Food. Just the thought of it often stirs the appetite. We may wonder though, What does the Bible say about food? As it happens, the Bible says very many things about food.

And food in the Bible has both literal and symbolic meanings. In this post then we will focus on the literal meaning of food as it relates to appetite, since this can determine our eternal destiny.

Our Bible Quotation of Focus

Given that in this post we are considering our appetite for food, the following Bible quotation of focus is appropriate: “From whence [From where] come wars and fightings among you [among humanity]? come they not hence, even of your lusts [your desire for pleasures] that war in your members [in your physical body]?” James 4:1.

Yes, the Bible, which is “the word of God” (1 Samuel 9:27), says that the lack of love, peace, and harmony, on earth has its root in the desire for pleasures (lusts) of our physical bodies! Amazing! Continue reading and I will explain.

Now, before going any further, let us be clear on what “James 4:1” means. It is an example of Bible notation, in that, it is a way of referencing the Bible which is a collection of books. As it is, each book in the Bible consists of one or more chapters, and each chapter has numbered sections called verses. For example, the Bible notation “James 4:1” refers to the book of James, the 4^th chapter, and the 1^st verse of Chapter 4.

Who or What is God?

I have said that the Bible is the word of God, so you may be asking, Who or what is God? Well, on reading the Bible, you will find that “God” (Genesis 1:1) and “the Godhead” (Acts 17:29) are interchangeable names in the Bible for a divine Family made up of three Persons.  So, God is a Person or, rather, Persons, and not a thing or things.

God describes Himself in the Bible by saying that He is “God, that cannot lie” (Titus 1:2) and “God is love.” 1 John 4:8. In other words, each of the three members of the Godhead has a character of love that is identical to the character of the others. In fact, this love is the only definition of true love in the universe.

And, No, there are not three Gods! Why? Because the members of the Godhead never contradict each other at any time, that is, we can say that they speak with one voice. For there has never been nor ever will be any disagreement or contention among them. Therefore, we can say, “there is one God.” Mark 12:32.

Furthermore, each Person in the Godhead, the divine Family, is “without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life.” Hebrews 7:3.

And the names of these three Persons in the Godhead are “the Father” (Matthew 11:27), “the Son” (Psalm 2:12) also called Christ (Matthew 1:1), and “the Holy Spirit.” Psalm 51:11.

Moreover, “God the LORD [is] he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit [a mind] to them that walk therein.” Isaiah 42:5.

OK, with this understanding of who God is, a related question is, Who is Jesus? The name Jesus was given to Christ when He was born as a baby boy on earth over 2,000 years ago.

God’s Original Diet for Humanity and Animals

Now “God created man [a human being] in his own image [with a character of love just like God’s character], in the image of God created he [God] him; male and female created he [God] them.” Genesis 1:27.

Thus, God created the first human pair, namely, a man named Adam and a woman named Eve.

“And God said [to Adam and Eve], Behold, I [God] have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat [for food].” Genesis 1:29. This then was God’s original diet for humanity.

“And to every beast [animal] of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat [for food]: and it was so.” Genesis 1:30. And, again, this was God’s original diet for all animals.

So then, “every man should eat and drink [food, as prescribed by God], and enjoy the good of all his labour, [for] it is the gift of God…[And] whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men [human beings] should fear before [should reverence] him [God].” Ecclesiastes 3:13, 14.

In other words, this was the food which God has prescribed for humanity, and which God desires that we should eat with delight and not deviate from this diet. Note that this food did not include the flesh of dead animals nor any animal products such as egg, milk, cheese, or butter. In other words, God gave to humanity a plant-based diet.

God’s Test of Adam and Eve

“And the LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man [and woman] whom he [God] had formed.” Genesis 2:8.

“And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.” Genesis 2:9.

“And the LORD God took the man [and woman], and put him [and her] into the garden of Eden to dress [to tend to] it and to keep [to cultivate] it.” Genesis 2:15. Thus, neither Adam or Eve was to be idle for God gave them pleasant work to do in the garden of Eden.

“And the LORD God commanded the man [and woman], saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat [as food]: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.” Genesis 2:16, 17.

Here God gives Adam and Eve a small test of their love, loyalty, and obedience, to Him, God, in the matter of what food they ate. Why? The reason is that both Adam and Eve were created with free will and, so, God’s test regarding their food gave to Adam and Eve an option to exercise a choice.

For God purpose was that, since humanity had free will, He, God, would not force humanity to love Him and to be loyal and obedient to Him. They could choose to do as they pleased.

The Sin of Adam and Eve

“Now the serpent was more subtil [subtle] than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he [Satan, who hid himself from sight and made it seem as if an animal could speak] said unto the woman [Eve], Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?” Genesis 3:1.

Thus, Satan questioned that which God had given to Adam and Eve as food.

“And the woman [Eve] said unto the serpent [Satan], We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.” Genesis 3:2, 3.

Here Eve acknowledged what God had permitted herself and Adam to eat as food.

“And the serpent [Satan] said unto the woman [Eve], Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.” Genesis 3:4, 5.

“And when the woman [Eve] saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband [Adam] with her; and he [Adam] did eat.” Genesis 3:6.

Thus, the love, loyalty, and obedience, which Adam and Eve originally had for God was overthrown by Satan’s appeal to their appetite for food, among other things. So, both Adam and Eve fell into evil and wrongdoing, which is sin.

Who is Satan?

You may be asking, Who is Satan? Well, he is an angel whose name was originally “Lucifer” (Isaiah 14:12) who sinned in heaven by rebelling against God. Satan also caused some of the other angels to join him in his rebellion.

And, because Satan and his “evil angels” (Psalm 78:49) became permanently fixed in their wicked ways, God cast them all out of heaven pending God’s Judgment Day.

The Destiny of the Human Race

Now, as regards the descendants of Adam and Eve, that is, the entire human race, they have inherited Adam and Eve’s disposition to sin and, so, all these descendants have become sinners too.

The question arises, Must all humanity remain sinners forever? The answer is, Absolutely not! “For the wages of sin is [eternal] death [which is to be annihilated by God]; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23.

Thus, the eternal destiny of every human being—whether they receive eternal life from God or they are annihilated by God because of their sins—is to be decided by God on God’s Judgment Day.

Notably, all the animals on earth have come under Satan’s evil control and, so, we now have animals eating other animals as food, and even eating human beings for food.

The Three Great Leading Temptations

To all humanity, God says, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.” 1 John 2:15, 16.

“And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth [lives] for ever.” 1 John 2:17.

These are the three great leading temptations that enslave humanity to sin and Satan—the lust of the flesh (such as the appetite for food), the lust of the eyes (the love of the things of the world, that is, the love of display, fame, praise by human beings), and the pride of life (arrogance leading to presumptuous sins in taking God’s blessings for granted).

How are these the three great leading temptation? Well, first, Satan tempts people to indulge their appetite for food, and this indulgence excites the nervous system and lessens their brain power, thereby making it impossible for them to think calmly and rationally.

Thus, the mind becomes unbalanced and its higher, nobler faculties are perverted to serve animal lust so that sacred, eternal interests are not valued. Yes, all because of a perverted appetite for food!

Having succeeded in this object, Satan can come to the person with the two other leading temptations and also find ready access. Then it is that all of Satan’s many other temptations to sin grow out these three great leading points.

Here we come back to the point that the Bible made, as was said earlier, that the root of all sin is in the food we eat. All this I will show from the Bible in the rest of this post, so continue reading and you will see.

God Gives Temporary Emergency Permission to Eat Certain Food

As it happened, in the course of time after the death of both Adam and Eve, that the world became so wicked that God destroyed every living thing on the earth by a worldwide flood, except those animals that lived in the water and eight people.

Who are the eight people who survived the flood? It was a man named Noah, his three sons, and their wives.

“And God blessed Noah and his sons [after the flood], and said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth. And the fear of you and the dread of you shall be upon every beast of the earth, and upon every fowl of the air, upon all that moveth upon the earth, and upon all the fishes of the sea; into your hand are they delivered.” Genesis 9:1, 2.

“Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat [food] for you; even as the green herb have I [God] given you all things. But flesh with the life thereof, which is the blood thereof, shall ye not eat [for food].” Genesis 9:3.

Here God gave to Noah and his family temporary emergency permission to eat the flesh of dead animals until plants had once again grown on the earth to provide food for them. God never intended this to form a permanent part of the food eaten by human beings.

Food and the Diet from God After the Worldwide Flood

Let us now consider what God has said in the past about the food He permits human beings to eat. God says these things to make His wishes for the human race clear and without ambiguity.

Manna from God

It happened that after the worldwide flood that wickedness once more spread all over the earth. So, God chose a godly man named Abram (Abraham) through whom God planned to preserve a knowledge of Himself and His ways of love on the earth.

Abraham’s grandson Jacob (Israel), and Jacob’s descendants, became slaves in Egypt, and God delivered these descendants of Jacob (Israel) from slavery.

These Israelites then journeyed from Egypt through the wilderness to the land which God promised to give them, which was the land of Canaan.

While the nation of Israel was in the wilderness, “man [the people] did eat angels’ food [food prepared by angels]: he [God] sent them meat [food] to the full.” Psalm 78:25. That is, “when the dew fell upon the camp in the night, the manna fell upon it.” Numbers 11:9.

“And when the children of Israel [the Israelites] saw it, they said one to another, It is manna: for they wist [knew] not what it was. And Moses [their leader] said unto them, This is the bread which the LORD [God] hath given you to eat [as food].” Exodus 16:15.

“And the house [nation] of Israel called the name thereof Manna: and it was like coriander seed, white; and the taste of it was like wafers made with honey.” Exodus 16:31.

“And the children of Israel did eat manna [for food] forty years, until they came to a land inhabited; they did eat manna [for food], until they came unto the borders of the land of Canaan.” Exodus 16:35.

“And the manna [as food] ceased on the morrow [the next day] after they had eaten of the old corn of the land [of Canaan]; neither had the children of Israel manna [as food] any more; but they did eat of the fruit of the land of Canaan that year.” Joshua 5:12.

Here we see God giving the Israelites food that did not include animal flesh or animal products. It was God’s attempt to turn them away from the eating those things which God did not permit as food, but which had formed a part of their diet while they were slaves in Egypt.

Animal Food Permitted and Not Permitted by God

“And the LORD spake unto Moses and to Aaron, saying unto them, Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, These are the beasts which ye shall eat [as food] among all the beasts that are on the earth.” Leviticus 11:1, 2.

“Whatsoever parteth the hoof, and is clovenfooted, and cheweth the cud, among the beasts, that shall ye eat [as food].” Leviticus 11:3.

“Nevertheless these shall ye not eat [as food] of them that chew the cud, or of them that divide the hoof: as the camel, because he cheweth the cud, but divideth not the hoof; he is unclean unto you [as food].” Leviticus 11:4.

“And the coney, because he cheweth the cud, but divideth not the hoof; he is unclean unto you [as food]. And the hare [rabbit], because he cheweth the cud, but divideth not the hoof; he is unclean unto you [as food]. And the swine [pig], though he divide the hoof, and be clovenfooted, yet he cheweth not the cud; he is unclean to you [as food].” Leviticus 11:5-7.

“Of their flesh shall ye not eat [as food], and their carcase [dead body] shall ye not touch; they are unclean to you.” Leviticus 11:8.

“These shall ye eat [as food] of all that are in the waters: whatsoever hath fins and scales in the waters, in the seas, and in the rivers, them shall ye eat [as food].” Leviticus 11:9.

“And all that have not fins and scales in the seas, and in the rivers, of all that move in the waters, and of any living thing which is in the waters, they shall be an abomination unto you [as food]: They shall be even an abomination unto you; ye shall not eat of their flesh [as food], but ye shall have their carcases [dead bodies] in abomination. Whatsoever hath no fins nor scales in the waters, that shall be an abomination unto you [as food].” Leviticus 11:10-12.

“And these are they which ye shall have in abomination [as food] among the fowls; they shall not be eaten [as food], they are an abomination: the eagle, and the ossifrage, and the ospray, and the vulture, and the kite after his kind; every raven after his kind; and the owl, and the night hawk, and the cuckow, and the hawk after his kind, and the little owl, and the cormorant, and the great owl, and the swan, and the pelican, and the gier eagle, and the stork, the heron after her kind, and the lapwing, and the bat.” Leviticus 11:13-19.

