What Does It Mean To Abstain?
Guest post by Drew Suttles.
One of my favorite things to do as a Bible student is to do “word studies.”
It is thrilling to take a word and see where it is found in Scripture and how it is used.
In this article, I want to share with you some things I’ve learned in my personal study about the word “abstain” and why it is a word those who are striving to live for God need to know.
Merriam-Webster defines the word “abstain” as “to choose not to do or have something; to refrain deliberately and often with an effort of self-denial from an action or practice.” We learn from this definition that abstaining from something is a choice that requires discipline.
The word “abstain” is found six times in the New Testament and with the space remaining, we want to examine how it is used in four of those passages and then discuss why it is important for us.
Abstain in Acts 15:20
First, notice Acts 15:20: “but that we write to them to abstain from things polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from things strangled, and from blood.”
In the context, the “Jerusalem Council” came together (the apostles and elders) (Acts 15:6). After Peter’s passionate plea in regards to salvation being granted to the Gentiles (Acts 10-11; 15:7-11), James spoke up and emphasized the importance to writing to the Gentiles that they may be encouraged to abstain from many things.
Notice that they were to abstain from idolatry, sexual immorality, things strangled, and from blood. “Abstain” here means to “hold oneself off or refrain.” They would write this letter and add “if you keep yourselves from these (abstain), you will do well” (Acts 15:29).
Abstain in 1 Thessalonians 4:3
Second, notice 1 Thessalonians 4:3: “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality.” The apostle Paul is writing to the Christians in Thessalonica. The severity of this exhortation is that it was the “will of God” and their “sanctification.”
The word “sanctification” means “set apart for a holy use or purpose.” How would they be pleasing to God and be “set apart?” The answer: Abstaining from sexual immorality.
Here the word “abstain” is a present tense verb denoting a continuous action, i.e “keep on abstaining from sexual immorality; don’t give in!”
Abstain in 1 Thessalonians 5:22
Third, notice 1 Thessalonians 5:22: “Abstain from every form of evil.” In the same letter, Paul essentially summarizes what he has been saying to encourage them to abstain from EVERY form (or appearance) of evil.
This too is a present tense verb which requires daily discipline and a strong determination (1 Pet. 5:8-9; Jas. 4:7-8)
Abstain in 1 Peter 2:11
Fourth and finally, notice 1 Peter 2:11: “Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul.” Peter, writing to Christians who were scattered because of persecution, emphasizes the importance of keeping the soul pure.
Here, we are reminded of the spiritual warfare between the flesh and the soul; the carnal and the spiritual. Peter says to “abstain from fleshly lusts” meaning to keep on refraining from giving into fleshly desires because you can lose your soul if you don’t!
Once again, this is not easy but necessary if we want to be pleasing to God.
All of these passages emphasize that abstaining from wickedness results in the kind of self-discipline needed to attain holiness (1 Pet. 1:13-17)! While it is not easy to abstain from the “lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and the pride of life” (1 John 2:15-16), it is essential that Christians “flee from the Devil and submit to God” (Jas. 4:7-8).
May we all “abstain” from that which is evil that we may cling to that which is good to the glory of God!
Drew Suttles is a minister for the Quitman church of Christ in Quitman, Georgia. They live stream all their Bible classes and sermons on their YouTube channel.
Drew also hosts the “Weathering the Storm” podcast on the Scattered Abroad Network. Drew talks about facing life’s challenges as a child of God. His podcast will be a blessing to your life.
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