What Does The Bible Say About Alcohol?
Sermon • Submitted • Presented
0 ratings
· 3 viewsNotes
Transcript
[SLIDE 1] Introduction / Illustration
When I was visited a church in Waterloo, they were celebrating the Lord’s Supper. It’s their practice to celebrate it every Sunday.
After the bread was served, the cup was being served.
So, I looked forward to partaking of the element and remember Jesus’ shed blood on the cross for the forgiveness of sins.
After the pastor invited everyone to drink of the cup, I gulp down what I would have presumed to be grape juice.
However, I was seriously confused and shocked by the taste of the “grape juice.”
I found out that I drank wine. It’s quite possible that it was my 1st time ever drinking wine.
Last Sunday, we covered John 2:1-12 where Jesus transformed water into wine at the wedding at Cana.
This naturally leads to this specific topic on drinking wine and alcohol.
So, we’ll step away from our normal expository preaching where we unfold the passage of the Bible sequentially and do a topical message.
There are four pastoral reasons why I am addressing this topic:
First, the Bible clearly talks about alcohol and why it matters for believers.
So, we must be absolutely biblical on this subject, as we should for all topics of the Bible.
And, we need to handle this topic biblically and carefully.
Second, some of you may already have a conclusion or strong opinion on this topic, but others of you may not know the Scripture’s teaching on it.
If you aren’t learning this topic from the Bible, then you may find yourself learning about it from the world or your personal experience due to peer and society pressure.
If you have a strong opinion, but it’s not grounded on Scripture, then I would encourage you to be opened to the whole counsel of God’s word.
So, I hope this message would be instructive to all of you (and those listening on the internet).
Third, this topic can be sensitive because alcoholism has led to other serious consequences.
And, Scripture is filled with warnings on being drunk with wine.
Fourth, Scripture offers hope and forgiveness to those who are enslaved to alcoholism.
My aim and heart is to really understand what the Bible teaches about alcohol.
Scripture is our ultimate authority on this subject.
We place our experience, opinion, and traditions under this authority.
By God’s grace, may you be thoroughly equipped with Scripture so that you would be able to navigate this issue in your personal life.
Context
All Christians would agree that getting drunk is a sin.
18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,
We’ll expound this passage in Ephesians in context later in the message.
However, while Christians have agreement on Ephesians 5:18, Christians in the present and in history have disputes on alcohol consumption for Christians.
Historically, there are generally three different views toward alcohol consumption.
There is Prohibitionist. This position claims that the Scripture absolutely prohibits alcoholic beverages to all Christians.
There is Abstentionist. This position claims that alcoholic beverages are not expressly forbidden in Scripture, yet it is wise for all Christians to refrain from using them.
There is Moderationist. This position claims that the use of alcoholic beverages is acceptable in Scripture for all Christians if used moderately.
As I unfold and expound the various passages and verses, we’ll discover which view best aligns with the word of God.
Biblical Theology
Exposition
The word, “alcohol,” is not used, but it does use words like “wine” and “strong drink.”
However, I chose to use the word, “alcohol,” because it broadens the classification of alcoholic beverages that would include beer, whiskey, sake, etc.
OLD TESTAMENT
The Old Testament has about eight Hebrew words that refer to alcoholic beverages. Now, I don’t plan to do all the word studies, but this list of Hebrew words all mention alcoholic beverages. [ADD LIST IN THE PPT]
The most important word is, “Yayin.” This word is used 139 times in the Old Testament. 95% of the time, this word is translated as “wine.”
Yayin is a fermented wine. In other words, it has alcoholic content.
The first ever mention of “yayin” or “wine” is Genesis 9.
It’s the same wine that intoxicated Noah.
20 Noah began to be a man of the soil, and he planted a vineyard. 21 He drank of the wine and became drunk and lay uncovered in his tent.
It’s also the same wine that Lot’s daughters used to intoxicate Lot. It’s a very bizarre passage where there’s incest.
32 Come, let us make our father drink wine, and we will lie with him, that we may preserve offspring from our father.” 33 So they made their father drink wine that night. And the firstborn went in and lay with her father. He did not know when she lay down or when she arose.