“All fowls that creep, going upon all four, shall be an abomination unto you. Yet these may ye eat [as food] of every flying creeping thing that goeth upon all four, which have legs above their feet, to leap withal [together] upon the earth; even these of them ye may eat [as food]; the locust after his kind, and the bald locust after his kind, and the beetle after his kind, and the grasshopper after his kind.” Leviticus 11:20-22.

“But all other flying creeping things, which have four feet, shall be an abomination unto you [as food]. And for these ye shall be unclean: whosoever toucheth the carcase [dead body] of them shall be unclean until the even [evening]. And whosoever beareth ought [anything] of the carcase [dead body] of them shall wash his clothes, and be unclean until the even [evening].” Leviticus 11:23-25.

“The carcases [dead bodies] of every beast which divideth the hoof, and is not clovenfooted, nor cheweth the cud, are unclean unto you: every one that toucheth them shall be unclean. And whatsoever goeth upon his paws, among all manner of beasts that go on all four, those are unclean unto you: whoso toucheth their carcase [dead body] shall be unclean until the even [evening]. And he that beareth the carcase [dead body] of them shall wash his clothes, and be unclean until the even [evening]: they are unclean unto you.” Leviticus 11:26-28.

“These also shall be unclean unto you [as food] among the creeping things that creep upon the earth; the weasel, and the mouse, and the tortoise after his kind, and the ferret, and the chameleon, and the lizard, and the snail, and the mole. These are unclean to you [as food] among all that creep: whosoever doth touch them, when they be dead, shall be unclean until the even [evening].” Leviticus 11:29-31.

“And every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth shall be an abomination; it shall not be eaten [as food]. Whatsoever goeth upon the belly, and whatsoever goeth upon all four, or whatsoever hath more feet among all creeping things that creep upon the earth, them ye shall not eat [as food]; for they are an abomination [ as food].” Leviticus 11:41, 42.

“For I am the LORD [God]…ye shall therefore be holy, for I am holy. This is the law of the beasts, and of the fowl, and of every living creature that moveth in the waters, and of every creature that creepeth upon the earth: To make a difference between the unclean and the clean, and between the beast that may be eaten [as food] and the beast that may not be eaten [as food].” Leviticus 11:45-47.

Here God gives to humanity the clean animals that may be eaten if they choose to eat the flesh of dead animals as food. But it is not God’s will for the human race that they should eat animal flesh as food. For under no circumstances are we to eat these things.

God Does Not Permit Fat and Blood as Food

God says, “It shall be a perpetual statute for your generations throughout all your dwellings, that ye eat neither fat nor blood [as food].” Leviticus 3:17.

“Ye shall eat [as food] no manner of fat, of ox, or of sheep, or of goat. And the fat of the beast that dieth of itself, and the fat of that which is torn with [by] beasts, may be used in any other use: but ye shall in no wise [in no case] eat of it [as food].” Leviticus 7:23, 24.

Here God makes it perfectly clear that under no circumstances are we to eat either fat or blood. Now since it is impossible to eliminate all fat and blood from animal flesh to be consumed as food, it also a prohibition by God against eating the flesh of dead animals.

Food Prescribed by God for Samson’s Mother

“And there was a certain man of Zorah, of the family of the Danites, whose name was Manoah; and his wife was barren, and bare not [had no children]. And the angel of the LORD [God] appeared unto the woman, and said unto her, Behold now, thou art barren, and bearest not: but thou shalt conceive, and bear a son.” Judges 13:2, 3.

“Now therefore beware, I pray [beseech] thee, and drink not wine nor strong drink, and eat not any unclean thing [as food].” Judges 13:4.

“Then the woman came and told her husband, saying, A man of God came unto me, and his countenance was like the countenance of an angel of God, very terrible [awesome].” Judges 13:6. “And Manoah arose, and went after his wife, and came to the man, and said unto him, Art thou the man that spakest unto the woman? And he said, I am.” Judges 13:11.

“And the angel of the LORD said unto Manoah, Of all that I said unto the woman let her beware. She may not eat [as food] of any thing that cometh of the vine [grapevine], neither let her drink wine or strong drink, nor eat [as food] any unclean thing: all that I commanded her let her observe.” Judges 13:13, 14.

Here Christ Himself appeared to the future mother of Samson and twice prescribed what food she should not eat during her pregnancy.

The prohibition against the products from the grapevine was to ensure that she did not eat any food that was fermented or alcoholic.

Now “thus saith the LORD [God]…new wine [pure, fresh grape juice] is found in the cluster [of grapes]…Destroy it not; for a blessing is in it.” Isaiah 65:8. So, pure, fresh grape juice is healthy, wholesome food, but certainly, she should not eat any unclean food.

How important this must be if God went such great lengths to specify food appropriate to eat during pregnancy!

A Recipe for Bread from God

As it happened, God said to the prophet Ezekiel, “Take thou also unto thee wheat, and barley, and beans, and lentiles [lentils], and millet, and fitches [spelt], and put them in one vessel, and make thee bread thereof, according to the number of the days that thou shalt lie upon thy side, three hundred and ninety days shalt thou eat thereof [as food].” Ezekiel 4:9.

“And thy meat [food] which thou shalt eat shall be by weight, twenty shekels a day: from time to time shalt thou eat it. Thou shalt drink also water by measure, the sixth part of an hin: from time to time shalt thou drink. And thou shalt eat it as barley cakes [for food].” Ezekiel 4:10-12.

Here God prescribes whole grain bread and water as food for Ezekiel. This then is an example of what forms part of a diet of healthy, wholesome food for human beings.

God Specifies John the Baptist’s Food

There was a time when an “angel said unto…[a man named Zacharias], Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.” Luke 1:13.

“And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth. For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord [God], and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink [as food].” Luke 1:14, 15.

Here an angel from heaven gives a message from God to Zacharias, the future father of John the Baptist, regarding the kind of food that should not form a part of John’s diet. Once again, we see God prohibiting the products of the grapevine so as to prevent John eating anything as food that is fermented or alcoholic.

Food That Can Be Eaten with Thanksgiving to God

Thus far, we have seen that there are things that God permits human beings to eat as food and things not permitted by God as food.

Those things allowed are “meats [food], which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving…For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused [as food], [only] if it be received with thanksgiving [to God].” 1 Timothy 4:3, 4.

Yet there are many people who eat as food the things “which I [God] commanded them not, neither came it into my heart” (Jeremiah 7:31), “and come and stand before me [God] in this [my holy] house [my holy temple, that is, my church], which is called by my name, and say, We are delivered [by God] to do all these abominations.” Jeremiah 7:10.

“What?…shall I [God] praise you in this? I [God] praise you not.” 1 Corinthians 11:22. Here God makes it abundantly clear that not all things eaten by human beings as food can be received with thanksgiving to God.

The Indulgence of Appetite

As was said before, the very first temptation to sin which Satan brings upon a person is the indulgence of appetite. I will now show from the Bible the many ways that human beings indulge their appetite and its effects on them.

Controlled by Food: The Young Child

King David of ancient Israel wrote, “LORD [God], my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty: neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me.” Psalm 131:1.

“Surely I have behaved and quieted myself, as a child that is weaned of his mother: my soul is even as a weaned child.” Psalm 131:2.

Here David refers to the, often, uncontrollable crying of babies and infants for food. When this happens, nothing can quiet the craving of the child but the eating of food.

This then is the condition of the human race from their infancy and childhood as they have an uncontrollable lust for food.

The Lust for Food Invites Control by Demons

God says, “He that hath no rule over his own spirit [mind] is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.” Proverbs 25:28. Such is the person who through an uncontrollable craving for food indulges their appetite for food.

Now, Jesus Christ said, “Howbeit this kind [of demon, the name for Satan and his evil angels] goeth not out [of a person] but by prayer and fasting.” Matthew 17:21.

Here Jesus makes us understand that the lust for food invites the control of a person by demons.

Thus, nothing but earnest prayer to God for help, and the restraint of the appetite for food, can be successful in the battle for a healthy appetite. For the battle is to cause “that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil [Satan], who are taken captive by him at his will.” 2 Timothy 2:26.

And the sole purpose Satan and his evil angels is to cause human beings to sin, starting with the matter of food, until they become permanently fixed in their evil ways and, hence, are annihilated by God.

Controlled by Food: Despising Plain, Wholesome Food

Ancient Israel in the wilderness and journeying from Egypt to the Promised Land, “they sinned yet more against him [against God] by provoking the most High [God] in the wilderness. And they tempted God in their heart by asking meat [the flesh of dead animals as food] for their lust.” Psalm 78:17, 18.

“Yea, they spake against God; they said, Can God furnish a table in the wilderness? Behold, he smote [struck] the rock, that the waters gushed out, and the streams overflowed; can he give bread also? can he provide [the] flesh [of dead animals as food] for his people?” Psalm 78:19, 20.

“Therefore the LORD [God] heard this, and was wroth [was furious]: so a fire was kindled against Jacob [against Israel], and anger also came up against Israel; because they believed not in God, and trusted not in his salvation [in God’s plan to save them from annihilation]: Though he had commanded the clouds from above, and opened the doors of heaven, and had rained down manna upon them to eat [as food], and had given them of the corn of heaven [as food].” Psalm 78:21-24.

“Man [people] did eat angels’ food [eat manna, the food prepared by angels]: he [God] sent them meat [food] to the full.” Psalm 78:25.

Thus, God said to Moses, Israel’s leader, “Say thou unto the people [of Israel], Sanctify [Prepare] yourselves against to morrow, and ye shall eat [the] flesh [of dead animals as food]: for ye have wept in the ears of the LORD [God], saying, Who shall give us [the] flesh [of dead animals] to eat [as food]? for it was well with us in Egypt: therefore the LORD [God] will give you [the] flesh [of dead animals], and ye shall eat [it as food].” Numbers 11:18.

“Ye shall not eat one day, nor two days, nor five days, neither ten days, nor twenty days; but even a whole month, until it come out at your nostrils, and it be loathsome [disgusting] unto you: because that ye have despised the LORD [God] which is among you, and have wept before him, saying, Why came we forth out of Egypt?” Numbers 11:19, 20.

So, “He [God] caused an east wind to blow in the heaven: and by his [God’s] power he [God] brought in the south wind. He [God] rained flesh also upon them as dust, and feathered fowls like as the sand of the sea: And he [God] let it fall in the midst of their camp, round about their habitations.” Psalm 78:26-28.

“So they did eat, and were well filled: for he [God] gave them their own desire; they were not estranged from their lust [for food]. But while their meat [food] was yet in their mouths, the wrath [anger] of God came upon them, and slew [killed] the fattest of them, and smote [struck] down the chosen men of Israel. For all this they sinned still, and believed not for his [God’s] wondrous works.” Psalm 78:29-32.

Thus, “with many of them [that is, with many of the people of Israel] God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. Now these things were our examples [lessons], to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.” 1 Corinthians 10:5, 6.

Here we find ancient Israel despising the manna, the plain, wholesome food provided by God in His effort to turn them away from the kinds of food they were used to eating as slaves in Egypt. For God’s purpose was to bring them back to His original diet for humanity.

And because of Israel’s stubbornness and uncontrollable lust for food, God killed the worst of them while the food was yet in their mouths.

Note well that God says that they lusted after evil things and that their overthrow by God is to be a lesson for all humanity to not do the same thing. Yes, it is a sin to eat the flesh of dead animals as food!

Controlled by Food: Eating Food Not Permitted by God

Now God says about ancient Israel, “I [God]…will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them; because when I [God] called, none did answer; when I spake [spoke], they did not hear: but they did evil before mine eyes, and chose that in which I delighted not.” Isaiah 66:4.

“I [God] have spread out my hands all the day unto a rebellious people, which walketh in a way that was not good, after their own thoughts.” Isaiah 65:2.

They are “a people that provoketh me [God] to anger continually to my face; that sacrificeth in gardens, and burneth incense upon altars of brick; which remain among the graves, and lodge in the monuments, which eat swine’s [pig’s] flesh [as food], and broth of abominable things [as food] is in their vessels.” Isaiah 65:3, 4.

A people “which say, Stand by thyself, come not near to me; for I am holier than thou. These are a smoke in my [in God’s] nose, a fire that burneth all the day.” Isaiah 65:5.

