1 Timothy 4:3 – Afraid or thankful

… Preventing to marry, abstaining from foods, which God creates to be partaken of with thanksgiving by those who believe and realize the truth.

Paul accurately predicts the direction in which Christianity would develop in later times. Within a few centuries, obligatory celibacy (“preventing marriage”) as well as obligatory fasting (“abstinence from food”) would enter official Christianity. These ecclesiastical decisions did not come as a bolt from the blue because the road was doctrinally paved for them.

The downward trend began with the abandonment of Paul’s teaching and thus of “sound doctrine.” By taking that turn the door was opened to all possible wind of teaching. One of those teachings was the idea that human nature as well as “the flesh” (read: the body) were (in themselves) sinful. With that teaching people were made afraid of what GOD created for them to enjoy. He made man male and female and created them so that they would be naturally attracted to each other. He has made no force in nature as strong as the urge to procreate. That is not a necessary evil or sin, but Divine design. Not something to be afraid of, but to receive with gratitude!

Delen: