Are there biblical guidelines that may help Christians decide whether or not recreational marijuana usage should be practiced by followers of Jesus?
Talking Points:
- God giving us “every seed-bearing plant” for consumption is not talking about recreational drug use, but about food. Genesis 1:29
- Marijuana use primes the brain to desire more drugs, but this does not guarantee that marijuana use is necessarily a “gateway” into harder drugs.
- Alcohol is the lense the Bible uses for talking about substance abuse and recreational drug use because it was so readily available in ancient times. Ephesians 5:18
- Christians should do all things to the glory of God. This means having an attitude characterized by a desire to honor God and help others pursue him. Colossians 3:17
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Have you ever known someone who does or did use a lot of recreational marijuana? What is that person doing these days?
- Do you think marijuana is a “gateway drug?” Why or why not?
- What things in your life might tempt you to be “escapist?” What are the goods and bads of “escaping?”
- “Legality does not equal morality.” Explain why you agree or disagree with this statement.
- Is drinking alcohol the same as using marijuana recreationally? Why or why not?
- In one scripture, Paul encourages alcohol consumption (1 Timothy 5:23) and in another condemns drunkenness/”dissipation” (Ephesians 5:18). What does this teach us about alcohol consumption versus consumption of other drugs?
- Have you ever known someone whose life has been destroyed by an addiction of any kind? Share the story as you are comfortable.
- Read 1 Corinthians 10:31 and Colossians 3:17. Is it possible to use marijuana recreationally “to the glory of God?” Explain.
- Are you tempted toward “dissipation?” In what ways? How can you avoid being overcome with dissipation?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
