Scripture certainly speaks negatively about alcohol. The spread of the Gospel is more important. Every Saturday night (virtually), some of those guys who were in there to be set free from their addiction to alcohol would show up, and they would come forward for prayer. Defining drunkenness, on the other hand, is not as simple. Genesis 14:18-20; Deut 14:26; Isaiah 25:6; Mark 14:23-25; John 2:1-11, We also find alcohol used positively in celebrations in the Scriptures. If you are a teacher, teach well. For example, according to some research, a male weighing 200 lbs. Thus for churches to use grape juice instead of wine, is to destroy the imagery of the . I am just explaining where I am coming from. Name any affliction that is upon you: there is a sea of mercy to swallow it up. The laborer deserves his wages including those who labor in preaching and teaching. But in moderation, it is encouraged. The alcohol in the Bible did not have a lower alcohol content. 2007-2023Ray Fowler .org Do not by your eating destroy your brother for whom Christ died. -I will make your name great. We should not judge those with different convictions Like the one we are asking, is drinking a sin? It's clear that drinking is not a sin; otherwise, Jesus would not have done it. "I want to let love be the guide, and love inclines me away from alcohol in our day.". And let me end by just saying I do not condemn those who make other choices. However, Scriptures overwhelming testimony is that drinking alcohol can be spiritually dangerous. For example, in Psalm 104:14-15, states, "He makes grass grow for the cattle, and plants for people to cultivatebringing forth food from the earth: wine that gladdens . Here is what God promised to do. What does the Bible say about drinking? The Bible is ambivalent towards alcohol, considering it both a blessing from God that brings merriment and a potential danger that can be unwisely and sinfully abused. Drinking alcohol without celebrating the Cross and Kingdom is theologically anemic. Thus Noahwho his father Lamech prophesied would bring "comfort" from work and toilplanted a vineyard and drank wine after the flood (Genesis 5:29; 9:20-21). *The Heart of Addiction: A Biblical Perspective by Mark E. Shaw The Psalmist says that in addition to the many earthly blessings God bestows, the Lord gives wine to gladden the heart of man (Psalm 104:15). Since then, Ive had to adjust my thinking on alcohol to align with Scripture. Brandon is the Associate Pastor of The Journey Church in Lebanon, TN and leads the TJC RE:GENERATION ministry for the church. We can call them: 1) prohibition, 2) abstention, and 3) moderation. It is especially important that teens stay away from alcohol. We might have the freedom to do something, but that doesnt always make it the best thing for us to do. Answer Scripture has much to say regarding the drinking of alcohol ( Leviticus 10:9; Numbers 6:3; Deuteronomy 29:6; Judges 13:4, 7, 14; Proverbs 20:1; 31:4; Isaiah 5:11, 22; 24:9; 28:7; 29:9; 56:12 ). Drinking water when you should be giving a glass to someone else in need that is sin. Titus 2:3 says: Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. (Titus 2:3) The word translated addicted in this verse means enslaved. Those who are addicted to alcohol are literally enslaved to it. It probably was. So far, we have looked at the topics of abortion and assisted suicide. Given the fact that the Bible is mainly cautious about it, I dont have any desire for it. The Old Testament Terms for blessing abound in the Old Testament, occurring over 600 times. The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, Look at him! The occurrence of his name on a Linear B tablet (13th century bce) shows that he was already worshipped in the Mycenaean period, although it is not known where his cult originated. Everywhere the Bible speaks negatively of drunkenness. God created alcohol, and in many places, the Bible describes it a God-given gift and blessing. As with any action we take, we must ensure it demonstrates both our love for the Lord and for others. And certainly not a low alcohol count. Romans 14:22-23; 1 Corinthians 10:31, And then finally, each of needs to maintain a clear conscience before God. You will be like one who lies down in the midst of the sea, like one who lies on the top of a mast. What Is Prayer? The measurements above are a helpful guide. Also, wine isnt the only alcoholic drink mentioned in the Bible. Drinking in moderation is not a sin. The first answer that I would give to the question Is it a sin to drink alcohol? is the same answer I give to the question Is it a sin to drink water? And the answer is that it could be. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit which gives us insight and power to do God's will. Jesus Christ redeemed us, providing salvation through His death and resurrection (v. 7). It can be a good and enjoyable thing. It never condemns it, but it often warns against the abuse of it. We should be sensitive to those who struggle with alcohol. As Christians, we should be aware of the benefits and dangers of alcohol and use it properly, so we can truly consider alcohol to be the blessing God meant it . I pray that you will be non-judgmental to people who may have different views than you do on alcohol. By Ray Fowler. Fewer are prepared for just how often they may fail. Christians are called to live every part of their lives to the glory of God, and that includes both eating and drinking: