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"For every creature of God is good..."

Text: 1 Timothy 4:4

AN ENLIGHTENED APPROACH

We have an interesting text here that reveals to us that the apostle Paul had a very enlightened approach to food and its consumption.

“For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be
refused if it is received with thanksgiving; for it is
sanctified by the word of God and prayer.”

1 Timothy 4:4-5

1. “For every creature of God is good”

a) This is certainly true.

b) We are reminded of how the Lord taught the apostle Peter about how he should perceive food.

i) God had cleansed.

ii) Nothing was “unclean” (Acts 10).

2. “And nothing is to be refused”

a) No dietary law could be imposed from the Biblical standpoint.

b) The individual may choose what he likes to eat.

3. “If it is received with thanksgiving”

a) This is where we trace the roots of “saying grace”.

b) We are to receive food with thanksgiving in our heart.

4. “It is sanctified”

a) Literally it means “to make holy”.

b) The food has been blessed and it is now considered “sanctified”.

i) It is consecrated.

ii) It is considered fit for consumption.

5. How may the food be seen as “sanctified?”

a) It has been sanctified by the Lord.

b) The word of God declares the food sanctified.

c) Prayer makes the sanctification process complete.

A WORD OF WISDOM

While we may eat of any kind of food, we must exercise wisdom and graciousness. We need to be sensitive to the fact that some may have more sensitive consciences! It is good to consider how others feel, even if we know this wonderful truth!