Therefore, “they that sanctify [prepare] themselves, and purify themselves in the gardens behind one tree in the midst, eating swine’s [pig’s] flesh [as food], and the abomination [as food], and the mouse [as food], shall be consumed [annihilated] together, saith the LORD [God].” Isaiah 66:17.

For all these things eaten as food are they regarding which God said, “Touch not; taste not; handle not.” Colossians 2:21. But because they are controlled by food, many people delight in these things to their eternal ruin as they will, therefore, be annihilated by God.

Controlled by Food: Harmful Things Used as Food or Smoked

Now God says, “A man [God]…sowed good seed in his field: But while men slept, his enemy [Satan] came and sowed tares [harmful plants] among the wheat, and went his way.” Matthew 13:24, 25.

“But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares [harmful plants] also.” Matthew 13:26.

“So the servants of [God] the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou [God] sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares [harmful plants]? He [God] said unto them, An enemy [Satan] hath done this.” Matthew 13:27, 2.

Here God gives us to understand that He, God, never made any harmful plants. They are all the work of Satan, the enemy of God and humanity.

What are these harmful plants used as food or smoked and chewed by humanity? Examples of these are tea, coffee, and tobacco, which are all stimulating and which all contain poisons.

Further, Satan has succeeded in his temptations to cause people to take the useful and good products of plants which God made to benefit humanity, and pervert their use to make harmful things, for example, the making of alcohol to be eaten as food.

Beware then that you do not eat tea, coffee, or alcohol, as food or smoke or chew tobacco!

Controlled by Food: Indulgence in Alcohol

Here is a warning from God, “Be not among winebibbers [those who drink much alcohol]; among riotous[gluttonous] eaters of [the] flesh [of dead animals as food].” Proverbs 23:20.

“And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the [love of God which is poured into your heart by the Holy] Spirit.” Ephesians 5:18.

That is to say, Be not like king “Benhadad [who] was drinking himself drunk in the pavilions, he and the kings, the thirty and two kings that helped him.” 1 Kings 20:16.

“For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to [spiritual] poverty [so that they lose the rich blessings of eternal life]: and [spiritual] drowsiness [deadness] shall clothe a man with [figuratively speaking,] rags [of eternal ruin].” Proverbs 23:21.

Controlled by Food: Addiction to Alcohol

Let us consider God’s words which say, “No man also having drunk old wine [having drunk alcohol] straightway desireth new [pure, fresh grape juice]: for he saith, The old [wine, that is, alcohol] is better.” Luke 5:39. Yes, such is the addictive power of alcohol which is consumed as food instead of having healthful food.

“Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes? They that tarry long [linger] at the wine [at alcohol]; they that go to seek mixed wine [seek alcohol to which has been added spices and drugs calculated to increase the wine’s intoxicating power].” Proverbs 23:29, 30.

“Look not thou upon the [alcoholic] wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder [like a snake].” Proverbs 23:31, 32.

For “thine eyes shall behold strange women [you will hallucinate], and thine heart shall utter perverse things.” Proverbs 23:33. That is, the effect of alcohol consumed as food is undesirable.

“Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast. They have stricken [struck] me, shalt thou say, and I was not sick; they have beaten me, and I felt it not: when shall I awake? I will seek it [alcohol] yet again.” Proverbs 23:34, 35. Here the person is controlled by their desire for alcohol as food.

In essence then “wine [alcohol] is a mocker, strong [alcoholic] drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise [in God’s eyes].” Proverbs 20:1.

“Woe to …the drunkards…that are overcome with wine [with alcohol]!” Isaiah 28:1. “Blessed art thou, O land [O nation], when thy king is the son of nobles, and thy princes eat [food] in due season, for strength, and not for drunkenness!” Ecclesiastes 10:17.

We may rightly conclude from all that God says that, under no circumstances, is alcohol to be taken into the body as food. For, among many other things, alcohol takes away one’s ability to think calmly and rationally.

In other words, it is a sin to consume alcohol as food as it causes one to commit sins which will result in your eternal death (annihilation), if alcohol is not discarded as food.

Controlled by Food: Errors Due to Indulgence in Alcohol

Again, let us pay attention to God’s words which say, “Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong [alcoholic] drink [as food]; that continue until night, till wine [alcohol] inflame them!” Isaiah 5:11.

“Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine [alcohol], and men of strength to mingle [mix] strong [alcoholic] drink: Which justify the wicked for reward [for a bribe], and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him!” Isaiah 5:22, 23.

So then, “it is not for…[anyone] to drink [alcoholic] wine [as food]; nor…strong [alcoholic] drink: Lest [In order to prevent the situation where] they drink, and forget…[God’s] law [of love], and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted [those suffering grief or distress].” Proverbs 31:4, 5.

These are they which “err in every work…as a drunken man staggereth in his vomit.” Isaiah 19:14.

“They…have erred through wine [through alcohol], and through strong [alcoholic] drink are out of the way [of the love of God]…they are swallowed up of wine [intoxicated by alcohol]…they err…[and] they stumble in judgment.” Isaiah 28:7.

Here God points out the unrighteousness and evil errors of those people who are controlled by a desire for alcohol as food. They are incapable of wise judgment, they accept bribes, and they do not give justice to victims for wrongs done to them.

No wonder then that God warns humanity against consuming alcohol as food!

Noah and Alcohol as Food

As it happened, after the worldwide flood sent by God on the earth, “Noah began to be an husbandman [farmer], and he planted a vineyard: And he drank of the wine [from his vineyard], and was drunken [was drunk]; and he was uncovered [naked] within his tent.” Genesis 9:20, 21.

“And [Noah’s son] Ham…saw the nakedness of his father, and told his two brethren [brothers] without [outside the tent].” Genesis 9:22.

“And [Noah sons] Shem and Japheth took a garment, and laid it upon both their shoulders, and went backward, and covered the nakedness of their father; and their faces were backward, and they saw not their father’s nakedness.” Genesis 9:23.

“And Noah awoke from his wine [from his drunkenness], and knew what his younger son [Ham] had done unto him.” Genesis 9:24.

Here is an example of a lack of wisdom and modesty on the part of Noah because he had consumed alcohol as food. For, evidently, he had fallen into a drunken sleep unaware of his naked state and his surroundings. And his son, Ham, being aware of this, reported his father’s indiscretion to his brothers.

This is God highlighting for us the sin and undesirability of consuming alcohol as food. Beware then!

Lot and Alcohol as Food

“And it came to pass, when God destroyed the cities of the plain [including Sodom and Gomorrah], that God remembered Abraham, and sent Lot [Abraham’s nephew] out of the midst of the overthrow, when he overthrew the cities in the which Lot dwelt.” Genesis 19:29.

“And Lot went up out of [the city of] Zoar, and dwelt in the mountain, and his two daughters with him; for he feared to dwell in Zoar: and he dwelt in a cave, he and his two daughters.” Genesis 19:30.

“And the firstborn [daughter] said unto the younger [daughter], Our father is old, and there is not a man in the earth to come in unto us after the manner of all the earth: Come, let us make our father drink wine [drink alcohol as food], and we will lie with him, that we may preserve seed [offspring] of our father.” Genesis 19:31, 32.

“And they made their father drink wine [drink alcohol as food] that night: and the firstborn [daughter] went in, and lay with her father; and he perceived not when she lay down, nor when she arose.” Genesis 19:33.

“And it came to pass on the morrow [next day], that the firstborn [daughter] said unto the younger [daughter], Behold, I lay yesternight [last night] with my father: let us make him drink wine [alcohol as food] this night also; and go thou in, and lie with him, that we may preserve seed [offspring] of our father.” Genesis 19:34.

“And they made their father drink wine [alcohol as food] that night also: and the younger [daughter] arose, and lay with him; and he perceived not when she lay down, nor when she arose.” Genesis 19:35.

“Thus were both the daughters of Lot with child [pregnant] by their father.” Genesis 19:36.

So then, God says, “Woe unto him that giveth his neighbour drink [of alcohol as food], that puttest thy bottle [of alcohol] to him, and makest him drunken also, that thou mayest look on their nakedness!” Habakkuk 2:15.

Here we have a sordid, sad story of what can happen if you consume alcohol as food. Lot, while in a drunken state and completely unaware of what he was doing, had sex with his two daughters. Clearly too, Lot when he woke up and the drunkenness had gone away, had no memory of what he had done while he was drunk.

For all three, Lot and his two daughters who took advantage of him, sinned. How horrible the things one can do under the influence of alcohol! No wonder God warns us not to consume alcohol as food.

Nadab and Abihu and Alcohol as Food

Now, as it happened, “And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron [the high piest of ancient Israel], took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD [God], which he commanded them not. And there went out fire from the LORD [God], and devoured them, and they died before the LORD [God].” Leviticus 10:1, 2.

“Then Moses [Israel’s leader] said unto Aaron [his brother], This is it that the LORD [God] spake [spoke], saying, I will be sanctified [reverenced] in [by] them that come nigh [near] me, and before all the people I will be glorified. And Aaron held his peace.” Leviticus 10:3.

“And the LORD [God] spake unto Aaron, saying, Do not drink wine [alcohol as food] nor strong [alcoholic] drink [as food], thou, nor thy sons with thee, when ye go into the tabernacle of the congregation, lest [to prevent it happening that] ye die: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations.” Leviticus 10:8, 9.

“And that ye may put difference between holy and unholy, and between unclean and clean; and that ye may teach the children of Israel all the statutes which the LORD [God] hath spoken unto them by the hand of Moses.” Leviticus 10:10, 11.

Here God is saying to us that the consumption of alcohol as food prevents you from thinking calmly and rationally and also causes you to be forgetful of, and disobedient to, God’s commands. In effect, it causes you to have a lack of reverence and awe for God.

All this means that you have sinned and are heading to eternal death (annihilation) if you do not turn away from the consumption of alcohol as food.

Alcohol as Food and Pride

Speaking of the king of Babylon, God says, “Yea also, because he [the king of Babylon] transgresseth [sins] by wine [through alcohol consumed as food], he is a proud man, neither keepeth at home, who enlargeth his desire as hell, and is as death, and cannot be satisfied, but gathereth unto him all nations [by conquest], and heapeth unto him all people: Shall not all these take up a parable [a riddle] against him, and a taunting proverb [a wise saying] against him, and say, Woe to him that increaseth that which is not his! how long? and to him that ladeth [loads] himself with thick clay [with pledges used to secure debts of tribute money]!” Habakkuk 2:5, 6.

Here God makes the point that the pride displayed by the king of Babylon was due, in part, to his consumption of alcohol as food. And pride is a sin which closes one’s eyes, ears, and heart, to God’s ways of love and, hence, leads to eternal death (annihilation).

How important then not to consume alcohol as food!

Alcohol and Disrespect for Others

King David, a godly king of ancient Israel, wrote, “They that sit in the gate speak against me; and I was the song of the drunkards.” Psalm 69:12.

Here we see that these people, having consumed alcohol as food and become drunk, lost all respect for the king. This is an example of how the use of alcohol as food causes those who drink it to have disrespect for others.

But God says, “Neither…drunkards…shall inherit the kingdom of God [drunkards shall not receive eternal life from God].” 1 Corinthians 6:9, 10.

A Lust for Food Leading to Overeating

God says, “My son [and daughter], eat thou honey [as food], because it is good; and the honeycomb, which is sweet to thy taste.” Proverbs 24:13.

“Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee [as food], lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it.” Proverbs 25:16.

In other words, “every man that striveth for the mastery [over their lust for food] is temperate in all things. Now they [athletes] do it to obtain a corruptible crown [on earth]; but we [who are temperate do it to obtain] an incorruptible [crown of eternal life from God].” 1 Corinthians 9:25.

Here God is making the point that we are permitted by Him to eat as food that which is healthful and wholesome. However, we are to be temperate, that is to say, we are to avoid that which is harmful as food and to eat as food that which in good, for example, honey, only in moderation.

So then, God desires that no human being overeats food and thereby make themselves a glutton.

A Lust for Food Leading to Obesity

Here is the story of a time when “the children [the nation] of Israel did evil again in the sight of the LORD [God]: and the LORD strengthened Eglon the king of Moab against Israel, because they had done evil in the sight of the LORD [God]…So the children [nation] of Israel served Eglon the king of Moab eighteen years.” Judges 3:12-14.

