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What does the Bible say about foods?

A Bible Study by Adam Osborne, Jr.

Originally, only vegetables were eaten

Genesis 1:29 And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.

After the great flood, food restrictions changed

God spoke to Noah:

Genesis 9:2-5 And the fear of you and the dread of you shall be upon every beast of the earth, and upon every fowl of the air, upon all that moveth upon the earth, and upon all the fishes of the sea; into your hand are they delivered. Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things. But flesh with the life thereof, which is the blood thereof, shall ye not eat. And surely your blood of your lives will I require; at the hand of every beast will I require it, and at the hand of man; at the hand of every man’s brother will I require the life of man.

• As far as we know, up until now no meat had been eaten by man.
• Up until now, animals were not “afraid” of man, they probably walked among us.
• Now the animals feared man and became food for man.
• God prohibits the eating of “blood.” The blood is the “life” of an animal, and of man. This also prevents “cruelty” of man to animals.
• Blood was also used as “atonement” for sins. This was another reason man wasn’t to eat it.

Examples of meat eating in the Old Testament:

• Genesis 18:7-8 (KJV)And Abraham hastened into the tent unto Sarah, and said, Make ready quickly three measures of fine meal, knead it, and make cakes upon the hearth.7 And Abraham ran unto the herd, and fetch a calf tender and good, and gave it unto a young man; and he hasted to dress it. And he took butter, and milk, and the calf which he had dressed, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree, and they did eat.

• Genesis 27:3 Now therefore take, I pray thee, thy weapons, thy quiver and thy bow, and go out to the field, and take me some venison;

However, the Law of Moses has special “meat” restrictions

Here is a brief explanation of the clean and unclean animals. See Leviticus 11:1-47 (KJV)

Clean:

• Whatsoever parteth the hoof, and is clovenfooted, and cheweth the cud (cow, ox, goat, hart, roebuck, fallow deer, wild goat, pygarg, wild ox, chamois).
• Fish = whatsoever hath fins and scales in the waters, in the seas, and in the rivers.
• Birds = see the unclean listing below. All other birds were clean.
• Insects = locust, bald locust, beetle, grasshopper.

Unclean:

• Them that chew the cud, or of them that divide the hoof: as the camel, because he cheweth the cud, but divideth not the hoof
• Coney, hare, swine.
• Can not touch the carcases of the unclean animals.
• Fish = All that have not fins and scales in the seas, and in the rivers, of all that move in the waters, and of any living thing which is in the waters, they shall be an abomination unto you. Whatsoever hath no fins nor scales in the waters, that shall be an abomination unto you.
• Birds = eagle, ossifrage, ospray, vulture, kite, raven, owl, night hawk, cuckow, hawk, little owl, cormorant, great owl, swan, pelican, stork, heron, lapwing, bat, birds that walk instead of fly,
• Insects = see note above, certain insects were clean. But all other flying creeping things (insects), which have four feet were unclean.
• weasel, mouse, tortoise, ferret, chameleon, lizard, snail, mole.
• There were also restrictions of “cooking utensils” that touched unclean things.
• And if any beast, of which ye may eat, die; he that toucheth the carcase thereof shall be unclean until the even.
• Also, jews were not to eat anything that had been sacrificed to idols, anything that had died (of diseases or natural death), or died in a fight with other animals.

Laws change with the coming of Christ

When Jesus came to earth and died for our sins, he was the ultimate blood sacrifice. No longer did we need to sacrifice animals to atone for our sins. Now, all foods were to be enjoyed.

Romans 14:14-16 21 I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean. But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died. Let not then your good be evil spoken. 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.I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him unclean. But if thy brother be grieved with meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died. Let not then your good be evil spoken, good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.

• You could now eat anything, but, if what you eat offends anyone, then don’t eat it.

Luke 10:8 And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you:?

• Jesus said, eat anything that is set before you.

People will try to tell you different

1 Timothy 4:3-5(KJV) Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

• Cults and misdirected legalists might try to tell you what you can and can not eat. The above scripture clearly negates any of their arguments.

Don’t worry about your next meal

Luke 12:22-24 And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on. The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment. Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?

To God be the Glory

1 Corinthians 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

• You should always thank God for your food.

The Fear of the LORD: A Foundation for Life

A Bible Study for Leonardtown Baptist Church Men’s Ministry (March 12, 2016) by Adam Osborne, Jr.

The phrase “the fear of the LORD” appears over 300 times in the Bible. When you encounter this phrase, what comes to mind?

