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NASB | Hebrews 13:17 ¶ Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Hebrews 13:17 ¶ Obey your [spiritual] leaders and submit to them [recognizing their authority over you], for they are keeping watch over your souls and continually guarding your spiritual welfare as those who will give an account [of their stewardship of you]. Let them do this with joy and not with grief and groans, for this would be of no benefit to you. |
Subject: Why is marijuana use prohibited? |
Bible Note: Dear jini, I'm going to repost what I've already responded to in regards to this question. Your argument is noted. However, in my estimation it's a smoke-screen to justify un-godly conduct (pun intended). Galatians 6 speaks to our focus and the results of our reaping. I speak from extensive personal knowledge and experience. Prior to my coming to the Lord in 1985, I had been a heavy user of marijuana and other substances. Let me offer 3 brief points in comment: 1. This appears to be a Libertarian issue. I'm very familiar with their position on a number of issues and endorse most of their Political/Economical views. However, I would take strong exception to their stance on most social issues, such as this because I feel they take personal freedom beyond Biblical injunctions; 2. Marijuana and other such controlled substances are ILLEGAL! Do we advocate that a "Christian" knowingly and willingly break the law? I think not. Christ spoke to this matter in general in Matt. 22:21. How do we reconcile breaking the law with Pauls' admonition in Titus 2;6-7, "to be sober minded?" (See also Tit. 3:3,..."serving various lusts and pleasures..."); 3. I had a brother in the Lord ask me this past year,'what legalizing marijuana had to do with being a Christian?' I challenged him to provide me with any scriptural support or basis to his arguement. He never answered back. My question would be this: Where do we find Biblical admonition to smoke pot? We can't appeal to this based upon the silence of scripture. However, here's what we do know. Paul in 1 Cor.6 and 10 says, "All things are lawful for me, but not all things are not helpful (profitable)... I don't know how being "stoned" would be profitable or for that matter edifying! Further, in Gal.5:13 we have the practice of liberty with parameters,..."do not use liberty as an opportunity for THE FLESH, but through love serve one another." If marijuana is not a desire of the flesh I don't know what is. Lastly, how would Pauls' imperative in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 be viewed? How would my getting high "glorify God in my body?" It is nonsense in my humble opinion to endorse this type of position if one is truly a Christian. Where do you draw the line otherwise? Speaking the Truth In Love, |