Understanding Marijuana: A Biblical Perspective on Sobriety
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, we are diving into a hot topic that has been on many minds: marijuana. This discussion is so extensive that it will span two sermons. Recently, the FDA approved a drug containing a purified substance derived from marijuana to treat severe forms of epilepsy. This is significant because it marks the first time an FDA-approved medication includes an ingredient from marijuana. However, it's crucial to note that the FDA did not approve marijuana itself, but a purified form of it.
As a church, one of our core distinctions is racial reconciliation, and we aim to address issues that impact our community. I want to clarify that I have never used marijuana or any illegal drugs. My background includes growing up in a drug-infested neighborhood, coming from a law enforcement household, and being a trained health administrator. These experiences shape my perspective on this issue.
When interpreting issues like marijuana, we must consider God's position on sobriety and mental impairment. The Bible may not mention marijuana explicitly, but it addresses the core issue of intentional mental impairment. The primary concern is sobriety, and we can find parallel passages in the Bible that deal with similar effects, such as drunkenness.
To address any issue biblically, we can use the "IPAD" method: Identify the core issue, Place it next to a parallel passage, Answer the question from the Bible, and Determine to live out God's truth. The core issue here is not marijuana itself but the intentional impairment of the mind. We must also consider various factors when discussing the legalization of marijuana, such as God's perspective, the impact on health, and the social implications.
One argument for legalization is that it could eliminate the black market. However, this is just one factor among many. We must also consider the social impacts on family and community, overall health, education, crime, and employment. For instance, marijuana usage can negatively affect family budgets, health, and academic performance, leading to broader societal issues.
When discussing marijuana, it's essential to understand the arguments from both sides. For example, proponents argue that marijuana has medical applications and is less toxic than alcohol. However, we must also consider the potential negative impacts, such as increased usage among teens and the creation of a black market.
Ultimately, our question should be: What does the Bible say about the use of marijuana? We must address issues based on God's word rather than our emotional dispositions. The "IPAD" method helps us do this by identifying the core issue, finding parallel passages, answering from the Bible, and determining to live out God's truth.
In conclusion, the core issue is not just about marijuana but about how it affects our minds and lives. We must consider God's perspective, the social impacts, and the broader implications for our community. Let's study the "IPAD" method this week and equip ourselves to address any issue biblically.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Core Issue of Sobriety: The Bible may not explicitly mention marijuana, but it addresses the core issue of intentional mental impairment. The primary concern is sobriety, and we can find parallel passages that deal with similar effects, such as drunkenness. This helps us understand that the core issue is not the substance itself but the state of mind it induces. [01:32]
2. The IPAD Method for Biblical Interpretation: To address any issue biblically, we can use the "IPAD" method: Identify the core issue, Place it next to a parallel passage, Answer the question from the Bible, and Determine to live out God's truth. This method helps us navigate complex issues by grounding our understanding in Scripture. [20:02]
3. Social Impacts of Marijuana: Marijuana usage can negatively affect family budgets, health, and academic performance, leading to broader societal issues. For instance, it can impair mental function, which affects educational outcomes and employment opportunities. These social impacts must be considered when discussing the legalization of marijuana. [09:32]
4. Arguments for and Against Legalization: Proponents argue that marijuana has medical applications and is less toxic than alcohol. However, we must also consider the potential negative impacts, such as increased usage among teens and the creation of a black market. Understanding both sides of the argument helps us make a more informed decision. [13:29]
5. Glorifying God in Our Actions: Ultimately, our question should be: What does the Bible say about the use of marijuana? We must consider whether our actions glorify God and align with His word. This perspective helps us navigate not just the issue of marijuana but any issue we face in life. [29:44]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:32] - FDA Approval and Purified Marijuana
[02:22] - Racial Reconciliation and Personal Background
[04:00] - Law Enforcement and Health Administration Perspective
[20:02] - The IPAD Method for Biblical Interpretation
[21:28] - Core Issue: Sobriety and Mental Impairment
[22:51] - Factors in Legalization Debate
[24:02] - Consulting God in Decision Making
[25:20] - Government and Legalization
[26:49] - Federal vs. State Laws on Marijuana
[28:28] - Gateway Drugs and Escalation
[29:44] - Glorifying God in Our Actions
[31:31] - Accountability and Acceptability
[33:09] - Admirability and Community Impact
[34:34] - Broader Social Implications
[36:14] - Conclusion and Call to Study the IPAD Method
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Corinthians 10:31 - "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."