“But when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD [God], the LORD [God] raised them up a deliverer, Ehud…a man lefthanded… But Ehud made him a dagger which had two edges, of a cubit [eighteen inches] length; and he did gird [fasten] it under his raiment [his clothing] upon his right thigh.” Judges 3:15, 16.

“And he [Ehud] brought the present [from the nation of Israel] unto Eglon king of Moab: and Eglon was a very fat man [by eating too much food].” Judges 3:17.

And it happened that, “And Ehud put forth his left hand, and took the dagger from his right thigh, and thrust it into his [Eglon’s] belly: And the haft [handle] also went in after the blade; and the fat closed upon the blade, so that he could not draw the dagger out of his [Eglon’s] belly; and the dirt [faeces (human waste, excrement) from his bowels] came out.” Judges 3:21, 22.

“Then Ehud…when he was gone out, his [Eglon’s] servants came…and, behold, their lord [Eglon] was fallen down dead on the earth.” Judges 3:23-25.

So, God describes Eglon as a very fat man in that “he…[eats to much food and, hence,] maketh collops [masses] of fat on his flanks [his sides].” Job 15:27. This then is sure the result of not being temperate in one’s intake of food.

Clearly, God is not here recommending that we eat so much food that we become fat. Ideally, we should be physically fit so that we might be like a man named “Asahel [who] was as light of foot [swift in running] as a wild roe [a deer].” 2 Samuel 2:18.

Controlled by Food: Despising One’s Birth Right

It happened that a man named Isaac had twin sons, Jacob and Esau. “And the boys [Jacob an Esau] grew: and Esau was a cunning hunter, a man of the field; and Jacob was a plain man, dwelling in tents.” Genesis 25:27.

“And Isaac loved Esau, because he did eat [as food] of his venison [of the flesh of dead animals killed in hunting]: but Rebekah [Isaac’s wife] loved Jacob.” Genesis 25:28.

“And Jacob sod pottage [cooked soup]: and Esau came from the field, and he was faint [from hunger for food]: And Esau said to Jacob, Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red pottage [red soup]; for I am faint [hungry for food]: therefore was his name called Edom [Red].” Genesis 25:29, 30.

“And Jacob said [to Esau], Sell me this day thy birthright [which was to be God’s blessing upon Isaac’s firstborn son, Esau, in that, through Esau’s descendants Jesus Christ was to be born into the world, among many other blessings].” Genesis 25:31.

“And Esau said [to Jacob], Behold, I am at the point to die [from hunger for food]: and what profit shall this birthright do to me? And Jacob said [to Esau], Swear to me this day; and he sware [swore] unto him [Jacob]: and he [Esau] sold his birthright unto Jacob.” Genesis 25:32, 33.

“Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentils [lentil soup]; and he [Esau] did eat and drink [food], and rose up, and went his way: thus Esau despised his birthright.” Genesis 25:34.

Thus, God says that we should not be controlled by food “lest [in order to prevent the situation where] there be any fornicator [one who has sex with someone to whom they are not married], or profane person [someone who lacks reverence for God], as Esau, who for one morsel of meat [of food] sold his birthright.” Hebrews 12:16.

Here God is saying that, when we are controlled by food, we have no reverence for God and we even despise God’s blessings.

That is, we have lost all ability to think calmly and rationally and, hence, our sacred, eternal interests are valued.

To put it plainly, when the lust for food overcomes us, we will sell to Satan God’s blessing of eternal life for just a morsel of food. This Satan knows very well which is why he first tempts us to indulge our appetite for food.

Controlled by Food: A Lack of Patience

Here is the story of a time when the army of the Philistines came against Israel. “And…[king] Saul [of Israel] had adjured [commanded] the people, saying, Cursed be the man that eateth any food until evening, that I may be avenged on mine enemies. So none of the people tasted any food.” 1 Samuel 14:24.

“And all they of the land [of Israel] came to a wood; and there was honey upon the ground…

behold, the honey dropped; but no man put his hand to his mouth: for the people feared the oath [of king Saul]…and the people were faint [from hunger for food].” 1 Samuel 14:25-28.

“And they smote [defeated] the Philistines that day from Michmash to Aijalon: and the people were very faint [from hunger for food]. And the people flew [laid hands hastily] upon the spoil [upon the plunder], and took sheep, and oxen, and calves, and slew [killed] them on the ground: and the people did eat them [eat the flesh of the dead animals] with the blood [in it as food].” 1 Samuel 14:31, 32.

“Then they told Saul, saying, Behold, the people sin against the LORD [God], in that they eat [the flesh of dead animals] with the blood [in it as food]. And he [Saul] said, Ye have transgressed [sinned].” 1 Samuel 14:33.

“And Saul said, Disperse yourselves among the people, and say unto them, Bring me hither [here] every man his ox, and every man his sheep, and slay [kill] them here, and eat [food]; and sin not against the LORD [God] in eating [food] with the blood. And all the people brought every man his ox with him that night, and slew [killed] them there.” 1 Samuel 14:34.

Thus, we see the people controlled by food and unable to bear hunger for food for even a day. And the lust for food was so strong that the people could not exercise patience and, so, they did that which they knew to be sin.

Know though that, for this very reason, those people who are controlled by a lust for food are disqualified to receive eternal life from God.

A Lust for Food Leading to a Lack of Caution

Now God says, “When thou sittest to eat [food] with a ruler, consider diligently what is before thee: And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to [a lustful] appetite [for food].” Proverbs 23:1, 2.

“Be not desirous of his dainties [rich food]: for they are deceitful meat [they are food set before you with a deceitful intent].” Proverbs 23:3.

“Eat thou not the bread [the food] of him that hath an evil eye [an evil intent], neither desire thou his dainty meats [tempting food]: For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.” Proverbs 23:6, 7.

“The morsel [of food] which thou hast eaten shalt thou [figuratively speaking] vomit up, and lose thy sweet words.” Proverbs 23:8.

Here God is saying that, when one sits at a ruler’s table with rich, tempting food, be careful that you do not speak or act without caution so that you fall into a trap the ruler has set for you. For then you will wish that you had not been overcome by a lust for food.

Controlled by Food: Stealing

Note that God says, “Men [People] do not despise a thief, if he steal to satisfy his soul when he is hungry [for food]; but if he be found, he shall restore sevenfold; he shall give all the substance of his house.” Proverbs 6:30, 31.

Here God states that when you are controlled by food, you will steal to satisfy your hunger for food. Now, stealing is a sin and all sin is inexcusable. If you are hungry and have no food, cry out to God in prayer for mercy and help, and leave your fate in God’s hands.

For God says of Himself, “The LORD [God] is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works [all His creation, both human beings and animals].” Psalm 145:9.

Controlled by Food: Acting Unadvisedly

“Now it came to pass in the days of [king] Ahasuerus, (this is Ahasuerus which reigned, from India even unto Ethiopia, over an hundred and seven and twenty provinces:) That…he made a feast [of rich, tempting food] unto all his princes and his servants…When he shewed [showed] the riches of his glorious kingdom and the honour of his excellent majesty many days, even an hundred and fourscore [eighty] days.” Esther 1:1-4.

“And when these days were expired, the king made…[another] feast [of food]…[for]…seven days…and they gave them [the guests] drink…[of] royal wine in abundance, according to the state of the king.” Esther 1:5-7.

“Also Vashti the queen made a feast [of food] for the women in the royal house which belonged to king Ahasuerus. On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded… to bring Vashti the queen before the king with the crown royal, to shew [show] the people and the princes her beauty: for she was fair [beautiful] to look on.” Esther 1:9-11.

“But the queen Vashti refused to come at the king’s commandment by his chamberlains [eunuchs, that is, men who had been castrated]: therefore was the king very wroth [enraged], and his anger burned in him.” Esther 1:12.

“Then the king…[spoke] to the wise men…What shall we do unto the queen Vashti…because she hath not performed the commandment of the king Ahasuerus? And [one of the eunuchs] Memucan answered…If it please the king, let there go a royal commandment from him…That Vashti come no more before king Ahasuerus; and let the king give her royal estate [royal position] unto another that is better than she.” Esther 1:13-19.

“And the saying pleased the king…[who] did according to the word of Memucan: For he [the king] sent letters into all the king’s provinces, into every province…that it should be published according to the language of every people.” Esther 1:21, 22.

Here the king indulged his appetite for food by eating extravagantly and drinking very much alcohol for 187 days until his judgment was perverted and he acted unadvisedly. For he was inexcusable in divorcing his wife for his stated reason.

Note though that despite the king’s sin in divorcing his wife, God caused the king to choose Esther as his new wife, and God used Esther in her privileged position as queen to save her people, the Jews.

Controlled by Food: Diseases

Regarding food, God says, “If a soul [a person] touch any unclean thing, whether it be a carcase [dead body] of an unclean beast, or a carcase [dead body] of unclean cattle, or the carcase [dead body] of unclean creeping things…he also shall be unclean, and guilty [of sin].” Leviticus 5:2.

“And the swine [pig], because it divideth the hoof, yet cheweth not the cud, it is unclean unto you: ye shall not eat of their flesh [as food], nor touch their dead carcase [dead body].” Deuteronomy 14:8.

“Of their flesh shall ye not eat [as food], and their carcase [dead body] shall ye not touch; they are unclean to you.” Leviticus 11:8. For, if you touch them, this “will bring upon thee all the diseases of…which thou wast afraid of; and they shall cleave unto thee.” Deuteronomy 28:60.

Here God gives us one of the main reasons that the human race is riddled with disease. For they touch and handle the dead body of unclean animals in their preparation of it as food.

That is, humanity’s uncontrollable lust for the flesh of dead animals as food leads them to sin by violating the health principles which God has taught them.

Controlled by Food: Cruelty to Animals

Hear what God says, “A righteous man regardeth [cares about] the life of his beast [his animal]: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.” Proverbs 12:10.

“Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing [a penny]? and one of them shall not fall [dead] on the ground without your [heavenly] Father [noticing and grieving about its death].” Matthew 10:29.

Take note that God cares about even the life of little birds and He says that those who kill animals are wicked.

And “yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be [not exist]: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be.” Psalm 37:10. For the wicked have been annihilated by God because of their sins, such as cruelty in killing animals to eat them as food.

So, we see that, when you are controlled by a lust for food, there is no love nor mercy in your heart, in that, you are cruel to all others.

Controlled by Food: Improper Observance of the Lord’s Supper

At the last meal (the Lord’s Supper) that Jesus Christ had with His disciples, He commanded all Christians (the disciples of Christ) to observe it as a memorial of His sacrificial death till He returned to the earth.

Here is a report of Paul, a prominent Christian leader regarding the observance of the Lord’s Supper: “When ye [Christians in the ancient city of Corinth] come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord’s supper.” 1 Corinthians 11:20.

“For in eating every one taketh before other his own supper: and one is hungry [for food], and another is drunken [is drunk].” 1 Corinthians 11:21.

“What? have ye not houses to eat [food] and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not.” 1 Corinthians 11:22.

Here we see that, due to an uncontrollable lust for food, the Corinthian Christians could not think calmly or rationally. But, through their impatience, the sacredness of the memorial service for the death of Christ was marred by a display of selfishness and not of love.

That is to say, their own sacred interests were not valued because of food and, hence, they sinned.

The Worship of Idols Celebrated by a Lust for Food

God has given commandments to humanity, saying, “I am the LORD thy God…Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven [carved] image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them.” Exodus 20:2-5.

Why? The reason is that they who worship idols and false gods are “they [who] sacrificed unto devils [to demons, that is, to Satan and his evil angels], [and] not to God.” Deuteronomy 32:17.

The Golden Calf

Here is the story of a time in ancient Israel “when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down out of the mount [the mountain where Moses was with God], the people gathered themselves together unto Aaron, and said unto him, Up, make us gods, which shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we wot [know] not what is become of him.” Exodus 32:1.

“And he [Aaron] received them [the people’s golden earrings] at their hand, and…he had made it a molten calf: and they [the people] said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.” Exodus 32:4.

“And when Aaron saw it, he built an altar before it; and Aaron made proclamation, and said, To morrow is a feast [of food] to the LORD [God].” Exodus 32:4, 5.