Yet, it is the same wine that Melchizedek offered to Abraham. If you study Genesis 14, Psalm 110, and Hebrews 7, Melchizedek is a type that prefigures or foreshadows our Lord Jesus Christ.
Just as Melchizedek offer bread and wine to Abraham, so our Lord Jesus offered the bread (symbolizing His body) and the cup (symbolizing His blood) to save His people.
Furthermore, God commanded His people to offer “Yayin” (wine) as a drink offering in worship as part of their burnt offering.
Exodus 29:40 (ESV)
40 And with the first lamb a tenth measure of fine flour mingled with a fourth of a hin of beaten oil, and a fourth (quarter) of a hin of wine for a drink offering.
7 And for the drink offering you shall offer a third of a hin of wine, a pleasing aroma to the Lord.
Now, some Christians have an extreme view of alcohol to the point of saying that wine/alcohol in of itself is inherently evil and should not be touched.
But, if that’s true, then why would a holy God command His people to offer something “evil” in worship?
We need to open the Bible and let God speak. And, be careful of cursing that which God blesses.
Yes, “Yayin” or wine can also be God’s blessing or gift to be enjoyed by His people.
There is a chapter in Psalm 104 that praises God for His provision.
And that man is responsible for cultivating the specific things which God has provided, and enjoy God’s blessed provision.
14 You cause the grass to grow for the livestock and plants for man to cultivate, that he may bring forth food from the earth 15 and wine to gladden the heart of man, oil to make his face shine and bread to strengthen man’s heart.
King Solomon, who I assume wrote Ecclesiastes, tells the young man to find enjoyment in life whenever he can:
7 Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart, for God has already approved what you do.
Those are many examples of how “yayin” (wine) was used in the OT. Depending on context, the word is used in negative aspects and positive aspects.
There is another Hebrew word that I’ll briefly mention, and that is “sekar.”
It’s translated as “strong drink.”
This word is often mentioned alongside of “Yayin” (wine).
It contains more alcohol content than a wine.
God instructed the Israelites through Moses to offer him “sekar” strong wine as an offering.
7 Its drink offering shall be a quarter of a hin for each lamb. In the Holy Place you shall pour out a drink offering of strong drink to the Lord.
Later in Deuteronomy, this strong drink was also to be joyfully consumed at celebratory occasions such as weddings and worship.
26 and spend the money for whatever you desire—oxen or sheep or wine or strong drink, whatever your appetite craves. And you shall eat there before the Lord your God and rejoice, you and your household.
The rest of the Hebrew words all have to do with alcoholic beverages. There is a Hebrew word that talks about grape juice and it is nonalcoholic, and it’s called Mishrah.
Interestingly enough, this word is only used once in the Old Testament, and it is found in Numbers 6 whereby God has given instructions and prohibitions on a person who makes a Nazirite vow.
3 he shall separate himself from wine and strong drink. He shall drink no vinegar made from wine or strong drink and shall not drink any juice of grapes or eat grapes, fresh or dried.
NEW TESTAMENT
The New Testament has about four Greek words that refer to alcoholic beverages.
The Greek word I want to focus on is Oinos since it is used 34 times in the New Testament. I would contend that this word always mean fermented beverage. It’s alcoholic.
It is the same word used in John 2 where Jesus turned water into Oinos (wine).
It’s the same word used in Luke 1:15 where John the Baptist will commit himself to the Nazirite vow by not drinking (Oinos) wine or strong drink (which is also another word for an alcoholic beverage).
It’s the same word Paul uses in Ephesians 5:18 where Christians are not to get drunk with wine.
Now, I have heard an argument where Oinos does not always mean fermented beverage.
They would say that Jesus did not actually turn water into wine, but into grape juice because Jesus could not have encouraged people to drink more alcoholic beverages. (And I gave my explanation on why Jesus produced more wine for people in my previous sermon.)
However, that argument does not make sense.
The master of the feast tasted the “oinos.”
