1 Timothy 4

We get a big time warning right out of the gate here in chapter 4 of 1 Timothy. A warning about Christians confusing spiritism with spirituality and abstenance or self denial a means to godliness leading to a departure from the faith by these Christians.  My friends depriving yourself will never be a means to spiritual maturity, yet we see this kind of stuff going on all the time. If that bowl of ice cream or that ribeye steak wrapped in bacon is received with thanksgiving it becomes an act of worship. Do not think that you can make yourself more spiritual or holy by self deprivation. It is God who makes you and I holy. Not going to the gym or eating only meat and veggies. Though these things have some value as stated in verse 8 it is more important to train ourselves for Godliness vs7. 

There was a pope that died and went to heaven and he checked in with the angel at the front desk, then proceeded to go into the library and study all the books. Then the angel heard this loud scream. When he found the pope and asked him what was wrong he exclaimed "it's an R, it's an R, it's says celebrate." 

Pastor Patrick