“And they [the people] rose up early on the morrow [on the next day], and offered burnt offerings, and brought peace offerings [to the idol, the false god]; and the people sat down to eat and to drink [food], and rose up to play [to make merry].” Exodus 32:6.

Thus, the people of Israel, having a mind to abandon the worship of the true God and to instead worship an idol, that is, a false god, yielded themselves to the temptation to indulge their appetite for food.

This sin regarding food was a means of sealing in their minds their choice to turn away from God.

The Matter of Baalpeor

Again, here is the story of a time when “Balaam [a false prophet]… taught Balac [Balak, king of Moab,] to cast a stumblingblock [of sin] before the children [nation] of Israel, [by causing them] to eat things sacrificed unto idols [as food], and to commit fornication.” Revelation 2:14.

As a result, “the people [of Israel] began to commit whoredom [to prostitute themselves] with the daughters of Moab.” Numbers 25:1.

“And they [the Moabite women] called the people [of Israel] unto the sacrifices of their gods: and the people did eat [their food], and bowed down to their gods. And Israel joined himself unto [the Moabite god] Baalpeor: and the anger of the LORD [God] was kindled against Israel.” Numbers 25:2, 3.

So then, the people of Israel were enticed into sin by the appeal of the Moabites to the Israelites’ lust for food. In other words, their appetite for food was a gateway to their sin of worshipping idols (false gods).

A Lust for Food Leading to Disobedience to Parents

God said to ancient Israel, “If a man have a stubborn and rebellious son, which will not obey the voice of his father, or the voice of his mother, and that, when they have chastened [disciplined] him, will not hearken unto [not obey] them: Then shall his father and his mother lay hold on him, and bring him out unto the elders of his city, and unto the gate of his place [where they reside].” Deuteronomy 21:18, 19.

“And they shall say unto the elders of his city, This our son is stubborn and rebellious, he will not obey our voice; he is a glutton [for food], and a drunkard.” Deuteronomy 21:20. Here God reveals the root cause of the son’s disobedience to his parents—it is an uncontrollable lust for food.

So, God who knows the heart and mind of every human being and who is a righteous Judge, says, “All the men of his city shall stone him with stones, that he die: so shalt thou put evil away from among you; and all Israel shall hear, and fear [have reverence for God and be afraid of God’s judgments].” Deuteronomy 21:21.

The lesson here is that children who are controlled by a lust for food are disobedient to parents and unmanageable. For Satan can enter at will through the open doorway of appetite for food and cause them to sin.

Controlled by Food: Disobedience of a Prophet of God

Let us now consider a story from the time when the nation of Israel had split into two kingdoms—Judah in the south and Israel in the north.

“And, behold, there came a man of God out of Judah by the word of the LORD [God] unto [the city of] Bethel [in Israel]…And he cried against the altar [against the golden calf] in the word of [according to] the LORD [God].” 1 Kings 13:1, 2.

“And he [the man of God] gave a sign the same day, saying, This is the sign which the LORD [God] hath spoken; Behold, the altar shall be rent [broken], and the ashes that are upon it shall be poured out. The altar also was [immediately] rent [broken], and the ashes poured out from the altar, according to the sign which the man of God had given by the word of the LORD [God].” 1 Kings 13:3-5.

“And the king [of Israel] said unto the man of God, Come home with me, and refresh thyself [with food], and I will give thee a reward.” 1 Kings 13:7.

“And the man of God said unto the king, If thou wilt give me half thine house, I will not go in with thee, neither will I eat bread [eat food] nor drink water in this place: For so was it charged [commanded] me by the word of the LORD [God], saying, Eat no bread [no food], nor drink water, nor turn again [to depart] by the same way that thou camest [to Bethel].”1 Kings 13:8, 9.

“So he [the man of God] went another way, and returned not by the way that he came to Bethel.” 1 Kings 13:10.

“Now there dwelt an old prophet in Bethel; and his sons came and told him all the works that the man of God had done that day in Bethel…And their father…went after the man of God, and found him sitting under an oak: and he said unto him, Art thou the man of God that camest from Judah? And he [the man of God] said, I am.” 1 Kings 13:11-14.

“Then he said unto him, Come home with me, and eat bread [eat food]. And he [the man of God] said, I may not return with thee, nor go in with thee: neither will I eat bread [eat food] nor drink water with thee in this place: For it was said to me by the word of the LORD [God], Thou shalt eat no bread [no food] nor drink water there, nor turn again to go by the way that thou camest [to Bethel].” 1 Kings 13:15-17.

“He [the old prophet] said unto him, I am a prophet also as thou art; and an angel spake [spoke] unto me by the word of the LORD [God], saying, Bring him [the man of God, a prophet of God,] back with thee into thine house, that he may eat bread [eat food] and drink water. But he lied unto him. So he [the man of God] went back with him, and did eat bread [eat food] in his house, and drank water.” 1 Kings 13:18, 19.

“And it came to pass, as they sat at the table, that the word of the LORD [God] came unto the [old] prophet that brought him back: And he [the old prophet] cried unto the man of God that came from Judah, saying, Thus saith the LORD [God], Forasmuch as thou hast disobeyed the mouth of the LORD [God], and hast not kept the commandment which the LORD thy God commanded thee, but camest back, and hast eaten bread [eaten food] and drunk water in the place, of the which the LORD did say to thee, Eat no bread [no food], and drink no water; thy carcase [dead body] shall not come unto the sepulchre [the tomb] of thy fathers [to be buried].” 1 Kings 13:20-22.

“And it came to pass, after he [the man of God] had eaten bread [eaten food], and after he had drunk, that he [the old prophet] saddled for him the ass [donkey], to wit [to be used], for the prophet whom he [the old prophet] had brought back. And when he [the man of God] was gone, a lion met him by the way, and slew [killed] him: and his carcase [dead body] was cast in the way [in the path], and the ass [donkey] stood by it, the lion also stood by the carcase [dead body].” 1 Kings 13:23, 24.

Here is a sad, sad story of how the uncontrollable lust for food of a man of God led him to disobey the clear revealed will of God. The lesson is that, we should never place the words of anyone, not even an angel from heaven, above God’s commands.

Thus, the man of God, through a lust for food, did not value his sacred, eternal interests and has, therefore, lost the opportunity to receive eternal life from God. He will certainly be annihilated by God, all because of his appetite for food.

The Worship of God Polluted by a Lust for Food

Again, we look at a story from ancient Israel. “Now the sons of Eli [the high priest of Israel] were sons of Belial [of Satan]; they knew not the LORD [God].” 1 Samuel 2:12.

“And the priests’ [the sons of Eli’s] custom with the people was, that, when any man offered sacrifice [to God], the priest’s servant came, while the flesh was in seething [was boiling], with a fleshhook [fork] of three teeth in his hand; and he struck it into the pan, or kettle, or caldron, or pot; all that the fleshhook [fork] brought up the priest took for himself. So they did in Shiloh unto all the Israelites that came thither [came there].” 1 Samuel 2:13, 14.

“Also before they [the people] burnt the fat [of the sacrifice], the priest’s servant came, and said to the man that sacrificed, Give [animal] flesh to roast [as food] for the priest; for he will not have sodden [boiled] [animal] flesh of thee [for food], but raw [animal flesh to be cooked as food].” 1 Samuel 2:15.

“And if any man said unto him [the priest’s servant], Let them not fail to burn the fat presently, and then take as much as thy soul desireth; then he [the priest’s servant] would answer him, Nay [No]; but thou shalt give it me now: and if not, I will take it by force.” 1 Samuel 2:16.

“Wherefore the sin of the young men [the sons of Eli] was very great before the LORD [God]: for men [people] abhorred the offering of the LORD [God].” 1 Samuel 2:17.

Here we have the sons of Eli sinning against God and the people of Israel because of their uncontrollable lust for food. That is, not even their knowledge of God’s commands and requirements regarding worship could prevent them from sinning.

Clearly, they did not value their sacred, eternal interests for they disqualified themselves for receiving everlasting life from God, all because of a lust for food.

Mocking God Through a Feast of Food

We come now to a story of the ancient Babylonian Empire. “Belshazzar the king [of Babylon] made a great feast [of food] to a thousand of his lords, and drank wine before the thousand.” Daniel 5:1.

“Belshazzar, whiles he tasted the wine, commanded to bring the golden and silver vessels which his father [king] Nebuchadnezzar had taken out of the temple [of God] which was in Jerusalem; that the king [Belshazzar], and his princes, his wives, and his concubines, might drink therein.” Daniel 5:2.

“They drank wine, and praised the gods of gold, and of silver, of brass, of iron, of wood, and of stone.” Daniel 5:4.

Here we see a drunken feast of food and wine where this indulgence in food led people to mock the true and living God.

“In the same hour came forth fingers of a man’s hand [from God], and wrote over against the candlestick upon the plaister [plaster] of the wall of the king’s palace: and the king saw the part of the hand that wrote.” Daniel 5:5.

“Then the king’s countenance [facial expresssion] was changed, and his thoughts troubled him, so that the joints of his loins were loosed, and his knees smote [knocked] one against another.” Daniel 5:6.

Thus, suddenly God interrupted the king’s mocking of God and the associated gluttonous feast of food and wine and the king was terrified.

Daniel, the prophet of God was called, and Daniel said, “This is the interpretation of the thing [the writing on the wall]: MENE; God hath numbered thy kingdom, and finished it. TEKEL; Thou [king Belshazzar] art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting. PERES; Thy kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians.” Daniel 5:26-28.

So, “in that night was Belshazzar the king of the Chaldeans [the Babylonians] slain [killed]. And Darius the Median took the kingdom, being about threescore [sixty] and two years old.” Daniel 5:30, 31.

Here is an example of the lengths to which people will go and the depths to which they will sink when a perverted appetite for food is indulged. For the king, in merrymaking and the gluttonous consumption of food, lost sight of the value of his sacred eternal interests.

Controlled by Food: Covetousness

Now, God says, “All the labour of man is for his mouth, and yet the appetite [for food] is not filled.” Ecclesiastes 6:7.

“He that laboureth laboureth for himself; for his mouth [his appetite for food] craveth it of him.” Proverbs 16:26.

“Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough…they all look to their own way [to their own interests], every one for his gain, from his quarter [his place].” Isaiah 56:11.

Here we see that people who are controlled by their appetite for food are covetous, in that, they are never satisfied with what they have but are always seeking for more.

Covetousness Celebrated with a Lust for Food

Let us now consider what Jesus Christ said, when “he spake a parable [a short story with a moral lesson] unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits [my harvest of food]?” Luke 12:16, 17.

“And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits [food] and my goods.” Luke 12:18.

“And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat [food], drink, and be merry.” Luke 12:19.

“But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee [tonight you shall die]: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” Luke 12:20, 21.

Here we have someone celebrating their wealth by hoarding food and other goods, enough for many years to come, without a thought of giving of their abundance to the poor and needy. The lust for food which leads to their coveting other things is so strong that it outweighs the calling from God to love your fellow human being as yourself.

That is, the blessing of heaven and eternal life is sacrificed on the altar of an uncontrollable appetite for food.

Controlled by Food: A Lack of Trust in God

We now come to God’s words to us which says, “Take no thought [Do not be anxious], saying, What shall we eat [as food]? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles [unbelievers in God] seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.” Matthew 6:31, 32.

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things [food, clothing, and so on] shall be added [given] unto you [by God].” Matthew 6:33.

“Take therefore no thought for [Do not worry about] the morrow [tomorrow]: for the morrow [tomorrow] shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” Matthew 6:34.

Here God shows us that when people are controlled by a lust for food, they worry about everything and the future. That is, they lack trust in God that God loves us and cares for us by providing for our needs.

Controlled by Food: Resisting the Holy Spirit

The apostle preached the gospel (God’s plan to save humanity from annihilation for their sins and instead give them eternal life) to a man named Felix.

“And as he [Paul] reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.” Acts 24:25.

Note that God’s calling of every human being to be holy like God includes a call to temperance. What is temperance? It is the eating of only food that is healthy and the eating of it in moderation. That is, it a call not indulge in the gluttonous consumption of food.

Felix, controlled by the intemperate consumption of food, could not endure the thought of righteousness in all its aspects. And, so, he resisted the Holy Spirit’s pleading with him to yield to the Holy Spirit so that he would turn away from all his sins.

