Christian Abstinence
J. Blackburn. Romans 14:21 It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby your brother stumbles, or is offended, or is made weak. I. THE GENERAL PRINCIPLE OF OUR TEXT is that it is the duty of every Christian scrupulously to avoid all those things which have a tendency to lead others to sin. This principle I would seek to maintain because — 1. Its philosophy is sound. Mankind are imitative animals. What others do, rather than what God says, is the constant inquiry. This gives to example its mighty influence. It is surely most rational that Christians, who possess powerful influence by their example, should inquire, whether in their meats or their drinks, their dress or their manners, they are likely to lead others to evil. 2. Its philanthropy is obvious. Cain proudly asked, "Am I my brother's keeper?" and betrayed the apathy of his murderous heart when he asked the question. We are taught to love our neighbour. And how can I do that better than by scrupulously avoiding everything which has a tendency to lead my friend, the members of my family, to sin. 3. Its piety is unquestionable. The whole life of the Son of God was an exemplification of the principle before us. II. THE PECULIAR APPLICATION OF THIS PRINCIPLE TO THE PRESENT SUBJECT. We ask you to abstain — 1. Not from wholesome food, but from poisonous drink. St. Paul laid it down as an axiom, that the Christian disciple should forego that which was healthful, and pleasant, for the sake of his weak brethren; but we ask you to give up that which is baneful, for which you can say nothing but that it affords you a temporary gratification, and may lead on to habits that may corrupt the mind and destroy the body. 2. Not from that which may trouble a tender conscience, but from that which will debase moral character. The Jewish converts were scrupulous concerning the use of certain meats and drinks, and lest they should be tempted to eat, and thus bring guilt on their conscience, the apostle persuades them, out of kindness to their brethren, to abstain. But we are asking you to regard moral character, for you are likely by moderate use of ardent spirits to form the habit that pollutes the soul of man. 3. From that which, if innocent to yourselves, may be ruinous to others. As the Gentiles could eat and drink with a safe conscience, so you may use ardent spirits so diluted and so seldom, that you may escape the mischief; but what about others — your children and servants, e.g.?Conclusion: To strengthen the argument I appeal to you — 1. On behalf of yourselves. 2. For the sake of your country. Drunkenness is the source of disease, poverty, and immorality. 3. For the sake of our Churches. Many strong men have been wounded by the hateful practice. 4. For the sake of missions. The use of ardent spirits has been a fearful hindrance. (J. Blackburn.) Parallel Verses KJV: It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak. WEB: It is good to not eat meat, drink wine, nor do anything by which your brother stumbles, is offended, or is made weak.