Is Smoking Weed a Sin?

or many years, marijuana has been considered a dangerous drug that could lead to addiction. Over the past decade, however, laws have reversed this "dangerous" label. So is smoking weed a sin?

Legalizing marijuana

As a result of the legalization of marijuana, we are seeing more and more people become addicted to this drug. It's not just their health that is at risk but also their relationships and finances!

In fact, there has been an increase in the potency of marijuana over time. Studies show that today's weed can be up to 30 times stronger than what people smoked back in 1970s.

Furthermore, research suggests that over 50% of regular users develop some kind of dependence on marijuana within 10 years. This means they will experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop using it (elevated heart rate; sweating; insomnia).

Do you have control?

If you're hooked on anything outside of Jesus (including weed), it means that you don't have control over your life. It's a lifelong struggle and takes willpower to stay clean. It's a daily battle and it can be hard to quit. You can't do it alone; you need help from others who understand what you're going through (like Jesus).

What is Sin?

Before we are saved, the rule of sin works through our flesh. We are slaves to sin because we do not have an answer against the works of the flesh. Thus, Satan has unlimited access to our minds, hearts and bodies.

Because Satan has dominion on the earth, the works of the flesh are all arounds us. Therefore, when we compare ourselves to others in the world, we really don't feel that bad about ourselves (to put it plainly). We compare ourselves against others and say to ourselves "well, I know I am not perfect, but I at least I am not a murderer). This is a tactic the enemy uses for us to constantly remain in an idle place ruled by the flesh.

When we make a single action of obedience and ask Jesus to save us from sin, we invite the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. The Holy Spirit convicts us of the works of flesh in our lives and separates us from the power of sin. Thus, we become dependent upon God through the Holy Spirit and no longer dependent on the works of the flesh. This is exactly what Paul eludes to in Ephesians 5:18, when he states:

"Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.."

Paul reveals to us that the place in our lives where sin has its place has not been replaced by the Holy Spirit. In essence, the void that sin created has not been filled by the Holy Spirit. Paul also teach us that we are to leave the former way of living and continue to press into our new life of freedom in the Holy Spirit.

"You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires.." (Ephesians 4:22)

“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” (1 Corinthians 6:19)

Is Smoking Weed a Sin?

With all of this being said, we can now address the pressing question. Is smoking weed a sin? Yes, it is. As a general principle, anything we go to fill solve our problems outside of Jesus will become sin in our lives. Why? Because only Jesus gives freedom, everything else will result in bondage.

The desire to smoke weed does not come from the Holy Spirit, it comes from the flesh. If you continue gratify the flesh then you bring yourself out of line with the Holy Spirit and alienate yourself from freedom in Jesus.

"For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love." (Galatians 5:13)

Live in Freedom

If you're struggling with drug addiction, please know that you are not alone. There is hope for you and your family. We can help you break free from addiction and walk in freedom today! If you would like to learn more about breaking free from addiction, read this post about to daily renew your mind in God's Word.

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