Expert: Australian International Evangelist Matthew Starrs - 6/27/2005

Question
I was raised lutheran, and turned A/G as a teen.  I am now 41.  I have been a devoted Christian my entire life.

I have been taught that some/all of the following activities are "sin."  But after reading through the bible a couple of times, I don't see it.  I see references to them, and see them as perhaps unwise or dangerous, but scripture does not appear to call any of these "sin."  Please let me know what you think?

1) Drinking (not drunkenness ... just drinking)
2) Smoking
3) Gambling
4) Masturbation
5) Foul language (not taking the Lord's name in vain, but other course language ... swear words, etc.)


Thanks,

Mike

Answer
Well Mike,
I take your point.
Unfortunately for you and I, your critics would not be likely to lend any credibility to my convictions, as these "sins" that you have listed are all sins that I have been guilty of. Some of them very recently.
I agree with your observation that the Bible does not designate these things as sin. Drinking and (to a far lesser extent) gambling, are actually advocated by the bible. Of course smoking was not known in the biblical worlds, but whether it would have been designated as sin then is highly unlikely. Masturbation is dealt with discreetly, and the offering of a turtledove is not practical these days. It is not mentioned in the New Testament. James Dobson of "Focus on the Family" fame actually advocates it for young men as a legitimate means of dealing with sexual compulsion.
I think that foul language is probably sinful. Some scriptures:
"can a stream give both salt water and sweet water?"
"Let no corrupt communication proceed from your mouth"
There's plenty more. Even so, acceptable language is socially determined. Words that we use frequently today were once repulsive, and words that we consider foul were once innocent. When I preach in different denominations there are certain words that couldn't be sinful, but would bring a reprimand if uttered in the pulpit.
The bottom line for the sinfulness for all of these things hinges on 2 considerations:
Do you believe it is sinful?
DON'T DO IT! It is sin for you.
Is it an addiction?
OVERCOME IT! Jesus shed His blood to set you free. Don't be brought into bondage by anything or anyone.
Even if it is not sin, and you are convinced it is not sin, DON'T DO IT in front of anybody that believes that it is sin. See 1 Corinthians 8. Enjoy your freedom with discretion.
Blessings!
Matthew.