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Why did Paul teach against asceticism? What danger(s) did he see in it?
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People who do these practices are creating an environment where they are focusing on works to gain approval of God instead of focusing on the gift that God has given them for salvation. Asceticism is adding to the gospel message.
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We do not need to deny any physical pleasure as long as it is achieved according to how Christians should. It does not lead to true spirituality.
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He taught against asceticism because the false teaching could lead people astray from true spiritual behavior.
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Evidently there were people who were probably influenced by Greek philosophy that were teaching that to deny our fleshly desires, whether they were food, sex ot anything else, would make us more spiritual. Paul teaches that that is wrong because it can make some people think that if they can do that they are better than others.
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But godliness with contentment is great gain, 7 for we brought nothing into the world, and3 we cannot take anything out of the world. 8 But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.