Often, the word “fear” evokes feelings of terror, anxiety, and agitation in the face of danger, evil, or pain. Webster’s Dictionary defines fear as “a feeling of anxiety and agitation produced by the presence or nearness of danger, evil, pain, etc.” This modern understanding of fear often aligns with the dread of the unknown, such as encountering a snake, visiting the doctor or dentist, or facing extreme peril.

However, in biblical usage, particularly in the context of “the fear of the LORD,” the meaning extends beyond mere terror. While some modern interpretations suggest replacing “fear” with terms like “reverence,” “awe,” or “great respect,” a closer look at the Strong’s Concordance definitions indicates that “fear” can be a more accurate translation. It’s important to note that I am not an expert in the original languages of the Bible (Hebrew, Greek, and Latin).

Many biblical commentaries conclude that “the fear of the LORD” signifies a profound reverence and respect for God, a literal awe and humility in His presence.

So, what does this look like in our daily lives? How does someone who truly fears the Lord live? How can we discern if we or others are correctly understanding and living out these scriptures?

When we genuinely fear the Lord, we recognize fundamental truths:

• He is the Creator, and we are His creation.
• He is the Master, and we are His servants.
• He is the Father, and we are His children.

This understanding cultivates a deep respect for God, His Word, and a sincere desire to obey His commands found in the Bible.

We can understand this kind of fear by analogy to a child’s relationship with loving parents. A child with a healthy fear understands that disobedience can bring consequences. Yet, more profoundly, this fear is rooted in the love and respect for their parents, a desire not to cause them pain.

Ultimately, the fear of the LORD can be defined as a deep-seated reverence for God that motivates individuals to please Him above all else.

Oswald Chambers insightfully stated, “The remarkable thing about fearing God is that, when you fear God, you fear nothing else; whereas, if you do not fear God, you fear everything else.”

Eight Dividends of the Fear of the LORD

Numerous biblical books highlight the benefits that result from fearing the Lord. When we cultivate this fear, certain truths will become evident in our lives:

#1 – The Beginning of Wisdom and Knowledge

• Proverbs 1:7: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

• Proverbs 9:10: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.”

  The most foundational step in the pursuit of true wisdom is the fear of the Lord. This genuine fear arises from recognizing God’s infinite power, majesty, and goodness. Before spiritual growth can occur, one must first learn to fear Him.

#2 – Motivation for Holiness

• Proverbs 3:7: “Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil.”

• Proverbs 16:6: “By steadfast love and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the LORD one turns away from evil.”  

• 2 Corinthians 7:1: “Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God.”  

  The fear of the Lord promotes holy living. Someone who truly reverences and respects the Lord will avoid actions that bring disgrace, dishonor, or pain to His heart. A genuine fear of the Lord compels people to flee from evil; the prospect of causing the Lord pain becomes unbearable.  

  Job serves as a powerful example of the fruit of fearing the Lord:

• Job 1:8: “And the LORD said to Satan, ‘Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?'”  

#3 – Prolonging Life

• Proverbs 10:27: “The fear of the LORD prolongs life, but the years of the wicked will be shortened.”

  While this isn’t an absolute guarantee against life’s unexpected events, generally, those who live in the fear of the Lord are more likely to live longer, healthier lives than those who prioritize worldly and fleshly desires.

#4 – Producing a Sense of Security

• Proverbs 14:26: “In the fear of the LORD there is strong confidence, and his children will have a refuge.”

• Romans 8:31: “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?”

  When we walk in the fear of the Lord, we can have confidence that God is on our side. Those who live according to His Word and in reverence of Him experience fewer feelings of insecurity, abandonment, and fear. Doubt about salvation diminishes, replaced by a strong sense of security and close fellowship with the Father – a truly blessed benefit.

#5 – Producing Life (Spiritual Vitality)

• Proverbs 14:27: “The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death.”

  Walking in the fear of the Lord strengthens us spiritually, providing a continuous source of spiritual vitality and strength. This empowers Christians to live more purely and intimately with God, thus avoiding the temptations and traps of the devil.

#6 – Making All of Life Better

• Proverbs 15:16: “Better is a little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble with it.”

  This verse teaches that having limited resources while living in God’s will is far better than possessing abundance accompanied by trouble. When we are aligned with the Lord’s will and walk in His fear, our care becomes His responsibility (Matthew 6:25-33; Philippians 4:19). A life saturated with material possessions can often be a life filled with anxieties.

#7 – Producing Satisfaction and Safety

• Proverbs 19:23: “The fear of the LORD leads to life, and whoever has it rests satisfied; he will not be visited by harm.”

