of people's minds and people have strong opinions about it. Every time I saw him I thought. If you smoke, then you are deliberately subjecting your body to serious physical damage. The Bible say in Ephesians 5:18 "And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit." He is there and He is seeking to help you. Remove the ash trays from your home and clean them out from you car or truck. One example of this is the situation of the man sick of palsy. Let's take a look at what the Bible says and how it applies to using marijuana. Almost every time I got some negative feed comments after the message from the smokers. Over the years as a pastor I have been by the bed side of many people who were dying as a result of smoking and I have conducted many of their funerals. The Prophet, peace be upon him, is reported to have said, 'Do not harm yourselves or others.' That is what happened to me. He knew better. In my mind it was really a bad thing for the man who was a deacon to be smoking. Is smoking a sin in Islam? In a prayer meeting I was taking requests. In regards to smoking, obviously when done at any level of constancy its is extremely unhealthy and thus I would consider it a sin. The testimony that it effected was my own. One example of this is the situation of the man sick of palsy. There on the shelf was those Salem cigarettes I had smoked for so many years. I took a deep draw on the "weed" and although for a moment it made me dizzy the old pleasure came back. Since the addiction is also a chemical addiction to some degree, this makes it even harder to quit. There was a change in her voice toward desperation and she blurted out, "Every time I get close to quitting, three members of our church who smoke come to my mind. Most generally, the case is made that we should be good stewards of our bodies. She said she mentioned to him about how she was trying to quit and how hard it was. I use them as an excuse and keep on smoking." That is the characteristics of law from God. Is Smoking Weed a Sin? The Bible never mentions tobacco, so how can we know? This Christian man helped destroy a young babe in Christ seeking to justify his own sin. My sister Lelia died a horrible death over a three year period at 47 years old from lung cancer the doctors said was caused by cigarettes. I will never forget the day she was saved. We began to work with the youth in our church and lead a boy's group. . Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his." Smoking is clearly harmful to our health and that in itself makes it a sin, however there is another reason that smoking is a sin. I actually have seen people put a cigarette to their trichotomy because tobacco caused cancer had destroyed their throats and they could no longer breath through their mouth or nose. I cannot say that he was the only cause for her failure, but he certainly had a hand in it. (Barnes New Testament Notes, 1 Thess. This is yet another reason why smoking is a sin. in conclusion, according to scientists smoking is a sin. The World Health Organization estimates that every year, about six million people die of diseases related to the use of tobacco, including over 600,000 nonsmokers affected by secondhand smoke. My immediate thought was....this is a deacon in our church and he is smoking! Obedience to secular laws. By: Steve Shirley A: I believe it should be considered a sin. I came under heavy conviction and could find no peace. God is not plin-plan like MUI. Yes smoking is sin, because smoking greatly increases one's chance of lung cancer and other cancers which is destroys our bodies. 1 Thessalonians 5:22 tell us to "Abstain from all appearance of evil." Share To join the discussion or state your opinion, check out the blog: http://blog.inthenameoflove.org/archives/3204 Cheers! There are many examples in the Bible where Christ showed people that their health problems were caused by sin. If my hobby hurt my testimony it would be a sin. I have seen it destroy people's faith in God because they were controlled by their addiction and could not seem to overcome it. Q: #179. Thank God He loved me enough to deliver me from that sin. The reality is that his smoking killed his wife that he dearly loved and now misses terribly. You become a slave to an unhealthy habit. Being concerned for her I visited with her and she shared how she was also had been trying to quit smoking. That does not mean that it is easy to quit and, although I have never smoked, I know how hard bad habits can be to quit. Is smoking a sin? 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" (Rom. I realize that these foods do provide something positive, but they are still bad for you. Smoking causes 20 percent of all deaths in the United States each year. It is sinful to let our pleasures stand in the way of our testimony and let our indulgences be a stumbling block to others. Bible verses about smoking. Does this conflict with the commonly held belief among Christians that smoking is a sin? Jesus said that loving one's neighbor was next to loving one's parents "Honor thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself" (Matthew 19:19 ). Burn them, pour water on them, cut them up and throw them in the trash along with your cigarette lighter, case etc. Breeden and Ward look to the Bible’s teaching on alcohol as the biblical basis for whether recreational marijuana usage is permissible. Yes smoking is sin, because smoking is addictive. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass" (Psalm 37:4-5). Outside the entrance there was a large laver and before the priest could enter he would wash and cleanse himself before he could enter. As far as I know she never returned to church. I have seen people throw their pack of cigarettes away and never smoke another one. Are there other things that, because of their similar nature, would classify as sin? Women who smoke while pregnant increase the risk of their babies being born prematurely, with low birth weight, or with certain birth defects such as a cleft lip. Christianity Today’s Campus Life once published a small article that provides the usual arguments against smoking: Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, so be careful what we put in our bodies. Jesus explained why we need guidance and what two Biblical principles are of prime importance. I have been there and done that. How can we presently ourselves as a sacrifice that is holy, meaning separated from sin, if we are addicted to tobacco and destroying our health. A close friend of mine name Pete Butler and I were saved about the same time. The last I heard she had divorced her husband, was living in sin, and her boys had gone wild and one was in jail. If it’s a sin, it is a sin no matter what. "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him" (Hebrews 11:6).