Topical Bible: Going to Bars and Clubs

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The topic of going to bars and clubs is not directly addressed in the Bible, as these specific social venues did not exist in biblical times. However, principles found in Scripture can guide Christians in making decisions about participating in such environments. The Bible provides wisdom on issues related to social behavior, influence, and the pursuit of holiness, which can be applied to the modern context of bars and clubs.

Influence and Association

The Bible warns believers about the company they keep and the influence of their surroundings. In 1 Corinthians 15:33, Paul writes, "Do not be deceived: 'Bad company corrupts good character.'" This verse highlights the potential negative impact of associating with environments that may promote behavior contrary to Christian values. Bars and clubs are often associated with activities such as excessive drinking, promiscuity, and other behaviors that may not align with a Christian lifestyle.

Sobriety and Self-Control

Scripture emphasizes the importance of sobriety and self-control. Ephesians 5:18 advises, "Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit." The Bible consistently warns against drunkenness and encourages believers to maintain self-control, a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). In settings where alcohol is prevalent, such as bars and clubs, the temptation to overindulge can be significant, challenging one's ability to remain sober and self-controlled.

Holiness and Separation

Christians are called to live lives of holiness and to be set apart from worldly practices. 1 Peter 1:15-16 states, "But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'" Engaging in environments that may compromise one's commitment to holiness can be a concern for believers striving to reflect God's character in their lives.

Witness and Testimony

The Bible encourages believers to be mindful of their witness and testimony to others. Matthew 5:16 instructs, "In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Christians are called to be examples of Christ's love and righteousness. Frequenting places that may be associated with ungodly behavior could potentially harm one's witness and the perception of Christianity by others.

Discernment and Wisdom

Proverbs 4:23 advises, "Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life." This verse underscores the importance of discernment and guarding one's heart against influences that may lead away from a Christ-centered life. Believers are encouraged to seek wisdom and guidance from the Holy Spirit when making decisions about their social activities and environments.

Liberty and Responsibility

While Christians have freedom in Christ, this liberty comes with responsibility. Paul addresses this in 1 Corinthians 10:23, saying, "Everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible, but not everything is edifying." Believers are encouraged to consider whether their actions are beneficial and edifying, both for themselves and for others in the body of Christ.

In summary, while the Bible does not explicitly mention bars and clubs, it provides principles that can guide Christians in making wise decisions about their participation in such environments. These principles include being mindful of influence, maintaining sobriety, pursuing holiness, protecting one's witness, exercising discernment, and balancing liberty with responsibility.

Topical Bible Verses

1 Timothy 2:4
Who will have all men to be saved, and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
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James 2:24
You see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
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1 Timothy 5:8
But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.
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James 5:12
But above all things, my brothers, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yes be yes; and your no, no; lest you fall into condemnation.
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Library

The Arrest of the Body
... Nothing could teach Man better what is meant by his going on. ... To keep them up at
all, artificial means"dumb-bells, parallel-bars, clubs"have actually to be ...
/.../drummond/the lowell lectures on the ascent of man/chapter iii the arrest of.htm

'Over against his House'
... I desire to commend to you as going a long ... bit; another undertakes the locks, bolts,
and bars for the ... taverns, baths and wash-houses, workmen's clubs, and many ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/over against his house.htm

The Christian Service
... This is an age of clubs organized for the study of ... to find happiness arises in large
part from going wrongly about ... man or our moral nature, if it bars the way ...
/.../sell/studies in the life of the christian/study viii the christian service.htm

Moody's Stories
... and acquaintances good-bye; but I never heard of a poor backslider going down on
his ... of being anxious, and people have established "Don't Worry Clubs." But the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/moodys stories/moodys stories.htm

The Political Constitution of Egypt
... innermost recesses of the palace, all the passwords needed in going from one ... Storehouse
of Weapons" (or Armoury) were ranged thousands of clubs, maces, pikes ...
/.../chapter ithe political constitution of.htm

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty
... There was no suspension of hostilities, no going into winter quarters, but a ... trench,
close to which two detachments mounted guard, armed with clubs and naked ...
/.../chapter iiithe eighteenth theban dynasty.htm