SOCIAL DRINKING?

 June 7, 2019

READING TIME: 2-3 MINUTES

“Dave, what’s your opinion about social drinking”?

Below is my outline on this important topic:

1. Social Drinking
2. Drinking in excess and drunkenness are sinful (Deuteronomy 21:20-21; Esther 1:10; Proverbs 31:4-5; Isaiah 28:7; Hosea 4:11; Amos 6:1, 6; Habakkuk 2:15; Romans 13:13; 1 Corinthians 5:11; 6:9-10; Galatians 5:19-21; Ephesians 5:18).
3. Strong drink is deceptive and sinful (Leviticus 10:8-9; Proverbs 20:1; 31:4-5; Isaiah 5:11; 24:9; Micah 2:11).
4. Church leaders are to be moderate (1 Timothy 3:3, 8).
5. Wine had several medicinal uses in the ancient world.
   1. It aided the digestive tract (1 Timothy 5:23).
   1. It was used as a sedative, a pain-killer, and to calm the nerves (Proverbs 31:6).
   1. It was used to help heal wounds (Luke 10:34).
   1. It was used as a stimulant or refreshment (2 Samuel 16:2).
6. NT Communion wine was fermented (1 Corinthians 11:21).
7. New wine was also fermented (Hosea 4:11; Acts 2:13) and was in the active process of fermentation (Mark 2:22).
8. Jesus made fermented wine (John 2:9-10).
9. The wine today is very different from the wine of the Bible; the wine today would be considered “strong drink” in the Bible.
10. The wine in the NT was mixed with water. According to the Talmud, the “wine” used in the Passover meal was three parts water and one-part wine (cf. 2 Maccabees 15:39) (for more information, see Geisler pp. 50-51).
11. Water was not safe to drink in ancient times; the most practical way to kill the germs was to mix wine with the water.
12. Important Questions to Ask
    1. “Will drinking alcohol lead to sin?” 1 Corinthians 6:12 states an important principle for borderline, questionable areas such as drinking alcohol: “All things are lawful for me” – but not everything is beneficial. All things are lawful for me” – but I will not be controlled by anything” (NET Bible). If you have to drink alcohol, then the alcohol is controlling you.
    1. “Will drinking alcohol lead anybody else to sin?” (Romans 14:21; 1 Corinthians 8:9-13; Philippians 2:4). A brother or sister who struggles or has struggled with alcoholism could be severely damaged by your liberty.
    1. “Can drinking alcohol be done for the glory of God?” (1 Corinthians 10:31).
    1. “Are you drinking alcohol for the superficial pleasure it gives you?” It’s possible to have the fullness of joy and a peace that surpasses all understanding without drinking alcohol (Psalm 16:11; Philippians 4:7).
13. Suggestions
    1. We mustn’t selfishly use our liberties to willfully offend and hurt weaker brothers and sisters.
    1. Whether we choose to participate in social drinking or abstain, we must be respectful to those who see liberty from a different perspective.
    1. Be aware of the fact that social drinking could lead to alcoholism.

Sources Used

Geisler, Norman L. “A Christian Perspective on Wine-Drinking.” Bibliotheca Sacra Volume 139:553 (January-March 1982): 46-55.

Davis. Jim. “What the Bible Says About Alcohol.” http://www.johnankerberg.com/Articles/practical-christianity/PC0601W1.htm.

1Welte, Bill. “Don’t Shoot the Messenger” (3 parts). Freedom Fighters Encouragement. September 29, 2011 – October 1, 2011.