2. Ephesians 5:18 - "Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit."
3. 1 Peter 5:8 - "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does 1 Corinthians 10:31 suggest about the activities we engage in, including the use of substances like marijuana? [29:44]
2. According to Ephesians 5:18, what is the Bible's stance on drunkenness, and how might this apply to other forms of mental impairment? [20:02]
3. How does 1 Peter 5:8 emphasize the importance of sobriety in the life of a believer? [18:18]
4. What are some of the social impacts of marijuana usage mentioned in the sermon? [09:32]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the principle of doing everything for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31) influence our decisions about substance use? [29:44]
2. In what ways does Ephesians 5:18's warning against drunkenness relate to the sermon’s discussion on mental impairment from marijuana? [20:02]
3. What does it mean to be "alert and of sober mind" as instructed in 1 Peter 5:8, and how does this relate to the sermon’s core issue of sobriety? [18:18]
4. How do the social impacts of marijuana usage, such as effects on family budgets and academic performance, align with the biblical call to live responsibly and wisely? [09:32]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your daily activities. Are there any that you struggle to see as glorifying to God? How can you change your approach to these activities to better align with 1 Corinthians 10:31? [29:44]
2. Have you ever experienced or observed the negative effects of mental impairment, whether from alcohol, marijuana, or another substance? How did it impact your or others' ability to live out God's will? [20:02]
3. What steps can you take to ensure you remain "alert and of sober mind" in your daily life, as instructed in 1 Peter 5:8? [18:18]
4. Considering the social impacts of marijuana discussed in the sermon, how can you support friends or family members who might be struggling with substance use? [09:32]
5. The sermon mentioned the "IPAD" method for biblical interpretation. How can you apply this method to other complex issues you face in your life? [20:02]
6. How do you balance understanding both sides of the marijuana legalization debate while still holding firm to biblical principles? [13:29]
7. In what ways can you actively seek to glorify God in your decisions about health and wellness, including the use of substances like marijuana? [29:44]
Devotional
### 5-Day Devotional
---
Day 1: The Core Issue of Sobriety
Description:
The Bible may not explicitly mention marijuana, but it addresses the core issue of intentional mental impairment. The primary concern is sobriety, and we can find parallel passages that deal with similar effects, such as drunkenness. This helps us understand that the core issue is not the substance itself but the state of mind it induces. Sobriety is crucial because it allows us to remain vigilant and clear-minded, enabling us to make wise decisions and stay aligned with God's will.
In our daily lives, we encounter various substances and activities that can impair our mental state. Whether it's alcohol, drugs, or even excessive entertainment, anything that clouds our judgment can lead us away from God's path. Therefore, it's essential to maintain a sober mind, not just for our well-being but to fulfill our spiritual responsibilities and live a life that glorifies God. [01:32]
Bible Passage:
"Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." (1 Peter 5:8, ESV)
Reflection:
What are some activities or substances in your life that might be impairing your mental clarity? How can you take steps to maintain a sober mind and stay vigilant in your spiritual walk?
---
Day 2: The IPAD Method for Biblical Interpretation
Description:
To address any issue biblically, we can use the "IPAD" method: Identify the core issue, Place it next to a parallel passage, Answer the question from the Bible, and Determine to live out God's truth. This method helps us navigate complex issues by grounding our understanding in Scripture. By identifying the core issue, we can focus on the underlying problem rather than getting lost in the specifics. Placing it next to a parallel passage allows us to see how similar issues were addressed in the Bible.
Answering the question from the Bible ensures that our conclusions are rooted in God's word, not our opinions. Finally, determining to live out God's truth means applying what we've learned to our daily lives. This method is not just for understanding the issue of marijuana but can be applied to any moral or ethical dilemma we face. [20:02]
Bible Passage:
"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16-17, ESV)
Reflection:
Think of a current issue or dilemma you are facing. How can you apply the IPAD method to seek God's guidance and make a decision that aligns with His word?
---
Day 3: Social Impacts of Marijuana
Description:
Marijuana usage can negatively affect family budgets, health, and academic performance, leading to broader societal issues. For instance, it can impair mental function, which affects educational outcomes and employment opportunities. These social impacts must be considered when discussing the legalization of marijuana. The ripple effects of marijuana usage extend beyond the individual to the family and community, creating challenges that can hinder social and economic progress.
When we consider the broader implications, it's clear that the decision to use marijuana is not just a personal one but a communal one. As members of a community, we have a responsibility to consider how our actions affect those around us. By understanding the social impacts, we can make more informed decisions that contribute to the well-being of our families and communities. [09:32]
Bible Passage:
"Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." (Philippians 2:4, ESV)
Reflection:
How do your personal choices impact your family and community? What steps can you take to ensure that your actions contribute positively to the well-being of those around you?