So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Cor. "Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the country. Is alcohol a curse or a blessing? I have seen too much damage caused by alcohol and frankly I dont want anything to do with it. Alcohol addiction is a terrible thing, and those of you who have either struggled with addiction yourselves or who have had loved ones who struggle with addiction you know what a horrible toll it takes on individuals and families. We must be controlled by the Spirit and not alcohol. . CONCLUSION: Alcohol is Gods dangerous gift, and we need to understand both the positive and negative aspects of alcohol from Scripture. We dont need to avoid those things just because they might do us harm. If you were to glance through these verses that talk about drinking you would find that the Bible never gives a straight answer. Like sex, it can be wonderful, but if it is not contained and appropriately used, it can also be deadly. What might that be? If you want to read all the verses you can find them here: List Of Bible Verses About Alcohol. What I would like to say is: I am saving the best for last. Body weight, how much one drinks, and the amount of time between drinks will determine your BAC. Drinking Alcohol: God's Double Curse on Booze! Psalm 104 speaks of alcohol as a good gift from God, whereas Proverbs 20:1 speaks of the danger that alcohol presents. Celebrate Recovery http://www.celebraterecovery.com/ And if you find you cant go home, then you have a problem, and you need help. Drinking Alcohol is Not a Sin When you are filled with the Spirit, you are controlled by what God wants. But when you are drunk, you are controlled by the alcohol, and God says this is wrong. But its a dangerous gift. What does the Bible say about alcohol? But there are no direct commands of God not to drink alcohol just strong warnings about the dangers. Scripture nowhere condemns or prohibits consuming moderate levels of alcohol. ( Psalm 104:14, 15; Ecclesiastes 3: 13; 9:7) The Bible also acknowledges the medicinal value of wine. Then you and your household shall eat there in the presence of the Lord your God and rejoice. Christians and Alcohol: A Scriptural Case for Abstinence by Randy Jaeggli Psalms 104 says that wine gladdens the heart of main. 9:7, Isaiah 55:1-3, Amos 9:14). They receive it as a good gift from God, and they use it responsibly. Drinking water when you should be paying more reverence to the preaching of Gods word that is a sin. So, I dont think anyone can make a case from Scripture that teetotalism is required. The Bible talks about the medicinal qualities of alcohol. B. The Lord will share a drink with us in heaven. One of the interesting things we will see this morning is that the Scriptures present alcohol in both a positive and a negative light. He told me later those years were a blur, and he barely remembers his kids growing up. However, Scriptures overwhelming testimony is that drinking alcohol can be spiritually dangerous. This is at no cost to you and helps keep Rethink up and running. The Bible doesnt present drinking in moderation as merely neutral; it is also depicted as a blessing. But anyone who wants to claim drinking is a sin has to face the sometimes positive light the Bible talks about alcohol in. Now, did Jesus turn water into wine or grape juice? Your eyes will see strange things, and your heart will utter perverse things. I want to deal with two common misconceptions I see spread all the time about alcohol in the Bible. *God Gave Wine: What the Bible Says about Alcohol by Kenneth L. Gentry, Jr. Whats Our Motive for Drinking? In the majority of cases drinking will not hurt your witness in America. Psalm 24:5. In fact, it stands out as one of Scriptures major themes regarding warnings and judgment against a particular kind of sin. There are relationships worth holding onto. We have a long history of issues with alcohol in our nation - from the temperance movement in the 1800's, to prohibition in the early 1900's which prohibited "the manufacture, sale, transportation or importation of alcoholic beverages in the United States." Interestingly, the one thing prohibition didn't prohibit was drinking. There are some that say drinking is a sin because theres no health benefits. Case in pointJesus drank wine. This leads us directly into the area of Christian freedom. How will your decision in these grey areas affect people in those circles? I know this makes some uncomfortable; we like to know exactly where that line is. Positive Statements about Alcohol. We read in Proverbs 31: Give beer to those who are perishing, wine to those who are in anguish; let them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more. (Proverbs 31:6-7) People are sometimes confused by these verses, wondering if it means its okay to get drunk if youre feeling lousy, but its really talking about people in physical pain and using alcohol as an anesthesia to reduce the feelings of pain. So, lets begin by looking at this first aspect of alcohol from the Scriptures this morning: alcohol is one of Gods good gifts that he gives us to enjoy. Give strong drink to the one who is perishing, and wine to those in bitter distress. (Proverbs 31:61, 1 Tim. Alcohol is presented as a blessing from God Deuteronomy 29:6, You have not drunk wine or strong drink, that you may know that I am the Lord your God. The reason they didnt drink any wine in the wilderness is, evidently, it would be an asset to their coming to know God fully. 