Josh 15-17 1 Cor 8

Food requirements were an established part of the culture of the Israelites however the power of these requirements had become disproportionate and a millstone around the necks of the people. Jesus pointed out that it's not food that makes a person unclean but the attitude of the heart. Peter received a vision which emphasized this (Acts 10 :9). The problem manifests itself when we make food to be an idol and we become subject to it, as in gluttony or spiritualize the use of food. Giving thanks to God for the provision of food is our appropriate response to this. Food also can become a problem when it governs our lives which is one reason why fasting is appropriate when focusing in on an issue before the Lord. Likewise, if alcohol is a problem to believers then we should all entirely avoid it.