- Dec 20, 2019
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Alcohol is a topic that comes up often in Scripture and remains a relevant conversation toady. For many, it can feel like the Bible sends mixed messages, talking about drinking joyfully in some passages, while mentioning restraining from drunkenness in others. So, how do we make sense of this?
The key lies not in the substance itself, but in the heart behind its use. Alcohol is not inherently sinful, but what it can lead to is where we find ourselves in a possible state of sin. Scripture invites us to examine our actions, our motives, and what those choices produce in our lives.
If you are someone who is struggling or has struggled with addiction, you are not alone. This isn’t something that defines you. We encourage you to seek out resources for help and find redemption through the Lord and His promises.
Before diving into what the Bible says about drinking alcohol, let’s consider what alcohol does to our minds and bodies. It heightens emotions, lowers inhibitions, and clouds judgement. In these moments, we become vulnerable to temptation.
This is why Scripture consistently warns against drunkenness and lack of self- control, not necessarily against alcohol itself. Proverbs 25:28 says, “A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.”
If drinking causes you to lose control, step outside your values, or act out of character, it’s worth asking: Are my choices drawing me closer to God, or pulling me away from Him?
Do my actions line up with the Truth or put me in a position compromising what I’m called to?
Alcohol appears many times throughout the Bible, often in different cultural contexts than today. In ancient Israel, wine was commonly consumed due to the lack of clean water. It was used in celebrations, offerings, and even in Jesus’ first miracle at the wedding in Cana.
Psalm 104:14-15 details this more: “You cause the grass to grow for the livestock and plants for man to cultivate, that he may bring forth food from the earth and wine to gladden the heart of man, oil to make his face shine, and bread to strengthen man’s heart.”
While alcohol was a major part of daily life, so was the warning of its misuse.
Ephesians 5:18 says, “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.”
Proverbs 20:1 warns, “Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.”
We’re also told not to be ruled by anything: 1 Corinthians 6:12 says, “All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful… I will not be dominated by anything.” Nothing should be taking greater presence over the Lord. In addition, our actions should not be determined by any worldly ruler- in this case, alcohol.
Our ultimate purpose is for everything we do, including what we consume, to glorify God. 1 Corinthians 10:31 says, “So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
Drinking becomes sinful when it leads to drunkenness, addiction, or causes others to stumble. Galatians 5:19-21 lists drunkenness among the “works of the flesh” that keep us from inheriting the kingdom of God.
Scripture also urges us to consider others in our decisions: Romans 14:21 says, “It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble.”
1 Corinthians 8:13 echoes this: “Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.”
If any activity you are partaking in is causing another to be inclined to sin, these actions are not fruitful.
Another key issue is underage drinking. While the Bible doesn’t directly mention age laws, it does tell us to obey governing authorities.
Romans 13:1-2 reminds us, “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities…whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed.”
Underage drinking is illegal, and disobedience to the law becomes disobedience to God.
We encourage you to reflect on where your heart stands when it comes to alcohol. Don’t view alcohol itself as the sin, but pay attention to what it stirs up in you.
Is it drawing you closer to God, or away from Him?
Are your actions glorifying Christ, or are they becoming a stumbling block to others?
Let your life reflect His love. Let your choices reflect His truth.
Don’t let any substance take hold of your heart, let Jesus be the one who fills you.
God’s will for our lives is ALWAYS better than anything the world tries to present. Remember the reward that comes from obedience and the peace that comes from surrender.
The post What Does the Bible Say About Drinking Alcohol? appeared first on Focus on the Family.
Continue reading...
The key lies not in the substance itself, but in the heart behind its use. Alcohol is not inherently sinful, but what it can lead to is where we find ourselves in a possible state of sin. Scripture invites us to examine our actions, our motives, and what those choices produce in our lives.
If you are someone who is struggling or has struggled with addiction, you are not alone. This isn’t something that defines you. We encourage you to seek out resources for help and find redemption through the Lord and His promises.
What Happens When We Drink Alcohol?
Before diving into what the Bible says about drinking alcohol, let’s consider what alcohol does to our minds and bodies. It heightens emotions, lowers inhibitions, and clouds judgement. In these moments, we become vulnerable to temptation.
This is why Scripture consistently warns against drunkenness and lack of self- control, not necessarily against alcohol itself. Proverbs 25:28 says, “A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.”
If drinking causes you to lose control, step outside your values, or act out of character, it’s worth asking: Are my choices drawing me closer to God, or pulling me away from Him?
Do my actions line up with the Truth or put me in a position compromising what I’m called to?
What Does the Bible Say About Alcohol?
Alcohol appears many times throughout the Bible, often in different cultural contexts than today. In ancient Israel, wine was commonly consumed due to the lack of clean water. It was used in celebrations, offerings, and even in Jesus’ first miracle at the wedding in Cana.
Psalm 104:14-15 details this more: “You cause the grass to grow for the livestock and plants for man to cultivate, that he may bring forth food from the earth and wine to gladden the heart of man, oil to make his face shine, and bread to strengthen man’s heart.”
While alcohol was a major part of daily life, so was the warning of its misuse.
Ephesians 5:18 says, “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.”
Proverbs 20:1 warns, “Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.”
We’re also told not to be ruled by anything: 1 Corinthians 6:12 says, “All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful… I will not be dominated by anything.” Nothing should be taking greater presence over the Lord. In addition, our actions should not be determined by any worldly ruler- in this case, alcohol.
Our ultimate purpose is for everything we do, including what we consume, to glorify God. 1 Corinthians 10:31 says, “So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
Where Does Sin Come Into Play?
Drinking becomes sinful when it leads to drunkenness, addiction, or causes others to stumble. Galatians 5:19-21 lists drunkenness among the “works of the flesh” that keep us from inheriting the kingdom of God.
Scripture also urges us to consider others in our decisions: Romans 14:21 says, “It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble.”
1 Corinthians 8:13 echoes this: “Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.”
If any activity you are partaking in is causing another to be inclined to sin, these actions are not fruitful.
Another key issue is underage drinking. While the Bible doesn’t directly mention age laws, it does tell us to obey governing authorities.
Romans 13:1-2 reminds us, “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities…whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed.”
Underage drinking is illegal, and disobedience to the law becomes disobedience to God.
A Challenge For You
We encourage you to reflect on where your heart stands when it comes to alcohol. Don’t view alcohol itself as the sin, but pay attention to what it stirs up in you.
Is it drawing you closer to God, or away from Him?
Are your actions glorifying Christ, or are they becoming a stumbling block to others?
Let your life reflect His love. Let your choices reflect His truth.
Don’t let any substance take hold of your heart, let Jesus be the one who fills you.
God’s will for our lives is ALWAYS better than anything the world tries to present. Remember the reward that comes from obedience and the peace that comes from surrender.
The post What Does the Bible Say About Drinking Alcohol? appeared first on Focus on the Family.
Continue reading...