---
Day 4: Arguments for and Against Legalization
Description:
Proponents argue that marijuana has medical applications and is less toxic than alcohol. However, we must also consider the potential negative impacts, such as increased usage among teens and the creation of a black market. Understanding both sides of the argument helps us make a more informed decision. It's essential to weigh the benefits and drawbacks carefully, considering not just the immediate effects but the long-term consequences as well.
By examining both sides, we can develop a balanced perspective that takes into account the complexities of the issue. This approach allows us to make decisions that are not only informed but also compassionate and just. As we navigate this debate, we must seek wisdom and discernment, asking God to guide us in making choices that honor Him and promote the common good. [13:29]
Bible Passage:
"The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps." (Proverbs 14:15, ESV)
Reflection:
What are the arguments for and against the legalization of marijuana that you find most compelling? How can you seek God's wisdom in forming your own opinion on this issue?
---
Day 5: Glorifying God in Our Actions
Description:
Ultimately, our question should be: What does the Bible say about the use of marijuana? We must consider whether our actions glorify God and align with His word. This perspective helps us navigate not just the issue of marijuana but any issue we face in life. By focusing on glorifying God, we shift our attention from our desires and preferences to His will and purpose for our lives.
Every decision we make, big or small, should be filtered through the lens of whether it brings glory to God. This approach requires us to be intentional and reflective, constantly seeking to align our actions with God's word. When we prioritize glorifying God, we find that our choices become clearer, and our lives become a testament to His grace and truth. [29:44]
Bible Passage:
"So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." (1 Corinthians 10:31, ESV)
Reflection:
In what areas of your life do you need to refocus your actions to glorify God? How can you make intentional choices today that reflect His glory and truth?
---
This 5-day devotional aims to provide a comprehensive and biblically grounded approach to understanding and addressing the issue of marijuana, as well as other complex issues we face in life. By focusing on sobriety, using the IPAD method, considering social impacts, understanding both sides of the argument, and glorifying God in our actions, we can navigate these challenges with wisdom and grace.
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Satan has, has, has made the goal to be neutrality. And the goal is not neutrality. So when you're dealing with issues, whether it's alcohol, it's same-sex marriage, it's, it's, it's unprofessional, the goal is not neutrality. That's from the devil. Because if God's goal was neutrality, he wouldn't have gave us his word that was not neutral. So God's word, God, God takes definitive positions because God's, God is not pro-neutrality. He talks about being hot and cold, talks about being black and white, talked about being saved and unsaved. He doesn't talk about this whole idea of the gray zone and neutrality." [05:20]
2. "So when it comes to issue, God's goal is not neutrality. God's goal is objectivity. And so it's impossible for you to be authentically neutral. Are we together? Because why? Because everybody in here has experiences. And so whenever you come to an issue, you bring your experiences, you bring your exposure, you bring your hurts, you bring your pains, you bring all that to bear on an issue. And to, and to, and to, and to, and to convince yourself that those things are not present, or those things don't influence you in some kind of way, is to suggest that you're not human." [06:37]
3. "So the question in any of your activities does it glorify God so when it comes to marijuana usage would you be good if Christ sat next to you so if you're at your house and you got your kids there would you be good asking God to roll a joint while you go change the baby's diaper would you be good in the corporate board room when they passing out diet coke coke fruit fruit tray would you you know what y'all ought to put some joints on that fruit tray would you be good with that all activity number two he talks about accountability do you recognize the accountability of your actions back to God so in your heart of hearts are you really good saying you know what God I know you're good with this or do you just say that see sometimes the loudest person is the most insecure person and so what happened you know what he says here he says here he says in verse 31 so whatever you eat or drink or whatever you do do all to the glory of God we have accountability back to God so at the end of the day forget your mother forget your father forget the police forget the teachers forget your peers you are you good with standing before God one day and say God I thought this activity was fine based upon your word based upon your spirit based upon your righteousness God this is good with you" [31:31]
4. "So what happens is many times people don't stop using drugs they just begin to to to boy use the drugs of choice based upon their class and what they can afford and so now I ain't got to go on the street no more and buy some old cheap marijuana I can go get some masculine I can get some um um um amphetamines I can go and get some prescription drugs and abuse those I ain't got to be no old cheap person I've I've got better resources now so I can I can I can now go and intentionally impair my mind unnecessarily with a different drug see boy discussion just not marijuana it's the gateway then lastly guys and the primary thing is the glory of God and all this stuff the real issue ought to be how does this glorify God are we tracking together" [28:28]
