Definition and Context: The term "taking drugs" generally refers to the consumption of substances that alter one's mental or physical state. In contemporary society, this can include both legal medications prescribed for health reasons and illegal substances used for recreational purposes. The Bible does not explicitly mention modern drugs, but it provides principles that can be applied to the use of mind-altering substances.

Biblical Principles:

1. Sobriety and Self-Control: The Bible emphasizes the importance of maintaining a clear mind and exercising self-control. In 1 Peter 5:8 , believers are instructed to "Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." This call to sobriety suggests that anything impairing one's mental faculties, such as drugs, should be approached with caution.

2. The Body as a Temple: Scripture teaches that the body is a temple of the Holy Spirit. In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 , Paul writes, "Do you not know that your body is a temple 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 glorify God with your body." This passage implies that actions harming the body, including drug abuse, are inconsistent with honoring God.

3. Avoiding Drunkenness: While the Bible specifically addresses drunkenness, the underlying principle can be extended to drug use. Ephesians 5:18 states, "Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit." The warning against intoxication suggests that Christians should avoid any substance that leads to a loss of control or moral compromise.

4. Influence and Witness: Believers are called to be a positive influence and a light to the world. Matthew 5:16 encourages, "In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Engaging in drug use can damage one's witness and hinder the ability to reflect Christ's character.

5. Dependence on God: The Bible encourages reliance on God rather than substances for comfort or escape. Philippians 4:6-7 advises, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." This passage suggests that believers should seek God's peace rather than turning to drugs for relief.

Historical and Cultural Considerations: In biblical times, the use of herbs and natural remedies was common for medicinal purposes. However, the recreational use of substances to alter consciousness was often associated with pagan rituals and idolatry, which were condemned in Scripture. The Greek word "pharmakeia," often translated as "sorcery" or "witchcraft," is sometimes linked to the use of potions or drugs in these contexts (Galatians 5:20).

Pastoral Care and Guidance: The church is called to offer support and guidance to those struggling with drug addiction. Galatians 6:1-2 instructs, "Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." This passage highlights the importance of community and accountability in overcoming addiction.

Conclusion: While the Bible does not directly address modern drug use, its teachings on sobriety, the sanctity of the body, and reliance on God provide a framework for understanding the issue from a biblical perspective. Believers are encouraged to seek wisdom and discernment in all matters, including the use of drugs, to live lives that honor God.1 Corinthians 6:19-20
What? know you not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which you have of God, and you are not your own?
Topicalbible.org

1 Corinthians 6:19
What? know you not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which you have of God, and you are not your own?
Topicalbible.org

2 Timothy 3:4
Traitors, heady, high minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
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1 John 2:15-17
Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
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Galatians 5:21
Contentions, murders, drunkenness, revelings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
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Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.
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Isaiah 28:7
But they also have erred through wine, and through strong drink are out of the way; the priest and the prophet have erred through strong drink, they are swallowed up of wine, they are out of the way through strong drink; they err in vision, they stumble in judgment.
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I am Thine, oh save me.
... Oh that I could forget myself!" And they try to forget themselves by dissipation,
by gaming, by drinking, by taking narcotic drugs, even sometimes by suicide ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/westminster sermons/sermon xv i.htm

Mrs. Hsi's Second Gift
... The time came when the drugs were required, and arrangements were quietly made for
the ... her mind and she decided that division of the land, each taking half the ...
/.../cable/the fulfilment of a dream of pastor hsis/chapter ix mrs hsis second.htm

Fourth Tractate. How the Secondaries Rise from the First: and on ...
... of themselves, as far as they may; fire warms, snow chills, drugs have their own ...
the product is produced as the Intellectual Act, an Act taking intellection of ...
/.../plotinus/the six enneads/fourth tractate how the secondaries.htm

Ninth Tractate. "The Reasoned Dismissal".
... " [taking something with it]. For ... sake. To call upon drugs to the release
of the Soul seems a strange way of assisting its purposes. ...
/.../plotinus/the six enneads/ninth tractate the reasoned dismissal.htm

The Illusion of the Sealed Letters; Object in Detailing These ...
... in equal parts, is superior to the rest of the drugs which I ... in this book, perceiving
the danger lest, perchance, any knavish person, taking occasion (from my ...
/.../hippolytus/the refutation of all heresies/chapter xxxiv the illusion of the.htm

System of Marcus; a Mere Impostor; his Wicked Devices Upon the ...
... And very often, taking the Cup, as if offering up the Eucharistic prayer, and ... The
drugs, however, that possess the quality of furnishing this effect we have ...
/.../hippolytus/the refutation of all heresies/chapter xxxiv system of marcus a.htm

But as Celsus Makes a Jest Also of the Serpent...
... the serpent, as counteracting the injunctions given by God to the man, taking the
narrative ... of his life; a terrible [3866] sorcerer, and dealer in drugs, and a ...
/.../origen/origen against celsus/chapter xxxix but as celsus.htm

Concerning Women who Commit Fornication, and Destroy that which ...
... that which they have conceived, or who are employed in making drugs for abortion ...
Harlots taking injurious medicines are to be subjected to penance for ten years ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/canon xxi concerning women who.htm

Care of the Speaker's Throat
... Many drugs and lozenges are positively injurious to the throat. ... by special conditions,
may make it unduly sensitive and increase the danger of taking cold when ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/kleiser/talks on talking/care of the speakers throat.htm

The Eighth Commandment
... who purloins and filches out of his master's cash, or steals his wares and drugs. ...
This is worse than taking a purse by violence, because he betrays his trust ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 8 the eighth commandment.htm

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