The Christian & Alcohol (2)

 

FILING INFORMATION:

2002042

Subject: alcohol; Christian influence

Preached Originally: 8/4/02 – Rapid City, SD

 

Introduction:

A.    Last week, began series on alcohol & the Christian.

1.     Considered moral arguments against drinking.

a)    Harmful drug

b)    Inhibits ability to function.

c)     Destroys your influence

d)    Is a stumbling block to others.

2.     This all based on 1 Thess. 5:22.

B.    Eph. 5:8, 10-11.  Note direct command by apostle.

1.     Acts 19 – introduced to church at Ephesus.

a)    Much good done – many won to the Lord.

b)    Told that all of Asia heard word while Paul lived there.

2.     Rev. 2 – 30 years later – reproof given by Christ.  In need of repentance.  Had lost first love.  Going through the motions.

3.     Eph. Account 15 years earlier than Revelation.  Was this the beginning of their downward progress?  Wondering if they already cooling off.

a)    Paul reminds them to be concerned w/the sin around them.

b)    We must be concerned w/that as well.

c)     Should alarm us if we get to the point where we’re not so passionate about sin around us.

d)    Subject discussing today needs to be one we’re concerned about.

4.     Are we as individuals & as a congregation heeding the commands in Eph 5?  What are we talking about when referring to social drinking?

C.    Now that we’ve looked at the moral arguments – let’s look at some actual passages that teach against drinking of alcohol for recreational purposes.

 

I.  1 Cor. 14:33 – is God a God of Confusion?

A.    Does God contradict himself?  Is God confused?

1.     Does he condemn something in one place & commend it in another?

2.     If answer = “Yes.” Then your God is not the god of the Bible.

B.    But yet, this is what some try to do in order to justify social drinking

C.    Friends, God NEVER said that the use of alcohol for recreational use is scriptural.

D.   First, we’ll take a look at OT Scripture – the law that Jesus was under.

 

II.  OT Wisdom.

A.    Pro. 20:1 – it is deceitful, unwise.  But OK?  Note it’s a mocker; a trap.

1.     23:31-33 – do not even look at it.  But OK?  Don’t get near it!

2.     31:4-5 – kings were not to drink.  Why?  Kings need wisdom.

a)    Christians need wisdom & need to set example – Mt. 5:16; 1 Pet. 2:12

B.    Isa. 5:20-22 – is drinking commended here?  Isa. Saying “woe” is going to come.”

C.    This is not to say all “wine” is bad in OT.  “Wine” has a dual meaning.

1.     There was “good wine.”  Heb. word is “Tirosh” which means “new wine.”  Mentioned in a bad way only once.

a)     Literally this was fresh juice.  “Fruit of the vine.”  Welch’s grape juice.

b)     Num. 18:12 – presented at the altar as offering to God.

c)     Gen. 27:28 – a blessing; comfort; and necessity of life given by God.

d)    Isa. 65:8 – wine was emblem of spiritual blessings.

2.     Wine was also identified by another word:  “yayin” which often referred to “intoxicating drink.”  “strong drink.”

a)     It sparkles – moves itself in the cup.  Pro. 23:31.

b)     Went down smoothly.

c)     Pro. 20:1 – is a mocker.

d)    Pro. 23:29 – causes woe/sorrow.  Told not even to look at it!

D.   Woe/sorrow from drinking grape juice?  Not hardly.  There was a difference.

 

III.  NT Teaching.

A.    1 Peter 4:1-3 – speaks of time w/the world.

1.     Very common of apostles to make out lists of sin and things approved by God.  1 Cor. 6:9-11; Gal. 5:19-21; Rom. 12; 1 Cor. 12.  Peter’s account no different.

a)     Note words:  drunkenness; carousing; drinking parties

b)     ASV:  winebibbing; reveling; carousing

c)     English – these words interchangeable & have about the same meaning.

B.    However, in Greek – three different words used w/3 different meanings.

1.     oinoflugias:  an overflow (excess) of wine; drunkenness. 

a)       Refers to habitual intoxication; deep drinking; drunken bouts. 

2.     komos:  A step down.  Distinguishable from excess.  Strongs:  “Carousings (as if letting loose.)

a)       Person intoxicated, but not so drunk as to miss all the fun.  “Flying high.” 

b)       Suggests intoxication w/merrymaking; suggests shouting; singing; dancing; & generally stirring up wanton desires w/merry companions.

3.     potos:  xlated “banquetings” in KJV.  Don’t confuse this w/a social meal w/speaker; awards; and a meal.

a)       Definition:  “a drinking.”  Verb form xlates:  “to give to drink w/o regard to amount.” 

b)       This is the word that rules out social drinking for the Christian.

c)       This is the word that prohibits cocktail party drinking; sipping of wine, and having a few drinks w/the boys.

C.    Both OT & NT condemn the use of this drug.

1.     Some try to make God contradict himself.  By saying OK to drink, just don’t get drunk.

2.     Scriptures such as 1 Tim. 5:23; John 2:1-10 to justify this.

a)       Can’t apply 21st century definition of wine to bible wine!

b)       “Wine’ used interchangeably throughout Scripture to indicate fermented as well as unfermented grape juice.

c)       Depends on the context.

 

IV.  Scriptures misunderstood & twisted.

A.    1 Tim. 5:23 – why was Timothy “commanded” to drink?

1.     Motive = medicinal purposes.

2.     Note:  takes urging of apostle to urge him to use it as a medicine.  Indicates that up to that time he did not drink at all.

3.     Note:  told to drink “a little.”  For physical infirmities.

4.     Wonder why he didn’t drink?  Remember 4:12, 16?

B.    John 2:1-10 – what type of wine?  Fermented or unfermented?

1.     This was unfermented wine.  How?

a)    2:3 – ran out of wine.  Consumed it all.  Alcoholic in nature – people would have been drunk already.

b)    2:10 – would have been unable to tell good wine from bad – but EVERYONE knew it was best wine ever.  Still able to recognize good from bad.

2.     Those who seek to justify social drinking from this passage must answer:

a)    Would Jesus go against the word of the Father – Pro? 23:31-33

b)    Did Jesus hand out 150 gallons of booze to contribute to drunkenness?

c)     Was Jesus w/o sin here if this was an alcoholic beverage?

 

Conclusion:

A.     In our society today, when it comes to recreational drinking – no form, amount of drinking is justifiable for the Christian.

1.     It is a sin that needs repentance, confession, and prayer!

2.     The Christian is someone that is living for Christ.

3.     2 Cor. 5:15; Mt. 6:33; Eph. 5:8, 10-11

4.     Must make a commitment to walk as children of light; pleasing the Lord.

B.      Are you living for Christ?

C.     I N V I T A T I O N