3) How do you seek to be sensitive to others who may struggle with alcohol in their life? The Bible keeps this issue in the grey, up for each Christian to decide whats the wisest and most loving thing for them to do. Some Christians may also have been guilty of flaunting their freedom in defiance of the convictions of other believers or with no regard for the temptations of others to drunkenness (1 Cor. Their whole life revolves around alcohol, and they cant imagine life without it. Let me tell you the stories of two of my friends. I dont have to worry about how much is too much. But this issue isnt just a personal decision, its one that needs to be made in community. What does it mean to be drunk? Its a fair question. Let me share with you just two. 1) How do you experience alcohol as a good gift from God in your life? The Bible does not us give a specific amount, probably because it is different for each person. Jesus could have just made an ordinary wine similar to the one that ran out. Yet, if our reason for drinking is to become drunk, seek temporary escape from difficulties, or conform to the practice of others against our conscience, we are drinking to our own peril. You are permitted and encouraged to reproduce and distribute this message provided that you do not alter the wording in any way and that you do not charge a fee beyond the cost of reproduction. John Piper is founder and teacher of desiringGod.org and chancellor of Bethlehem College & Seminary. However, the blessing is not part of the deen of shechita (slaughter); it's a separate deen. ( Romans 4:7; quoting Psalm 32:1) Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial. Improper use of alcohol is as poisonous as a snake's venom (verse 32). That is a good example of drinking in moderation and taking seriously the Bibles warnings about the danger of intoxication. Why or why not? It might actually help your witness to have a beer with your neighbor and break down some of the misconceptions about Christianity. When will I wake up so I can find another drink? (Proverbs 23:29-33) These verses describe someone who has a drinking problem. . On the other hand, alcohol poses the special dangers of intoxication, potential addiction, and negative impact on others. But when I was in Germany, I decided that I was not going to make a pain of myself. In some cultures drinking will hurt your ability to reach those around you. Karah prashad, a kind of sacred pudding like sweet, is considered a delicacy, and is made following a particular procedure. The Hebrew word most often translated "bless" is barak, which can mean to . Jesus' first miracle at Cana showed God's blessing of alcohol as necessary for festivity and wine became an essential element of Catholic worship in the Eucharist. The social and economic costs are staggering. Or it was so diluted with water it doesnt really count as alcohol. Throughout Church history, the monks have been instrumental in the production of beer and wine, as well as witnesses to how they should be ordered to the glory of God. Today we are looking at the subject of alcohol. For example, let me share my own personal convictions in these areas. Would you consider helping support Knowing Jesus Ministries, a qualified 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization? Dont forget to share your thoughts! We should not judge those who have different convictions from us concerning drinking moderately. And blessed be God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand. (Genesis 14:18-20), In the Old Testament the Israelites were commanded to observe a special yearly celebration of the tithe. But in the first century there were certain benefits to light drinking. The religious leaders accused our Lord of being a drunkard. How do you know? If you choose not to drink alcohol like I do, as a kind of default way of life, it needs to be based on some principle other than what the Bible requires of us. I agree with everything you said and would like to add one more reason I choose not to drink alcohol. Thus, after many rebukes from great friends and godly leaders God broke through my hard religious heart and brought me to deep repentance. To be honest, I was a drunk. Paul in 1 Corinthians 9 is trying to drive that home. The repentance and heart change wasn't just a one time thing, but an on going transformation. Alcohol can be either a blessing or a curse, depending on how it is used. "In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. But the problem is that is not substantiated in Scripture. How to Approach Reading the Bible: The 7 Types of Bible Literature, Making Wise New Year's Resolutions: 7 Ways to Start the Year Right, Should I Leave My Church? On the other hand, sadly there are as many who find, through abuse of such beverages, that alcohol can be a curse. Drunkenness, therefore, is forbidden, and for good reason. Lets jump in, what does the Bible say about drinking? If your drinking hinders someone coming to know Jesus than we should abstain. Generation ministry for the Church sin to drink water told me later those years were blur... Poses the special dangers of intoxication desiringGod.org and chancellor of Bethlehem College & Seminary and they imagine...: 13 ; 9:7 ) the word translated addicted in this verse means enslaved drink water me to repentance! Israelites were commanded to observe a special yearly celebration of the misconceptions about Christianity from Scripture that is. Weight, how much one drinks, and then finally, each of needs maintain. 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