• Proverbs 14:26: “In the fear [Strong’s #3374] of the LORD there is strong confidence, and his children will have a refuge.”

  A person who lives in the fear of God will experience true satisfaction. Their primary goal is to please the Lord, and in pursuing this, their needs are met, leading to genuine happiness. Seeking happiness in material possessions will always leave us wanting more. Learning to be content in the Lord and the privilege of walking in His fear brings lasting satisfaction. Ultimately, the smile of God becomes the most significant thing in our lives.

  Someone walking in genuine fear of the Lord has no need to fear hell or many of the anxieties that plague the world. Their reverence for God brings His favor and protection into their lives, as seen in Job’s example:

• Job 1:10: “Have you not put a hedge around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land.”  

#8 – Bringing Great Blessings

• Proverbs 22:4: “The reward for humility and fear of the LORD is riches and honor and life.”

In Summary, “the fear of the LORD” refers to a profound reverence, respect, and awe for God that shapes our understanding of His nature and our relationship with Him. This fear motivates us to live in obedience, holiness, and trust, resulting in numerous spiritual and practical benefits in our lives.

Last edited 2025.04.21

A Bible Study by Adam Osborne, Jr. However, I did not create this from scratch. I believe this is an outline from a sermon I heard preached by pastor Greg Wrigley, DD, while he was pastor at Orange Avenue Baptist Church in Green Cove Springs, FL. The sermon was preached in the early 1990’s; exact date unknown.

Division in the Church is Sinful:

1 Corinthians 1:10-13; Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.[11]For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.[12]Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.[13]Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?

• contentions = problems, divisions, altercations

Paul is asking them to have unity and brotherly love and reprimands them for their divisions.? People broke into different sections, different teaching, different factions. Paul is reminding them that Christ is not divided, there is only one true Christ,,, do not follow Paul, or Cephas, or Apollos. Follow only Christ.

Rom 12:16 Be of the same mind one toward another.

Rom 15:5 Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:

II Corin 13:11 Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.

1 Peter 3:8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:

John 17:20-21 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; [21] That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.

Christ and the Church have only one body

Ephesians 4:4  There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
Ephesians 1:22-23  And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, [23] Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

• God gave us Jesus to be the Head of all things. Jesus was a gift to the Church. The Church has an all powerful leader who can rule. As Christ’s body, the Church must be ONE, not many.

I Corinthians 12:13  For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

To support a false teacher is sinful

II John 1:10-11, If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: [11] For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.

• If you support evil or false doctrine, then you yourself are sinning also.? Anyone or anything that doesn’t support Jesus Christ and the “One” unity concept is sinful.

Isaiah 5:20; Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
Proverbs 17:15 He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the LORD.
Be careful who you ridicule or condemn! If you are condemning a true Christian person you are committing an abomination before the Lord.

A Bible Study by Adam Osborne, Jr.

All scripture is inspired by God!

II Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

Mankind doesn’t understand

Proverbs 14:12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

The bible is the only way to know what is right or wrong. Man can try to think of how he should behave but he can not know the mind of God. He will try to understand how to get to heaven or how to live a good life, but unless he knows the teachings of the bible, he will not get it right.

How many times have you heard someone say, “Well, I believe this” or “I believe that?” Well, like the scripture says, your own thoughts will not lead to salvation and will lead to death. So many people today are risking their eternal salvation on their own thoughts, which won’t do them any good. They need to know God’s thoughts, that’s why GOD had the bible written through his divinely inspired writers.

Don’t add anything to God’s words!

Deuteronomy 18:20 But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die.

Be careful what you say. Sunday school teachers, be careful what you teach. If you aren’t sure, confess that you don’t know and find out the truth.

Revelation 22:18-19 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: 19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

This applies to anyone……teachers, preachers, bible students, etc..

Deuteronomy 4:2 Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish aught from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.

Galatians 1:8-9 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.

This scripture relates to false prophets, cults, etc. They may think that they are fooling people here on earth today, but judgment day is coming for them!

Proverbs 30:5-6 Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. 6 Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.

Everything that is in the bible is correct and pure. Not just some of it. We might think we find inconsistencies, but that is not the case. We don’t understand, we might think we know it all, but we don’t.

The Holy Spirit’s role in biblical teaching

John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come.

An Instruction Booklet for today’s world

II Peter 1:3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

Everything you wanted to know about living is in the bible. You need to know nothing else when it comes to life and godliness.

Matthew 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

Jot = the smallest character in the Hebrew alphabet.

The bible is the ultimate authority concerning God, life, decisions, neighbors, love, and marriage. Anything and everything concerning life’s daily routines is outlines. The ultimate knowledge book.