Topical Studies
What the Bible says about
Carousing
(From Forerunner Commentary)
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Luke 21:34-36
"Surfeiting" (KJV) or "carousing" (NKJV) means indulging in one's appetites excessively. It could be food or drink or many other things. This world, especially in its advertising, is pushing the overuse of our appetites all the time. We cannot turn on the television without them pushing automobiles, foods, toys, jewelry, drugs, insurance, appliances, travel, housewares, clothing, tools, movies, and other television programs. Advertisers are constantly and repetitiously urging us,"Do this." "Try this." "Use your time this way." We can feel pressured, "under the gun," stressed from resisting their products, their way of life, and their attitudes. This is the issue in the book of Hebrews. The people to whom the book was written had not given into immorality, but the author knew that sooner or later the stress of resisting would get to them. Because of the constant pressure to conform to this world, they were becoming apathetic, and apathetic people are in a kind of stupor, blind to the reality of their spiritual condition. And what is the end result? Jesus said what happens is that we forget when we are living—and the day comes upon us unawares. The thrust of Jesus' exhortation is that we should be continually expecting His return; it should always be a major part of our focus. The exhortations in Hebrews are for us to return our focus to the return of Jesus Christ and prepare ourselves for what is coming in that troubled time. We should not be allowing this world to hammer away at our minds and attitudes—taking up our lives, our time, with things that should not be our concern. Do we need some of the things that the world hits us with? Yes, we have to live. However, we need to have enough spiritual understanding not to let them wear away at us until they become a major part of our lives. Thus, Jesus is warning us not to allow ourselves to become secure and self-satisfied with this life and the good things that it furnishes—but to jolt ourselves spirituallty awake!
John W. Ritenbaugh
Hebrews: A Message for Today
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Luke 21:34-36
Christ warns His disciples, especially those at the end, that they need to take heed to themselves. We understand the spiritual danger of carousing and drunkenness, but even legitimate cares can become spiritual snares, depending on our approach. If our perceived needs revolve around material things, the Day of the Lord will come on us unexpectedly. It will be a day of darkness and not light because it will be a day of wrath on all the things that we cherish. We may find ourselves disagreeing with God's judgment and siding with the world! As part of this warning, Christ advises us to pray always. He is not saying that our every prayer should be to escape what lies ahead. Instead, it indicates that prayer is a means by which we become worthy. But we must clarify this, too, because we can pray by rote rather than desire—just punching the clock on our knees is not what makes us worthy. What makes us worthy through prayer is quality time spent with our Creator so that He changes us as we regularly come before Him. Through this relished contact, combined with plumbing the depths of His Word, we begin to think like Him, see things like Him, and live as He lives. By watching ourselves and praying, we compare ourselves with the true Standard and become aware of our spiritual needs. Then we can begin to take steps to fill them. Because only Jesus Christ can truly fill each spiritual need, we must keep returning to Him in prayer. Along these lines, we must persevere through the strength He gives and not deceive ourselves that we are already at the finish line, victorious. The verses following II Peter 3:10, where we began, reinforce these conclusions: Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless. (II Peter 3:11-14) Jesus Christ's return broadly encapsulates our great hope. But as we eagerly anticipate it, God's Word reminds us to consider ourselves in relation to what God desires of us because it is easy to make assumptions that will leave us unprepared. During our time of judgment (I Peter 4:17), God is looking for things like poverty of spirit and contrition (Psalm 34:18; 51:17). He makes note of—and protects—those “who sigh and cry over all the abominations” (Ezekiel 9:4). He is watching out for those who tremble at His Word and conduct their lives in appropriate fear of Him. He responds to those who seek Him so He can change them. He requires conduct that is holy and godly. And He delights in children who are becoming without spot and blameless through surrendering their lives to Him. The Day of the Lord will still be terrifying, but for those with such character, it will at least end in salvation and glory.
David C. Grabbe
Do You Desire the Day of the Lord?
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