5. "So boy, what are the facts that need to be? Because see, sometimes if you just take one factor, so you know what, pastor, if we legalize marijuana, it'll get rid of the black market. That can be true, but that's not the only factor. That's not the only issue. So what I put together here was I put together a, um, a, um, some factors that, you know what, when you consider the legalization of marijuana without giving you a position, you're not going to get rid of the black market. You're not going to get rid of the black market. Here are some factors you want to take into account. You guys good? Number one, you got to take God into account. Hello? You got to take, you have to intentionally say, God, what is your perspective? What is your viewpoint?" [22:51]
### Quotes for Members
1. "So my goal today was kind of lay out what's the landscape what are the what are the general arguments people have for using marijuana my goal was because you know what yeah you know what pastor you know what I can't accuse you because you've never used the boy you don't understand kind of what the big scope issue is marijuana is destroying our community marijuana is destroying our kids it's destroying our families it's destroying our economy now I was meditating upon this driving that I thought about I thought about the casinos when they bring casinos and they talk about how you know what consumer we're going to tax that money but that that tax money is going to interfere with I mean but it's going to impact positively schools this then what they don't tell you are the people who end up homeless and losing their jobs who live in the local communities where casinos are and it ends up destroying the people who don't even need access to it" [34:34]
2. "So when it comes to this issue of marijuana, most of the time when people are dealing with marijuana and, and marijuana legalization, they're not primarily dealing with, they aren't primarily dealing with the issue of, okay, then what's the medical evidence? What's the overall benefit? What's the, what's the, what's the, what's the, what's the, what's the, what's the, most times people when it comes to marijuana are speaking emotionally, okay? Here is what I think about marijuana. There's, for those who use marijuana on a regular basis, they want it legalized so they don't have to go to jail for their usage. Smile at me, all right? Now here's the reality. I'm preaching on this topic because, watch this now, I was studying, I said, you know what, it was my thought, it was my impression that African Americans use marijuana more than other cultures. And so I want to go back and I want to, I want to make sure I'm statistically accurate so I went and researched it. And statistically, African Americans and Anglos use marijuana at about the same usage rate. So there's not a disparity between the number of African Americans, percent of African Americans using marijuana as percentage of Anglos who are using marijuana. They somewhere are close to one another. But then when you go and look at the arrest rates for the use of marijuana, it is disproportionate and there's great disparity among African Americans who are now in the penal system because of marijuana use as it relates to their counterparts and their usage and then them being caught up in the penal system." [08:04]
3. "So our budget don't work well because of the amount of money we are spending that's going up in smoke. Literally. Are we tracking together? To the past, did it feel good when it's going up in smoke though? All right. Um, number two is the overall health. Is marijuana really healthy for you? Number three is that, boy, um, education. So what happens is marijuana kills brain cells. We ain't got that many. It kills brain cells, the ones that we do have left. And then what ends up happening is that when people are on drugs, they are mentally impaired. When they are mentally impaired, they're not functioning at their peak intellectual potential, which now impacts them educationally, academically, which there in turn impacts their employment at some point in time. And then it indirectly impacts your ability to secure scholarships. If you can't get as good grades as you get, it also leads to crime. There are some people, who they use so much marijuana, it results in them getting caught up in a criminal system to maintain their habit. And then it also influences work and money." [09:32]
4. "So you can put hair in there, you can put alcohol there, you can put sniffing pine saw there, you can do vaporizing there. Anything that impairs the mind is a subcategory to the primary core issue of what does God say about intentionally impairing the mind. What's the core? Number two is place it next to a parallel question or parallel passage in the Bible. Guys, I promise you, when you get this down, you can do Bible study and address issues for the rest of your life. Are we tracking together? And most Christians cannot address the issues that show up in life because they don't have a... template to go and address the issue. Y'all together? I ain't mad, I'm just excited. Number one is identify the question. Number two is place it next to a parallel question or a parallel passage that directly or indirectly addresses the issue." [20:02]
5. "So what I did was I went to this um this um website that's in support of legalization of marijuana it's called leafly.com l-e-a-f-l-y.com leafly.com sets forth ten arguments why marijuana ought to be legalized so I don't want you all leaving saying well pastor you against marijuana but you don't understand the issue pastor you against marijuana but you ain't never got high it made me have a time when I was um this is about 20 something years ago and one of my frat brothers brought his brother by the by the house and so you know back then I was still witnessing people and stuff so we're talking or whatever and his brother smoked crack and so I say man why you smoke crack I mean you shouldn't smoke crack he said well I'm a christian but I still smoke crack I said man you could be more effective if you if you if you didn't smoke crack and you were a christian so the crackhead began trying to tell me that let's see man when I go in there and man I hit the pipe with him I'm good I ain't making this stuff up when I go in there pastor boy I hit the pipe with him and then I witnessed christ it gave me credibility spoken like a true crackhead right all right so anyway um so boy people have crazy arguments all right anyway here's their top 10 argument number one is the world would not collapse into chaos if people use marijuana" [13:29]
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