“Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.” – Acts 10:15
Understanding Clean and Unclean Foods
In our exploration of what foods we should avoid, we learn about the idea of clean and unclean food from a biblical perspective. The New Testament informs us that our understanding of food is rooted in divine guidance, and God’s views can change our hearts and minds. As believers, we are encouraged to respect God’s laws and understand that through Christ, certain dietary restrictions have been lifted. In Acts, we see that God reveals to Peter that no food is impure if He made it clean. We should use discernment in our choices, seeking to honor God in our diets while being wise about what we consume.
Acts 10:15
“The voice spoke to him a second time, ‘Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.'” – Acts 10:15
1 Timothy 4:4-5
“For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.” – 1 Timothy 4:4-5
Mark 7:19
“For it doesn’t go into their heart but into their stomach, and then out of the body.” (In saying this, Jesus declared all foods clean.) – Mark 7:19
Romans 14:14
“I am convinced, being fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for that person it is unclean.” – Romans 14:14
Colossians 2:16
“Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day.” – Colossians 2:16
The Right Attitude Towards Food
As we focus on understanding what food not to eat, it’s essential that we cultivate a right attitude towards what we consume. Our attitude regarding food reflects our relationship with God. We are reminded that gluttony and unhealthy habits can lead us away from Him. As Christians, our approach to meals should be one of gratitude and moderation, acknowledging that all provision comes from God. By prioritizing health and well-being and celebrating the meals He provides, we honor God and our own bodies.
1 Corinthians 10:31
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” – 1 Corinthians 10:31
Philippians 4:5
“Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.” – Philippians 4:5
Proverbs 25:16
“If you find honey, eat just enough—too much of it, and you will vomit.” – Proverbs 25:16
1 Peter 2:1
“Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.” – 1 Peter 2:1
Proverbs 23:20-21
“Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for they are on their way to poverty, and poverty will come on them like a thief.” – Proverbs 23:20-21
Food and Spiritual Growth
Our relationship with food can also be seen as a representation of our spiritual growth. While we enjoy physical sustenance, we’re called to remember that our spiritual nourishment is even more important. Jesus teaches us that, just as physical food sustains our bodies, His words sustain our souls. This connection encourages us to seek not just the physical side of eating but to grow spiritually. When we nourish our minds and hearts on the Word of God, we develop a deeper understanding of what is beneficial, including wisdom on what foods to avoid.
Matthew 4:4
“Jesus answered, ‘It is written: Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'” – Matthew 4:4
John 6:35
“Then Jesus declared, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.'” – John 6:35
Matthew 5:6
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” – Matthew 5:6
James 1:5
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” – James 1:5
Romans 12:1
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” – Romans 12:1
Food, Fasting, and Prayer
Fasting and prayer are often essential in expressing our faith. Food plays a significant role in these practices, as withholding from eating can lead us to focus more on our relationship with God. Thru fasting, we can seek His guidance, clarity in decision-making, and spiritual growth. It’s an opportunity to practice self-control and reflect on our lives and choices, including our dietary decisions. The connection between fasting and spiritual discipline helps us understand what we should consume in both spirit and body.
Matthew 6:16-18
“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” – Matthew 6:16-18
Luke 5:33-35
“They said to him, ‘John’s disciples often fast and pray, and so do the disciples of the Pharisees, but yours go on eating and drinking.’ Jesus answered, ‘Can you make the friends of the bridegroom fast while he is with them? But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; in those days they will fast.'” – Luke 5:33-35
Acts 13:3
“So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.” – Acts 13:3
Isaiah 58:6
“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?” – Isaiah 58:6
1 Corinthians 7:5
“Do not deprive each other except perhaps by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.” – 1 Corinthians 7:5
Practicing Self-Control
In our journey with food, self-control is a vital practice that we need to cultivate. The ability to manage our cravings and choices reflects our overall character and discipline as Christians. We are constantly reminded to exhibit the fruits of the Spirit, which includes self-control. This discipline extends to our eating habits as well. By valuing our health and making intentional choices, we align our actions with our faith and vision for living joyfully in obedience to God.
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” – Galatians 5:22-23
Proverbs 25:28
“Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.” – Proverbs 25:28
1 Corinthians 9:27
“No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.” – 1 Corinthians 9:27
2 Timothy 1:7
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” – 2 Timothy 1:7
Philippians 4:13
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:13
Seeking God’s Wisdom in Our Choices
When it comes to food and what not to eat, seeking God’s wisdom is key. We can rely on the Holy Spirit to guide us in all aspects of our life, including our choices around meals. As we pray and immerse ourselves in God’s word, He grants us the discernment needed to make wise choices. This connection with God leads to clarity in understanding our lives, including what foods honor Him along our path. By inviting God into our dietary choices, we grow in faith and trust Him in all matters.
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6
James 3:17
“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” – James 3:17
1 Chronicles 16:11
“Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.” – 1 Chronicles 16:11
Isaiah 11:2
“The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord.” – Isaiah 11:2
Colossians 3:2
“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” – Colossians 3:2
Final Thoughts
As we reflect upon the topic of food not to eat according to the New Testament, we see a landscape rich with teachings on discernment, grace, and faith. God’s guidance leads us in our choices and reminds us of the importance of being mindful of not just what we eat, but also how we honor Him through our actions. We are free in Christ, yet this freedom comes with the responsibility to consider our health, our relationship with others, and our spiritual growth. Embracing a balanced outlook on food can lead us closer to God and allow us to share His message through our lifestyles.
Let us remember that food is not just sustenance for our bodies, but an opportunity for worship and gratefulness towards our Creator. With every meal and snack, we must seek wisdom, exercise self-control, and always aim to glorify God. For those wanting more inspiration on living a godly life, check out [bible verses about living a godly life](https://biblerepository.com/bible-verses-about-living-a-godly-life/) or explore miraculous moments like [Jesus feeding the 5000](https://biblerepository.com/bible-verses-about-jesus-feeding-the-5000/). May we continue to grow and learn in our faith and always choose to honor God with what we put on our plates.