Here we see how a lust for food causes people to neglect their sacred, eternal interests.

Spiritual Adultery Associated with a Lust for Food

Let us now turn to the words of Jesus Christ to his disciple, John: “And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write…I [Jesus Christ] know thy works…I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine [teaching] of Balaam, who taught Balac [Balak] to cast a stumblingblock before the children [the people] of Israel, to eat [as food] things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.” Revelation 2:12-14.

“And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write…I [Jesus Christ] know thy works…I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat [as food] things sacrificed unto idols.” Revelation 2:18-20.

Here we see that, through a lust for food, the church members were turned away from worshipping God to the worship of idols (false gods) and to sexual immorality.

That is, because they were controlled by their appetite for food, the people committed spiritual adultery with Satan. For it is Satan who tempts people to sin in every possible way so that they might, like himself, become fixed in their evil ways and, hence, in the end be annihilated by God.

Deceivers Controlled by Food

We come now to God’s words spoken through the apostle Paul: “Now I [Paul] beseech you, brethren, mark [take note of] them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine [teaching] which ye have learned; and avoid them.” Romans 16:17.

“For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly [their own appetite for food]; and by good words and fair [pleasing] speeches deceive the hearts of the simple [the naïve and gullible].” Romans 16:18.

“And [such people] shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot [to have wild and noisy merrymaking] in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast [on food] with you.” 2 Peter 2:13.

Here God is saying that those controlled by a lust for food are deceivers, people who do not value their sacred, eternal interests. For liars will not receive eternal life from God.

Food, the God of Some People

Let us consider God’s words spoken through the apostle Paul: “Many [people] walk [live in this way], of whom I [Paul] have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ [enemies of Christ’s merciful sacrifice on a t-shaped wooden structure called a cross in order to save humanity from annihilation by God]: Whose end is destruction [annihilation], whose God is their belly [their appetite for food], and whose glory is in their shame [the shame of their sins], who mind [concern themselves only with] earthly things.” Philippians 3:18, 19.

Here we see that food is the god of some people who, therefore, work against God’s plan to save humanity from annihilation because of their sins. For, through their lust for food, they have no shame when they sin and all their thoughts are on earthly things to the exclusion of their sacred, eternal interests.

Controlled by Food: Indifference to God’s Promises

Let us now consider God’s words, “Come ye, say they, I will fetch wine, and we will fill ourselves with strong drink [with strong alcohol]; and to morrow shall be as this day, and much more abundant.” Isaiah 56:12.

Essentially, they are saying, “Let us eat all the food we want and drink alcohol and make ourselves merry, as if there is no other purpose in life.”

“But the day of the Lord will come [unexpectedly] as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.” 2 Peter 3:10.

“Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness.” 2 Peter 3:11.

Here we have people, who being controlled by a lust for food, and indulging their taste for alcohol, putting God and His promises far away from their thoughts.

That is, they through their appetite for food, are indifferent to God’s plainly spoken words that the world as we now know it will come to an end. “Nevertheless we, according to his [God’s] promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.” 2 Peter 3:13.

Controlled by Food: The Persecution of Others

“And the Lord [Jesus Christ] said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat [food] in due season?” Luke 12:42.

“Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath.” Luke 12:43, 44.

“But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat [food] and drink [wine], and to be drunken [drunk]; The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware [not expecting him], and will cut him in sunder [in pieces], and will appoint him his portion [his fate] with the unbelievers [in God].” Luke 12:45, 46.

We see then that the servant’s perverted appetite for food, being indulged, prevents him from thinking calmly and rationally and waiting patiently for the return of his master. Thus, the unfaithful servant, through his uncontrollable lust for food, is brought to the place where he persecutes others.

Food and the Mark of the Beast

God prophesies of the time in the future when “as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed…And that no man might buy or sell, save [except] he that had the mark [of the beast], or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.” Revelation 13:15-17.

This is in effect a time when people will be forced to worship Satan or they will, either not have any food to eat and other necessities of life, or be killed.

But God says, “If any man [any person] worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand [in essence, if anyone worships Satan], the same [person] shall drink of the wine of the wrath [fierce anger] of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation.” Revelation 14:9, 10.

So, the choice is clear: “To have respect of persons [to exercise favouritism] is not good: for for a piece of bread [for a morsel of food] that man [person] will transgress [will sin].” Proverbs 28:21.

“For by means of a whorish woman [a spiritual prostitute with Satan] a man [a person] is brought to a piece of bread [is brought to place where they value a morsel of food over eternal life]: and the [spiritual] adulteress will hunt for the precious life [of such persons who by spiritual adultery disqualify themselves to receive eternal life from God].” Proverbs 6:26.

That is, those people who give in to a lust for food instead of trusting God to provide their food and other needs will be annihilated by God.

How to Escape Being Controlled by Food

As we have seen then people who are controlled by a lust for food cannot keep themselves from committing sin. But, Is there no escape from an uncontrollable lust for food? Yes, there is! How? I will now explain so continue reading.

Jesus Christ and the Three Great Leading Temptations

As it happened, “Then was Jesus led up of the [Holy] Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil [by Satan]. And when he had fasted [not eaten any food for] forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred [hungry for food].” Matthew 4:1, 2.

“And when the tempter [Satan] came to him [Jesus Christ], he [Satan] said, If thou [Christ] be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. But he answered and said, It is written [in the Bible], Man shall not live by bread [by food] alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:3, 4.

Here Satan brings upon the hungry Jesus Christ, the first of the three great leading temptations to sin by which human beings are easily overcome by Satan. This first temptation is the indulgence of the appetite for food.

“Then the devil [Satan] taketh him [Christ] up into the holy city, and setteth him [Christ] on a pinnacle of the temple, and saith unto him, If thou [Christ] be the Son of God, cast [throw] thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.” Matthew 4:5.

“Jesus said unto him, It is written again [in the Bible], Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.” Matthew 4:7.

Here is the second of the three great leading temptations to sin by which people are easily overcome by Satan. This is the temptation of presumption, in that, people put themselves into situations where it would require a miracle of God to preserve them from the pollution of sin and/or to keep them safe.

“Again, the devil [Satan] taketh him [Christ] up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth [showed] him [Christ] all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; and saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou [Christ] wilt fall down and worship me [Satan].” Matthew 4:8, 9.

“Then saith Jesus unto him [Satan], Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written [in the Bible], Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. Then the devil [Satan] leaveth him [Christ], and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him [attended to the needs of Christ].” Matthew 4:10, 11.

Here is the third of the three great leading temptations to sin by which people are easily overcome by Satan. This is the temptation of love of display, that is, love of fame, praise, and showy exhibition intended to attract the attention of others and to impress them.

All of Satan’s many other temptations arise out these three great leading temptations. For having overcome a person on these three points, beginning with the indulgence of the appetite for food, there is no barrier to the person committing any and every sin.

But do not despair! As you will see Jesus Christ’s victory over Satan on these three points means that every human being can also be victorious over Satan.

Jesus Christ Accused of Being Controlled by Food

We come now to the words of Jesus Christ: “The Son of man came eating and drinking [food], and they say, Behold a man gluttonous [for food], and a winebibber [a drinker of much alcohol], a friend of publicans [tax collectors] and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.” Matthew 11:19.

Here Jesus says that He has been accused of having an uncontrollable lust for food. But, Jesus denies the accusation and says that God’s wisdom is proven by the converts transformed by God from sin to holiness. These are the people whom God acknowledges as the children of God.

Prayer to Control a Lust for Food

Now, God says that every human being should sincerely pray to God, saying words along these lines: “Two things have I required of thee [God]; deny me them not before I die: Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: Lest I be full [with food], and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD [God]? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.” Proverbs 30:7-9.

That is, we should acknowledge our need of God’s help and ask for it, if we are to overcome an uncontrollable lust for food. And if we ask in sincerity God will indeed help us.

The Blessing of Having Spiritual Ears

Now, God says, “Oh that my people [every human being] had hearkened unto [obeyed] me [God] , and…had walked in my ways [of love]! I [God] should soon have subdued their enemies, and turned my hand against their adversaries [who are Satan, his evil angels, and the wicked among humanity].” Psalm 81:13, 14.

“The haters of the LORD [God] should have submitted themselves unto him: but their time [lifetime] should have endured for ever.” Psalm 81:15. Yes, every human being who has not been made holy by God, is naturally a hater of God!

“He [God] should have fed them also with the finest of the wheat [as spiritual food]: and with honey out of the rock [as spiritual food] should I have satisfied thee [to qualify you for eternal life with God].” Psalm 81:16.

This then is the blessing of having spiritual ears to hear and obey God’s words which God constantly speaks to us.

Victory Over the Lust for Food Through Justification by Faith

We come now to consider God’s words: “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink [food], or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31.

Therefore, as God says, we must all yield to the Holy Spirit so that we choose to turn away from all our sins, that is, God will give us the gift of repentance which is deep sorrow and remorse for our own sins. If we do not reject this gift of repentance, we must next exercise faith in Christ’s work to save humanity. Now everyone receives the gift of faith from God but without repentance people have a superficial faith and not saving (correct) faith that takes proper hold of God’s truth by the working of the Holy Spirit.

Then if we exercise this faith to believe in Christ, God gives us the gift of perfect love in our heart. This is justification (righteousness) by faith which, after the testing and proving by God to see if we have overcome all temptations to sin, leads to the final state of sanctification by faith when we are qualified to be saved by God to eternal life.

So then, “they that are Christ’s [having been rescued from sin by Him,] have crucified [put to death] the flesh [the sinful nature] with the affections and lusts [for food and other things].” Galatians 5:24.

This then is how every human being can escape the uncontrollable lust for food and become holy.

Food and the Blessing of Good Health

Let us hear God’s words to all humanity, “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul [spiritual life] prospereth.” 3 John 1:2.

“And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to [obey] the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I [God] will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the…[the unbelievers in God]: for I am the LORD [God] that healeth thee.” Exodus 15:26.

Here God is saying that if we obey all His commandments, including those regarding food, He will heal us of our diseases. Now, this is not to say that God might not allow Satan to afflict with us disease. But, if so, God is only working for our spiritual health and saving to eternal life, even if we die from this disease.

Note too that “Isaiah [a prophet of God] had said [to king Hezekiah], Let them take a lump of figs [which can be eaten as food], and lay it for a plaister [medicine] upon the boil, and he [king Hezekiah] shall recover.” Isaiah 38:21.

Thus, God shows us that, not only has God provided healthy food for humanity to eat, but food can also be used as a medicine, as a blessing from God.

Jesus and Food

Some have enquired, What kind of food did Jesus Christ eat? For they think that it must be okay to eat the kind of food that Jesus ate. But is the matter as simple as it seems? We will now take a close look at this issue.

Food and Jesus’ First Miracle

Here is an incident in Jesus Christ’s life when He was on earth. “And…there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage.” John 2:1, 2.

“And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine.” John 2:3.

“Jesus saith unto them [the servants], Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. And he [Jesus] saith unto them [the servants], Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast [of food]. And they bare it.” John 2:7, 8.

“When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine [pure, fresh grape juice], and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom, And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now.” John 2:9, 10.

Now “thus saith the LORD [God]…new wine [pure, fresh grape juice] is found in the cluster [of grapes]…Destroy it not; for a blessing is in it.” Isaiah 65:8.

So, here, Jesus supplied the need at the feast of food by a miracle of turning water into pure, fresh grape juice. At no time did Jesus go against God’s words: “Wine [alcohol] is a mocker, strong [alcoholic] drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise [in God’s eyes].” Proverbs 20:1. That is, Jesus did not provide alcoholic wine for the feast of food.

Food and the Lord’s Supper

Here is another incident in the life of Jesus Christ when he was on earth. “And as they [Jesus and His disciples] were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body.” Matthew 26:26.

“And he [Jesus] took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them [to the disciples], saying, Drink ye all of it.” Matthew 26:27. That is to say, Jesus Christ told His disciples that all of them should drink from the cup that He gave to them.

“For this is my blood of the new testament [the new covenant], which is shed for many for the remission [for the forgiveness] of sins. But I [Jesus] say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine [of pure, fresh grape juice], until that day when I [Jesus] drink it new [as new wine which is pure, fresh grape juice] with you in my Father’s kingdom.” Matthew 26:28, 29.

This incident is known as the Lord’s Supper. In it, Jesus gave bread and pure, fresh grape juice to His disciples to eat as food in remembrance of his death that was soon to come.

The Food Jesus Christ Ate

We come now to four incidents in the life of Jesus Christ when He was on earth where it is recorded what kind of food He ate.

Here is the first incident: “And he [Jesus] commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude [of people as food].” Matthew 14:19.

“And they did all [everyone including Jesus] eat [food], and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full. And they that had eaten [food] were about five thousand men, beside women and children.” Matthew 14:20, 21.

Here is the second incident: “And he [Jesus] commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground. And he [Jesus] took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and brake them, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude [of people as food].” Matthew 15:35, 36.

“And they did all [everyone including Jesus] eat [food], and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat [food] that was left seven baskets full. And they that did eat [food] were four thousand men, beside women and children.” Matthew 15:37, 38.

Here is the third incident: “And as they [Jesus’ disciples]…spake [spoke], Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. But they were terrified and affrighted [afraid], and supposed that they had seen a spirit.” Luke 24:36, 37.

So, Jesus had appeared to His disciples after He had risen from the dead to live again forever.

“And he [Jesus, after He had risen from the dead, appeared to them and] said unto them [His disciples], Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts?” Luke 24:38.

“Behold my hands and my feet [which had been nailed to a cross], that it is I [Jesus] myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his [pierced] hands and his feet.” Luke 24:39, 40.

“And while they [Jesus’ disciples] yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat? And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb [as food]. And he [Jesus] took it, and did eat [food] before them.” Luke 24:41-43.

Here is the fourth incident: “Jesus shewed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias.” John 21:1. “Jesus saith unto them [His disciples], Children, have ye any meat [any food]? They answered him, No.” John 21:5.

“As soon then as they [Jesus’ disciples] were come to land [from the sea], they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread.” John 21:9.

“Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine. And none of the disciples durst [dared] ask him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord [Jesus Christ]. Jesus then cometh, and taketh bread, and giveth them, and fish likewise.” John 21:12, 13. So, Jesus ate fish and bread with His disciples.

What are the lessons we can learn from these four incidents? We see that Jesus ate fish and bread. But this is not to say that God has done away with the original diet of plant-based food for humanity. Absolutely not! Jesus simply ate the food that was available. Note too that Jesus did not unclean food.

What Not Indulging Appetite is Like

You may be asking, What does it look like when we do not indulge our appetite for food? Well, this is what we will now consider, namely, how to keep God’s commandments regarding food.

Not Controlled by Food: Enduring Hunger

Every human being should be able to say of themselves in truth, “I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry [for food], both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me [spiritually].” Philippians 4:12, 13.

“My foot hath held his steps [held to God’s words], his way have I kept, and not declined [not turned away]. Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.” Job 23:11, 12.

Here we see that God never intended that human beings should have an uncontrollable lust for food. They should all be able to endure hunger for food as necessary, for example, by delaying the eating of food for breakfast until after their morning prayer during which they have a conversation with God.

Not Controlled by Food: Selfless

We come now to a story about the prophet Elijah during a drought and resulting famine. “And the word of the LORD [God] came unto him [Elijah], saying, Arise, get thee to Zarephath, which belongeth to [the city of] Zidon, and dwell there: behold, I have commanded a widow woman there to sustain thee [with food].” 1 Kings 17:8, 9.

“So he [Elijah] arose and went to Zarephath. And when he [Elijah] came to the gate of the city, behold, the widow woman was there gathering of sticks: and he called to her, and said, Fetch me, I pray thee, a little water in a vessel, that I may drink. And as she was going to fetch it, he called to her, and said, Bring me, I pray thee, a morsel of bread [for food] in thine hand.” 1 Kings 17:10, 11.

“And she [the widow] said [to Elijah], As the LORD thy God liveth, I have not a cake [for food], but an handful of meal [flour] in a barrel, and a little oil in a cruse [in a jar]: and, behold, I am gathering two sticks, that I may go in and dress [cook] it [as food] for me and my son, that we may eat it, and die.” 1 Kings 17:12.

“And Elijah said unto her [the widow], Fear not; go and do as thou hast said: but make me thereof a little cake [for food] first, and bring it unto me, and after make for thee and for thy son. For thus saith the LORD God of Israel, The barrel of meal [flour] shall not waste [be finished], neither shall the cruse [the jar] of oil fail [be finished], until the day that the LORD [God] sendeth rain upon the earth.” 1 Kings 17:13, 14.

“And she [the widow] went and did according to the saying of Elijah: and she, and he, and her house, did eat [food] many days. And the barrel of meal [flour] wasted [finished] not, neither did the cruse [jar] of oil fail [finish], according to the word of the LORD [God], which he spake [spoke] by Elijah.” 1 Kings 17:15, 16.

Here we see that, even though the widow was hungry for food and thought she was about to die for lack of food, she was selfless. She took the very little food that she had and shared the food with the prophet Elijah. And God blessed the widow for her generosity and selflessness.

Not Controlled by Food: Steadfast to Principle

Now, holiness is agreement with God on every point and it is God who gives to sinful human beings the moral strength to keep God’s commandments, if they so choose.

So, people need not be captive to an uncontrollable lust for food for God is able to give them the moral strength such that their reason controls their appetite.

And, to demonstrate this fact, we will look at four examples of people who were not controlled by a lust for food.

The Rechabites and Food

Here is a story regarding the Rechabites in ancient Israel. “The word which came unto Jeremiah [a prophet of God] from the LORD [God] in the days of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah, saying, Go unto the house of the Rechabites, and speak unto them, and bring them into the house of the LORD [God], into one of the chambers, and give them wine to drink [for food].” Jeremiah 35:1, 2.

“And I set before the sons of the house of the Rechabites pots full of wine, and cups, and I said unto them, Drink ye wine [for food].” Jeremiah 35:5.

“But they said, We will drink no wine [for food]: for Jonadab the son of Rechab our father commanded us, saying, Ye shall drink no wine [for food], neither ye, nor your sons for ever: Neither shall ye build house, nor sow seed, nor plant vineyard, nor have any: but all your days ye shall dwell in tents; that ye may live many days in the land where ye be strangers.” Jeremiah 35:6, 7.

“Thus have we obeyed the voice of Jonadab the son of Rechab our father in all that he hath charged us, to drink no wine [for food] all our days, we, our wives, our sons, nor our daughters; Nor to build houses for us to dwell in: neither have we vineyard, nor field, nor seed: But we have dwelt in tents, and have obeyed, and done according to all that Jonadab our father commanded us.” Jeremiah 35:8-10.

Therefore, “thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Go and tell the men of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, Will ye not receive instruction to hearken to [obey] my words? saith the LORD [God].” Jeremiah 35:13.

“The words of Jonadab the son of Rechab, that he commanded his sons not to drink wine [for food], are performed; for unto this day they drink none [as food], but obey their father’s commandment: notwithstanding I have spoken unto you, rising early and speaking; but ye hearkened not unto [have not obeyed] me.” Jeremiah 35:14.

Here we see the Rechabites being steadfast to principle in not consuming wine as food among other things. By doing so, they avoided any possibility that they could intake alcoholic wine as food.

Daniel, His Three Friends, and Food

Here is a story of four Hebrews (Israelite) boys. “And the king [Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon] spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring certain of the children of Israel, and of the king’s seed, and of the princes; children in whom was no blemish, but well favoured [good looking], and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king’s palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans [the Babylonians].” Daniel 1:3, 4.

“And the king appointed them a daily provision of the king’s meat [food], and of the wine which he drank: so nourishing them [with food] three years, that at the end thereof they might stand before the king.” Daniel 1:5.

“Now among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah…But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat [food], nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.” Daniel 1:6-8.

“Then said Daniel to Melzar, whom the prince of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, Prove [Test] thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse [food as grown] to eat, and water to drink.” Daniel 1:11, 12.

“Then let our countenances [our appearance] be looked upon before thee, and the countenance [appearance] of the children that eat of the portion of the king’s meat [food]: and as thou seest, deal with thy servants.” Daniel 1:13.

“So he consented to them in this matter, and proved [tested] them ten days. And at the end of ten days their countenances [bodies] appeared fairer [healthier] and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king’s meat [food].” Daniel 1:14, 15.

“Thus Melzar took away the portion of their meat [food], and the wine that they should drink; and gave them pulse [food as grown]. As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.” Daniel 1:16, 17.

“Now at the end of the days that the king had said he should bring them in, then the prince of the eunuchs brought them [all] in before Nebuchadnezzar.” Daniel 1:18.

“And the king communed with them; and among them all was found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: therefore stood they before the king. And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king enquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm.” Daniel 1:19, 20.

Here then is clear evidence given by God that a plant-based diet is the best kind of food for human beings.

John the Baptist and Food

Let us now consider the food which John the Baptist ate. Who was John the Baptist? He was the man chosen by God from among the Jews to proclaim to the world the first coming of Christ to the earth.

“And the same John [the Baptist] had his raiment [his clothing] of camel’s hair, and a leathern girdle [a belt made of animal hide] about his loins [waist]; and his meat [food] was locusts [was peas and beans] and wild honey.” Matthew 3:4.

Note that the word locust here means “A name of several plants and trees; as a species of Melianthus, and of Ceratonia” according to Webster’s Dictionary (1828 Edition). And TheFreeDictionary.com defines locust as “Any of several trees of the pea family bearing long pods, especially the black locust, honey locust, and carob.”

Thus, John the Baptist’s diet was made up of plant-based food.

Peter and Food

We come now to a story about the apostle Peter, a specially chosen disciple of Jesus Christ.

“Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour [about noon]: And he became very hungry [for food], and would have eaten [food]: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance.” Acts 10:9, 10.

“And [Peter] saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit [tied] at the four corners, and let down to the earth: Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. And there came a voice [from heaven] to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat [as food].” Acts 10:11-13.

“But Peter said, Not so, Lord [God]; for I have never eaten [as food] any thing that is common or unclean. And the voice [from heaven] spake [spoke] unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. This was done thrice [three times]: and the vessel was received up again into heaven.” Acts 10:14-16.

“Now while Peter doubted in himself [was thoroughly perplexed] what this vision [from God about food] which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius [the Roman centurion] had made enquiry for Simon’s house, and stood before the gate, and called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there.” Acts 10:17, 18.

“While Peter thought on the vision [from God about food], the [Holy] Spirit said unto him [Peter], Behold, three men seek thee. Arise therefore, and get thee down [from the housetop], and go with them, doubting nothing [without hesitating]: for I [the Holy Spirit] have sent them.” Acts 10:19, 20.

So, Peter, having been instructed by God in the vision from God about food, went with the three men to see Cornelius, the Roman centurion, in the city of Caesarea. “And Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen [relatives] and near [close] friends.” Acts 10:24.

Cornelius told Peter that an angel had instructed Cornelius to send for Peter, and Cornelius then said to Peter, “Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee [Peter] of [by] God.” Acts 10:33.

“Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons [God does not indulge in favouritism]: But in every nation he that feareth [reverences] him [God], and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him [God].” Acts 10:3, 35.

Thus, Peter now understands the meaning of the vision about food which God had given him. In essence, God had declared some things to be unclean and, therefore, these things should not be eaten as food. But this did not mean that a person whom God had cleansed (transformed) from sinfulness to holiness should be called unclean.

“While Peter yet spake [spoke] these words, the Holy Ghost [the Holy Spirit] fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision [the Jews] which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles [non-Jews] also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost [Holy Spirit].” Acts 10:44, 45.

“For they heard them speak with tongues [speak in other languages], and magnify God. Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these [non-Jews] should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost [Holy Spirit] as well as we [the Jews]? And he [Peter] commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord [Jesus].” Acts 10:46-48.

So then, the vision about food which God gave to Peter was in no way God’s recommendation that we should eat as food the things that God had declared to be unclean. No unclean food should ever be eaten by any human being.

Not Controlled by Food: Love for Others

So far in this post, we have looked at what God says should not be eaten as food and what God say can be eaten as food. Nevertheless, there are other considerations when we choose what to eat as food. Let us now consider three situations where this applicable.

