Category: Drinking

The Bible condemns the recreational use of alcohol, even in moderation. The only reasonable and honest conclusion that can be drawn from 1 Timothy 5:23 is that it is proper for a Christian to use a small quantity of wine for medicinal purposes. However, one must acknowledge the fact that the Bible uses the word “wine” in a generic manner, often referring to unfermented grape juice, which was the preferred remedy for stomach disorders during the first century. This text also indicates that Timothy did not drink any wine, which argues strongly in favor of the early church practicing abstinence when it came to the consumption of alcohol.

Some Christians argue for drinking short of drunkenness. Wisdom from the Holy Spirit would turn you away from drinking altogether.

It is neither our privilege nor right to draw arbitrary lines for others, in the absence of a sure edict from God. When God has drawn lines, however, we ought to observe them and uphold them and make them pleasant, for they are not burdensome compared to the weight of the cross upon our Lord’s back (Romans 7:22, 1 John 5:3).

There is no question but that alcohol is one of the foremost factors in the destruction of the society, the family, human lives, and many other precious things. Alcohol kills, maims, and destroys the lives of millions of people yearly around the world. It is odd, then, that so many people, including those whose lives have been ruined by alcohol, still work hard to support alcohol. The Bible has much to say about alcohol, and Christians should be familiar with God’s truth on drinking.

Christians must serve as “lights” in rejecting the use of intoxicants at any level amidst a world of darkened users. We cannot compromise and begin to justify “just a little” drinking. If we do, our potos may easily become komos, our komos may progress further to methe and our methe may eventually end in oinophlugia. However, even if it does not, we are still involved in sin which condemns the soul with our first step in the process. Be not deceived!

The Bible tells us of the sad effects of drunkenness and how to avoid it. Don’t even start down the road to drunkenness (Ephesians 5:18). Abstain from drinking parties, for they lead to, and accompany drunkenness (1 Peter 4:3); Maintain a sober vigilant mind so the Devil cannot devour you when your resistance is low (1 Peter 5:8); And be protective of your example so that no action of yours leads another to sin (Romans 14:23). By not drinking alcoholic beverages, you will take the wise step in meeting these demands of God.

Ignorance is destructive to the child of God (Hos. 4:6; Isa. 5:13). If we are not armed with God’s word, we cannot fight the battle against Satan and his agents (Eph. 6:10-17). Therefore, let us be diligent in our studies. Let those of us who are blessed to preach regularly, teach our brethren the false claims of denominational error (exposing it in the light, Eph. 5:11-13), so they may know the difference between it and God’s truth. Let us show them the distinction between what some of our own brethren advocate and what the Bible actually says. Don’t be deceived!

Are we living for God as we ought? Do we appreciate what God has said about these moral issues that come up from day to day? Yes, the Bible is a relevant book, and yes, God’s word has meaning for us today. Woe to anyone who thinks otherwise! Regardless of how “foolish” men think it is, it is our responsibility to preach and promote God’s word to a lost and dying world.