1. The Christian and Alcohol

2. What the Bible Says

3. Galatians 5:19-21 [19] Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, [20] idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions,

4. Galatians 5:19-21 [21] envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

5. 1 Thessalonians 5:6-8 [6] so then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and *sober. [7] For those who sleep do their sleeping at night, and those who get drunk get drunk at night. [8] But since we are of the day, let us be *sober,

6. Proverbs 23:31-32 [31] Do not look on the wine when it is red, When it sparkles in the cup, When it goes down smoothly; [32] At the last it bites like a serpent And stings like a viper.

7. Psalm 104:14-15 [14] He causes the grass to grow for the cattle, And vegetation for the labor of man, So that he may bring forth food from the earth, [15] And wine which makes man's heart glad, So that he may make his face glisten with oil, And food which sustains man's heart.

8. 1 Timothy 5:23 [23] No longer drink water exclusively, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.

9. 1 Peter 4:3 [3] For the time already past is sufficient for you to have carried out the desire of the Gentiles, having pursued a course of sensuality, lusts, drunkenness, carousing, drinking parties and abominable idolatries.

10. Some Background on the Terms

11. 1) The words translated “wine” can be either fermented or not.

12. 2) There were a wide variety of opinions on wine and preparation methods.

13. 1 Timothy 3:8 [8] Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not double- tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain,

14. Ephesians 5:18 [18] And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit,

15. 3 Major Positions on “Drinking but not Drunk”

16. 1) Some believe any alcoholic drink is condemned.

17. 2) Some believe that moderation is the key.

18. 3) Some believe a Christian should abstain from all alcohol for other reasons.

19. Influence on Others What Reasons?

20. Romans 14:20-21 [20] Do not tear down the work of God for the sake of food. All things indeed are clean, but they are evil for the man who eats and gives offense. [21] It is good not to eat meat or to drink wine, or to do anything by which your brother stumbles.

21. Higher Standard of Holiness What Reasons?

22. Numbers 6:1-4 [1] Again the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, [2] “Speak to the sons of Israel and say to them, ‘When a man or woman makes a special vow, the vow of a *Nazirite, to dedicate himself to the LORD,

23. Numbers 6:1-4 [3] he shall abstain from wine and strong drink; he shall drink no vinegar, whether made from wine or strong drink, nor shall he drink any grape juice nor eat fresh or dried grapes. [4] ‘All the days of his separation he shall not eat anything that is produced by the grape vine, from the seeds even to the skin.

24. Let’s not give in to deeds of the flesh.