The Bible mentions food in the context of the end times, highlighting self-control and reliance on God. Today, we’ll examine what Scripture says about food and its role in the last days.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Being A Good Wife
What Does The Bible Say About Food In The Last Days
Matthew 24:12
“Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold.”
In the last days, there will be an increase in wickedness, causing a decline in love and compassion among people. This can affect the way we treat one another, including how we share and provide food for those in need.
1 Timothy 4:1-3
“The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth.”
In the last days, there will be false teachings that promote legalistic restrictions on certain foods. However, God created food to be received with thanksgiving, not to be forbidden. It is important to discern the truth and not be swayed by deceptive teachings that hinder our enjoyment and gratitude for the provision of food.
2 Timothy 3:1-5
“But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.”
In the last days, there will be a deterioration of moral values and a focus on self-gratification. People will prioritize their own desires above love for God and others. This mindset can impact how we view and handle food, leading to selfishness and disregard for the needs of others.
Luke 21:34
“Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap.”
In the last days, it is essential to guard our hearts against indulgence in excessive eating and drinking. The anxieties of life can lead us to seek comfort in food instead of finding solace in God. We must remain vigilant and sober-minded, prepared for the return of Christ.
1 Peter 5:8
“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
In the last days, we must be watchful of the enemy’s tactics, including using our relationship with food as a snare. The devil seeks to devour and destroy, and one way he may attempt this is by distorting our view of food and fostering unhealthy relationships with it. We need to be on guard and rely on God’s strength to overcome such temptations.
Romans 14:17
“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”
While food is a necessary provision, it should not be the primary focus of our lives, especially in the last days. The kingdom of God is about righteousness, peace, and joy found in the Holy Spirit. Our priorities should align with God’s kingdom and not become consumed by the pursuit of food.
John 6:35
“Then Jesus declared, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.'”
In the last days, as we face various challenges, uncertainties, and potentially limited resources, it is crucial to remember that Jesus is the ultimate source of satisfaction. He sustains us spiritually, providing the nourishment and fulfillment that our physical food cannot. By coming to Him and believing in Him, we find eternal satisfaction that surpasses any earthly need.
1 Corinthians 10:31
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
In the last days, our approach to food should be guided by the desire to bring glory to God. Whether we eat or drink, we should do so with gratitude and acknowledgment of His provision. Our choices and attitudes regarding food should reflect our commitment to honor God in all aspects of our lives.
Proverbs 23:20-21
“Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags.”
In the last days, it is important to exercise moderation and self-control when it comes to food and drink. Indulging excessively can lead to various negative consequences. By practicing discipline and temperance, we can avoid the pitfalls of gluttony and its detrimental effects on our physical, spiritual, and financial well-being.
Matthew 6:31-33
“So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
In the last days, it is crucial to trust in God’s provision and not be consumed by worries about food. Instead of anxiously pursuing earthly desires, we should prioritize seeking God’s kingdom and His righteousness. By doing so, we can have confidence that God will meet our needs according to His perfect plan and timing.
Isaiah 55:1
“Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost.”
In the last days, God extends an invitation to all who are thirsty and hungry to come to Him and be abundantly satisfied. He offers nourishment and sustenance that surpasses what the world can provide. We can find fulfillment and contentment in God’s grace and provision, even when earthly resources may be scarce.
Proverbs 16:8
“Better a little with righteousness than much gain with injustice.”
In the last days, it is essential to prioritize righteousness over material gain, even when it comes to food. It is preferable to have a modest amount of food acquired with integrity and righteousness than to possess an abundance obtained through unjust means. Our choices regarding food should be guided by our commitment to live according to God’s principles.
James 5:5
“You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter.”
In the last days, we must be cautious not to succumb to a culture of excessive luxury and self-indulgence, especially when it comes to food. Such indulgence leads to spiritual lethargy and can blind us to the realities of our eternal destiny. We should resist the temptation to prioritize temporal pleasures over spiritual matters.
Proverbs 28:7
“A discerning son heeds instruction, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father.”
In the last days, it is crucial to exercise discernment, especially in our choices of companionship. Associating with those who indulge in gluttony and unhealthy eating habits can negatively impact our own attitudes and behaviors towards food. By seeking wisdom and aligning ourselves with those who pursue godliness, we can maintain a healthy perspective on food.
Psalm 34:8
“Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.”
In the last days, as we encounter challenges and uncertainties related to food, we can find solace in knowing that the Lord is good. He is our ultimate source of satisfaction and sustenance. By seeking refuge in Him, we can experience His blessings and a deepened relationship that transcends our physical needs.
Proverbs 23:2
“Put a knife to your throat if you are given to gluttony.”
In the last days, it is crucial to exercise self-control, particularly when it comes to gluttony. Overindulging in food can have severe consequences for our health, well-being, and spiritual life. We should be vigilant in restraining our desires and aligning our eating habits with biblical principles.
Romans 14:21
“It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall.”
In the last days, we should be mindful of the impact of our choices and behaviors regarding food on others. It is important to prioritize the concerns and well-being of our fellow believers over personal preferences. Love and consideration should guide our actions, especially when it comes to potentially causing stumbling blocks for others.
Proverbs 25:16
“If you find honey, eat just enough—too much of it, and you will vomit.”
In the last days, we should approach food with moderation and balance. Just as consuming excessive honey can lead to unpleasant consequences, indulging in any type of food without restraint can harm our physical and spiritual well-being. It is essential to exercise self-control and avoid excessive consumption.
Proverbs 13:25
“The righteous eat to their hearts’ content, but the stomach of the wicked goes hungry.”
In the last days, the righteous can enjoy the abundance and provision of God’s blessings, including food. By living in alignment with God’s principles, we can experience satisfaction and contentment. However, those who walk in wickedness may find themselves lacking and unsatisfied, even in physical terms.
Genesis 9:3
“Everything that lives and moves about will be food for you. Just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you everything.”
In the last days, it is vital to acknowledge that God has provided various food sources for mankind’s sustenance. As long as we approach food with gratitude and in accordance with His instructions, we can partake in the abundance that He has given us, knowing that everything comes from His hand.
Ecclesiastes 9:7
“Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for God has already approved what you do.”
In the last days, we should approach eating and drinking with a heart full of gladness and joy. God has given us the ability to enjoy food and drink, and as long as we partake with thanksgiving and a spirit of gratitude, we can experience His approval and delight in His provision.
John 4:34
“My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.”
In the last days, it is crucial to prioritize spiritual nourishment over physical sustenance. Just as Jesus declared that His food was to do the will of the Father, our focus should be on obedience and fulfilling God’s purposes. By aligning our priorities with God’s, we can find lasting satisfaction that surpasses the temporary pleasure of earthly food.
Proverbs 30:8-9
“Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.”
In the last days, it is important to seek God’s wisdom and guidance concerning our daily provision of food. We should avoid extremes of poverty or riches, recognizing that an excessive abundance may lead to pride and a sense of self-sufficiency while scarcity may tempt us to unethical means. Trusting God for our daily bread, we can honor His name and rely on His faithfulness.