Love and What Kind of Food to Eat

Now, God says, “Him that is weak in the faith [in Christ] receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. For one believeth that he may eat all [clean] things [as food]: another, who is weak [in faith in Christ], eateth [only] herbs [only things as grown as food]. Let not him that eateth [all clean food] despise him that eateth not [all clean food]; and let not him which eateth not [all clean food] judge him that eateth [all clean food]: for God hath received him.” Romans 14:1-3.

“Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master [God] he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden [held] up: for God is able to make him stand…Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind….He that eateth [all clean food], eateth to the Lord [God], for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not [all clean food], to the Lord [God] he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.” Romans 14:4-6.

“But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought [hold in low esteem] thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ…Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock [an obstacle to an increase in faith in Christ] or an occasion to fall [into sin] in his brother’s way.” Romans 14:10-13.

Note that the issue here is not that it is acceptable to God for human beings to eat unclean things as food. Rather, the issue is concerning each individual’s conscience as to what kind of clean food is acceptable to God.

Note too that the one who is weak in faith in Christ is not necessarily eating only plant-based food because they believe this to be the best diet for human beings. They may be so cautious not to offend God that they do not even eat a wide variety of plant-based food so as to make for a healthy diet.

But the moral lesson here is that, if we love others as ourselves, we will not condemn or hold in low esteem those people whose conscience only allows them to eat what may even be a limited range of plant-based food.

Love and Unclean Food

Continuing, God speaks through the apostle Paul who said, “I [Paul] know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing [among clean food that is] unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing [among clean food] to be unclean, to him it is unclean.” Romans 14:14.

Note here that Paul cannot be saying that there is no distinction between clean food and unclean food. For God Himself has given to humanity the criteria to distinguish between clean and unclean food.

“But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat [your food], now walkest thou not charitably [you do not live according to God’s ways of love]. Destroy not him with thy meat [with your food], for whom Christ died. Let not then your good [in eating only clean food] be evil spoken of: For the kingdom of God is not meat [not food] and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost [Holy Spirit].” Romans 14:15-17.

What Paul is saying here is, Let not your weak fellow Christian (fellow disciple of Christ) be pained and trouble in conscience by seeing more experienced Christians indulging in what they consider to be sinful.

For such grief on the part of the weaker Christian may result in them turning away from the Christian faith because of the practices of stronger Christians which they regard as sinful. And, hence, they are annihilated by God because of their sins.

“For he that in these things [in not offending the weaker Christian] serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men [by humanity]. Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify [build up] another [in the Christian faith].” Romans 14:18, 19.

“For meat [food] destroy not [the Christian who is] the work of God. All things [All clean food] indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth [clean food] with offence [who in doing so commits sin]. It is good neither to eat [the] flesh [of those dead animals which are clean food], nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth [in their Christian faith], or is offended, or is made weak [in faith].” Romans 14:20, 21.

“Hast thou faith [in Christ]? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth [himself to eat as food]. And he that doubteth is damned if he eat [what he considers to be sinful], because he eateth not of faith [in Christ]: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.” Romans 14:22, 23.

In other words, understand that God knows your heart that, in accordance with your Christian faith, you eat only clean food. But do not condemn yourself by committing sin in eating clean food that will cause a weaker Christian to stumble in their faith in Christ. In love, deny yourself certain food, rather than sin against your fellow Christian.

And the weaker Christian, if they violate their conscience, by cowardly giving in to the practices of stronger Christians, and so eat as food things they consider sinful, they have committed sin.

Love and Food Sacrificed to Idols

Now, God, speaking through the apostle Paul says, “Now as touching things [food] offered unto idols [to false gods], we know that we [as Christians] all have [the] knowledge [of God]. Knowledge puffeth up [leads to pride], but charity [love] edifieth [builds up others in their Christian faith].” 1 Corinthians 8:1.

“As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols [to false gods as food], we know that an idol [a false god] is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one. For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) [according to the beliefs of those who worship false gods] But to us [as Christians] there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.” 1 Corinthians 8:4-6.

“Howbeit there is not in every man [in every person] that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol [the false god] unto this hour eat it [the food] as a thing offered unto an idol [a false god]; and their conscience being weak is defiled. But meat [food] commendeth us not [does not make us acceptable] to God: for neither, if we eat [the food sacrificed to a false god], are we the better; neither, if we eat not [the food sacrificed to a false god], are we the worse.” 1 Corinthians 8:7, 8.

“But take heed lest [to prevent that] by any means this liberty [freedom] of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak [in Christian faith]. For if any man [any person] see thee which hast [the] knowledge [of God] sit at meat [attend a function associated with a banquet of food] in the idol’s [false god’s] temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak [in Christian faith] be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols [to false gods as food]; and through thy knowledge [of God] shall the weak brother perish [be annihilated by God], for whom Christ died [to save to eternal life]?” 1 Corinthians 8:9-11.

“But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ. Wherefore, if meat [food] make my brother to offend [God], I will eat no flesh [of those dead animals which are clean food] while the world standeth, lest [in order to prevent the situation where] I make my brother to offend [God].” 1 Corinthians 8:12, 13.

Here Paul is saying that, if a fellow Christian who has a weak conscience see you as the stronger Christian eat as food those things sacrificed to false gods, they may think that you are worshipping the false god instead of worshipping the true and living God. Hence, the weaker Christian may be led away from faith in Christ and sin by being emboldened to worship false gods.

So, God says that, if you love your fellow human being, you will not sin by doing anything such as eating food sacrificed to false gods, and thereby turn people away from the true God. In love, deny yourself this food even though you know that a false god is nothing to be worshipped.

Not Controlled by Food: The Worship of God

Hear now God’s words to all Christians, “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost [Holy Spirit] which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price [by the death of Christ to save humanity to eternal lfe]: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit [in your mind], which are God’s.” 1 Corinthians 6;19, 20.

As it is, genuine Christians are accepted by God because they have allowed God to transform them from sinfulness to perfect love. Notwithstanding this, God says to all humanity, “Whether therefore ye eat [as food], or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31.

So then, God’s desire is that every human being should become a true Christian, so that God can save them to eternal life with Him. Therefore, even what we consume as food should be such that it keeps our body in the best health possible. And only plant-based food can do this.

When we do so, we are obeying the God-given physical laws of the human body as well as God’s moral law of love. And such obedience to God is the highest form of the worship of God.

Not Controlled by Food: Prayer to God

We come now to God’s words to us which says, There are those people who when “hungry [for food] and thirsty [for water], their soul fainted in them. Then they cried [prayed] unto the LORD [God] in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses.” Psalm 107:5, 6.

“Oh that men [that people] would praise the LORD [God] for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men [to humanity]! For he [God] satisfieth the longing soul [which longs for holiness], and filleth the hungry soul [the person who hungers for righteousness from God] with goodness.” Psalm 107:8, 9.

Here we see that sincere prayer to God will always be answered by God in supplying both our physical needs, such as for food, as well as our spiritual needs, so that God can save us to eternal life with Him.

Not Controlled by Food: Temperance

Now, God says to all humanity, “Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims [on earth], abstain from fleshly lusts [such as an uncontrollable lust for food], which war against the soul [against your spiritual wellbeing].” 1 Peter 2:11.

“Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you [as a genuine Christian]? If any man [any person] defile the temple of God [such as with food other than God’s original diet of plant-based food for humanity], him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are [as true Christians].” 1 Corinthians 3:16, 17.

Thus, we see that God calls upon all humanity to become true Christians.

And as Christians, therefore, “giving all diligence, add to your faith [in Christ] virtue; and to virtue [the] knowledge [of God]; and to [the] knowledge [of God] temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity [perfect love].” 2 Peter 1:5-7.

Note that it is impossible for us to be a patient person if we are not temperate in what we consume as food. And, if we do not become patient, we will never go on to have perfect love in our hearts.

“For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:8) such that you do not display God’s perfect love.

“Wherefore [Therefore] the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling [by God] and election [your choosing by God to be saved to eternal life] sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 2:10, 11.

“Wherefore [Therefore] come out from among them [from among the wicked world], and be ye separate, saith the Lord [God], and touch not the unclean…and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters [who will live with me, God, eternally], saith the Lord [God] Almighty.” 2 Corinthians 6:17, 18.

Here God cautions us to put away from us everything that defiles us both physically and spiritually if we wish to have eternal life with God.

Food and the New Earth

Finally, in this post, we look to the future eternal life with God for those who sincerely choose it.

God says, “The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid [young goat]; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling [fat fed beast] together; and a little child shall lead them.” Isaiah 11:6.

“And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.” Isaiah 11:7.

“And the sucking [nursing] child shall play on the hole of the asp [snake], and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice’ [serpent’s] den.” Isaiah 11:8.

“They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD [God], as the waters cover the sea.” Isaiah 11:9.

Here God paints a picture of the future new earth where there will be no more death, neither of human beings nor animals. For all will be peaceful and they will all eat plant-based food.

So, given this fact, those people who do not overcome their uncontrollable lust for food will have no place in the new earth or in heaven. They will be annihilated by God because of their sins.

Conclusion

Here again is our Bible quotation of focus for this post: “From whence [From where] come wars and fightings among you [among humanity]? come they not hence, even of your lusts [your desire for pleasures] that war in your members [in your physical body]?” James 4:1.

We have seen that the root cause of all wars and fights on earth is an uncontrollable lust for food.

In light of this, God says, “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man [a person], but the end thereof are the ways of [eternal] death [which is to be annihilated by God].” Proverbs 14:12.

That is, the whole human race indulges their appetite for food and this leads to every other sin. Only those people who allow God to transform them from sinfulness to perfect love have been enabled by God to overcome their perverted appetite for food. These then are the only ones who will be saved by God to eternal life with Him.

I appeal to you, Do not let an uncontrollable lust for food cause you to miss out on an eternal life of love, joy, peace, bliss with God. How can you avoid this? Here’s the spiritual journey that you need to go on.

The Bible Teaches Us How to Obtain Eternal Life from God

“In the beginning was the Word [Christ], and the Word [Christ] was with God, and the Word [Christ] was God.” John 1:1. “And the Word [Christ] was made flesh [was born as a baby boy named Jesus], and dwelt among us [human beings], (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father).” John 1:14. Thus, Christ, whose “name is called The Word of God” (Revelation 19:13) is the One who gave the whole Bible to humanity, from the Bible’s beginning to its end. Further, “God is love.” (1 John 4:8), which is to say, Christ is love.

And every one of you as a human being are to “lay apart [put away] all filthiness and superfluity [abundance] of naughtiness [of wickedness], and receive with meekness the engrafted [the implanted] word [from God, which is the Bible and], which is able to save your souls [from annihilation by God as the penalty for sin].” James 1:21. For the word of God, the Bible, being implanted in us means that “the love of God is shed abroad [is poured] in our hearts by the Holy Ghost [the Holy Spirit] which is given unto us.” Romans 5:5. So then, “love is of God; and every one [every human being] that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.” 1 John 4:7. This is known as “justification” (Romans 4:25) which is accomplished by our repentance, that is, our deep sorrow for our sins and the gift of faith from God, which when exercised to believe God’s promise of forgiveness of sins and cleansing from sin brings us the gift of love from God. Note that everyone receives the gift of faith from God but without repentance people have a superficial faith and not saving (correct) faith that takes proper hold of God’s truth by the working of the Holy Spirit.

Immediately upon our justification, God tests our character to see if we will successfully resist all temptation to sin. Our success depends on our exercising faith in Christ’s keeping power through the Holy Spirit and, hence, we become sanctified (made holy) and thus receive eternal life from God.

And this is life eternal [everlasting life], that they [as human beings] might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent [to the earth as a Deliverer from sin].” John 17:3. Thus, when the whole Bible makes our character a character of perfect love, it means that we know God and, hence, we will receive eternal life from God.

How This Blog Teaches Bible Study

My blog posts take one or more Bible verses and unpack what is often the hidden meaning in them, to help you to gain in your understanding of the Bible, and to receive insights into how to study it. For God says, “Study [the Bible] to shew [show] thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing [interpreting] the word of truth [the Bible].” 2 Timothy 2:15. There are new blog posts every two weeks on a Monday at 12:01 a.m. in timezone UTC-5 (GMT-5).

Further Reading

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