Casual/Social Drinking 0 A significant issue among Christians over recent times. 0 Varying factors as to why: 0 Denominations that would have taken a stance on the issue in past have long since backed off; many openly endorse social drinking now. 0 In general, our society has turned more and more to drinking as being socially acceptable. 0 Is social/casual drinking right or wrong? Will it draw us closer to God or drive us further away, or is it a spiritually neutral matter?

“We should live soberly, righteously, and Godly” (Titus 2:11)

Drunkenness is condemned in the Bible 0 Isaiah 5:11) A woe is declared on those who drink continually. 0 Isaiah 5:22) A woe is pronounced on the heroes of drinking. 0 Luke 12:45-46) The unfaithful steward is described as one who gives himself over to drink. 0 1 Corinthians 5:11; 6:9-10) Drunkenness is firmly condemned among Christians.

Common passages concerning wine… 0 John 2:1-11) Jesus turned water into “oinos” 0 The Greek word refers to grape juice, ranging from fresh grape juice to a highly fermented substance. 0 Bible scholars inform us that the “strong drink” of the Bible had an alcoholic content of about 5% to 8%. (That would be the “strong drink” that is condemned in no uncertain terms by the Lord; Proverbs 20:1; 23:31-35; & would be the equivalent of our modern day beer!)

Common passages concerning wine… 0 John 2:1-11) Jesus turned water into “oinos” 0 “For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.” (Heb 4:15 NKJV) 0 "Woe to him who gives drink to his neighbor, pressing him to your bottle, even to make him drunk, that you may look on his nakedness!” (Hab 2:15 NKJV) 0 John 2:6) 120 to 180 gallons of alcoholic wine would make a large number of people drunk, especially after already drinking. Jesus would not have given occasion for anyone to stumble (Mt. 18:7).

Common passages concerning wine… 0 Another common passage used to justify social drinking by some in 1Tim. 5:23. 0 The recommendation was a little “oinos” for medicinal purposes. 0 Oil and wine (oinos) in Bible times were common medicines (Luke 10:34). 0 Timothy had known the sacred writings from childhood (2Tim 3:15), and his knowledge & attitude as a Christian was such that he wouldn’t even touch “oinos” as medicine until commanded to do so! 0 Please do not pervert this passage. The use of medicine is not an approval for casual use. 0 There also is no evidence to suggest that Paul was recommending Timothy to drink fermented “oinos”.

Things that Christians are no longer to do (1Pet 4:1-4) 0 Verse 3) 0 “Drunkenness” (NKJV, ESV), “excess of wine” (KJV), “winebibbings” (ASV) -- means “an overflow or surplus of wine”. (Strong’s) 0 This would equate to a down and out drunk. 0 “Revelries” (NKJV), “revellings” (KJV, ASV), or “orgies” (ESV) – means “a carousal, a letting loose”. (Strong’s) 0 This would equate to a party that leads to one getting drunk, adversely affecting one’s behavior.

Things that Christians are no longer to do (1Pet 4:1-4) 0 Verse 3, Continued) 0 The word “drinking parties” (NKJV, ESV), “carousings” (ASV), banquetings (KJV) – means literally a drinking bout or carousal: - banqueting. (Strong’s) 0 The word means “to drink, but it is not necessarily excessive”, according to “Synonyms of the NT”, by R.C. Trench. 0 Essentially what this would be referring to is Social/Casual drinking.

The effects of alcohol… 0 Drinking weakens inhibitions against sin (Genesis 9:30-31; 19:32-35). 0 Drinking will lead you astray (Proverbs 20:1) 0 Drinking removes good judgment (Leviticus 10:9- 10; Isaiah 28:1-3, 7-8). 0 The Lord has spoken on the devastation that it brings (Proverbs 23:29-33). 0 God also speaks of how it is addictive (Joel 3:3).

Practical applications regarding influence… 0 How do you go about reproving a drunkard when they know you like to “drink a little” yourself? 0 If your neighbor learns that you drink on an occasional basis, will this enhance your spiritual qualities in his sight? Or, will your spiritual qualities be diminished in his sight? 0 How many churches would employ an evangelist who drinks on occasion? 0 How would you feel if you saw one of our elders out in public with a beer in his hand (1Peter 2:12)? 0 How would you feel if you saw one our deacons drinking?

Practical applications regarding influence… 0 Even if someone falsely reasoned that some sort of drinking was lawful, I can easily show you that it is not expedient (1Corinthians 6:9-12). 0 Consider the dishonesty that comes along with this way of life for the Christian. There is denial at every step. Lying becomes a way of life. 0 Satan wins when you are afraid to share your deepest desires, concerns, beliefs, and struggles with your brethren. 0 What type of Christian would mock a lesson such as this one?

Conclusion 0 Many preachers have quit preaching against social drinking; elders who refuse to exercise discipline have given up the defense of the faith (Jude 3) and no longer teach “all holy conduct and godliness” (2Peter 3:11). 0 Depression and addiction are very common partners. I encourage any here today who may be struggling with either -- to go to the Lord while facing the hurts of this life (Matthew 11:28-30; Titus 2:11-15)

“… denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age…” (Titus 2:12, NKJV)