You can't always determine whether some habit or activity is a sin per se, but anything not mentioned specifically or implied in Scripture is not sin and we shouldn't get a guilt complex--Satan likes to accuse and condemn, but the Holy Spirit demonstrates an open-and-shut case without a doubt and there "is no condemnation for those who in Christ Jesus" according to Romans 8:1. What is the nature of sin, but to be a violation of the nature of God--sin cannot coexist with the divine nature of God in His holiness, just like matter and antimatter.
Sin estranges us from God (one need only read Isa. 59:2 says, "But your iniquities have separated between you and your God...." Alienation of affection or a broken relationship is the idea--we can't get along or agree with others about it and make enemies. We are God's enemies as sinners! Sin also enslaves us because we are the servant and slave of sin before we get set free in Christ (cf. Rom. 6:14, "For sin shall have no dominion over you..., and "If the Son shall set you free, you shall be free indeed," says John 8:36).
We are dead to sin as believers and under the Law of Moses (any thought, word, action, omission, or desire contrary to the Law is a sin). The Law has lost power to condemn and judge us as believers--we are no longer "under the Law" according to Romans 6:14. Does this activity enslave us, do we control it or does it control us? Moderation is the key, anything in excess might be a sin or going overboard (C. H. Spurgeon was asked when he'd give up smoking: He replied, "When it becomes a problem!"). Idolatry is one of the essences of sin and putting anything in the place of God or making a god out of it is sinful--the key is to keep God in His rightful place in our lives and always first and foremost in priority--not just important, but first place.
It is not our job to convict our brother of his sins, but it is the sole role of the Holy Spirit. The preacher is not to get personal or use someone as an example without their permission if he is a member of the church. Some people may say that smoking is not a sin, but it certainly estranges us and enslaves us just like a vice or sinful habit would, but I am not on a crusade against smokers, who may be trying to quit and are aware of their shortcomings and failures. Something may be sin to one person and not to another: "For whatever is not of faith is sin," says Rom. 14:23 and James 4:17l says, "If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn't do it., it is sin for them." These verses imply a conscience, though not explicitly stated.
The only sin against the body is adultery according to Paul in 1 Cor. 6:18. Therefore to say that smoking is a sin because it's bad for you is fallacious reasoning, and one could go on to say that meat is a sin because it causes heart problems due to its cholesterol, or being out of shape and not exercising is a sin because we should glorify God in our bodies. Soli Deo Gloria!
Sin estranges us from God (one need only read Isa. 59:2 says, "But your iniquities have separated between you and your God...." Alienation of affection or a broken relationship is the idea--we can't get along or agree with others about it and make enemies. We are God's enemies as sinners! Sin also enslaves us because we are the servant and slave of sin before we get set free in Christ (cf. Rom. 6:14, "For sin shall have no dominion over you..., and "If the Son shall set you free, you shall be free indeed," says John 8:36).
We are dead to sin as believers and under the Law of Moses (any thought, word, action, omission, or desire contrary to the Law is a sin). The Law has lost power to condemn and judge us as believers--we are no longer "under the Law" according to Romans 6:14. Does this activity enslave us, do we control it or does it control us? Moderation is the key, anything in excess might be a sin or going overboard (C. H. Spurgeon was asked when he'd give up smoking: He replied, "When it becomes a problem!"). Idolatry is one of the essences of sin and putting anything in the place of God or making a god out of it is sinful--the key is to keep God in His rightful place in our lives and always first and foremost in priority--not just important, but first place.
It is not our job to convict our brother of his sins, but it is the sole role of the Holy Spirit. The preacher is not to get personal or use someone as an example without their permission if he is a member of the church. Some people may say that smoking is not a sin, but it certainly estranges us and enslaves us just like a vice or sinful habit would, but I am not on a crusade against smokers, who may be trying to quit and are aware of their shortcomings and failures. Something may be sin to one person and not to another: "For whatever is not of faith is sin," says Rom. 14:23 and James 4:17l says, "If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn't do it., it is sin for them." These verses imply a conscience, though not explicitly stated.
The only sin against the body is adultery according to Paul in 1 Cor. 6:18. Therefore to say that smoking is a sin because it's bad for you is fallacious reasoning, and one could go on to say that meat is a sin because it causes heart problems due to its cholesterol, or being out of shape and not exercising is a sin because we should glorify God in our bodies. Soli Deo Gloria!
I believe we are stewards of our God-given bodies and shouldn't either neglect them, nor idolize them to extreme value. Exercise has some value, but it doesn't make one more spiritual--abstinence likewise. Asceticism is a fault, not a virtue. Self-control and moderation are the key.
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