If it were just a really good grape juice, then he would not make the comment about people having drunk freely in the first place.
Plus, the Greek translation of the Old Testament would translate the Hebrew word, “Yayin,” with Oinos, and never to mean in the context of unfermented beverage.
Now, there is a phrase that is debated among scholars, which is “the fruit of the vine.”
This phrase was used in the context of the institution of the Lord’s Supper in Matthew 26:29, Luke 14:25, and Luke 22:18.
Jesus essentially said to His disciples that he will not drink the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.
What is the fruit of the vine referring to?
James 3:12 talks about the grapevine.
Revelation 14:18 talks about gathering the clusters from the VINE of the earth, for its grapes are ripe.
Revelation 14:19 talks about the gathering the GRAPE harvest of the earth.
So, the word, “vine,” is referring to the grapevine.
So, the fruit is most likely talking about the grapes.
The grapevine is then to produce grape juice for consumption.
The question that gets debated is whether the fruit of the vine was fermented or unfermented.
Hence, in my experience with the church in Waterloo, I drank wine because some denominations and traditions can make a case that the fruit of the vine can possibly be fermented.
Most of the churches that I have visited usually serve grape juice during the Lord’s Supper, and such is our practice at OBC.
The reason why I bring up the fruit of the vine is simply to make you aware of an ongoing discussion.
But, I don’t think Christians should be too dogmatic about the product of the cup that symbolizes Jesus’ blood.
What I think is most important is not if the cup should be wine or grapejuice, but the substance of the cup, which is the new covenant in Jesus’ blood poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.
Having broadly examined the word in the OT and NT on alcoholic beverage, it would be beneficial to address some practical questions:
Does The Bible Make Prohibitions Of Alcoholic Consumption?
Yes, but only to some groups of people in specific situations in the Bible.
9 “Drink no wine or strong drink, you or your sons with you, when you go into the tent of meeting, lest you die. It shall be a statute forever throughout your generations.
Leviticus 10 began with God punishing Aaron’s sons to death because they offered strange fire that God did not command them to do.
Although the text does not say it, it is a possibility that Aaron’s sons - Nadab and Abihu - drank wine and then failed to perform their duties accurately.
Later, God told Aaron who represents the priesthood that he and his sons will not drink wine or strong drink.
Therefore, all priests are prohibited from drinking when they go and do their priestly duties in the tent of meeting.
It makes sense for priests not to drink while on duty so that they can faithfully carry out their responsibilities.
The danger of them drinking is that it could lead to make bad decisions when handling the sacred things of God.
Just imagine a pastor have a few drink before coming to the pulpit to preach and handle God’s holy word.
Those who take the Nazirite vow were to refrain from alcoholic beverage, cutting their hair, and attending a funeral...in order to demonstrate that they were consecreted to God...until they complete the vow.
3 he shall separate himself from wine and strong drink. He shall drink no vinegar made from wine or strong drink and shall not drink any juice of grapes or eat grapes, fresh or dried.
Now, we don’t know how long they have to keep the vow for...
But, when they have fulfilled their vow, they must bring the following sacrifical offerings to the door of the tabernacle.
20 and the priest shall wave them for a wave offering before the Lord. They are a holy portion for the priest, together with the breast that is waved and the thigh that is contributed. And after that the Nazirite may drink wine.
In Proverbs 31, that chapter is often understood as the excellent women passage. However, that’s only in verses 10-31.
Proverbs 31 begins with King Lemuel who recalls an instruction given to him by his mom.
Kings were not to drink wine or strong drink.
4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to take strong drink, 5 lest they drink and forget what has been decreed and pervert the rights of all the afflicted.
Why are kings not to drink?
Kings were not to drink so that their judgment would not be impaired or clouded by wine or strong drink.
Imagine our Prime Minister or the President of the United States took a few drinks before making a critical and dire decision that would affect many people…such as deciding whether to fire a nuclear weapon or not...
In the New Testament, there is no mention of prohibiting Christians from drinking. However, we should bear in mind of Romans 13:1-2
1 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.
God commands Christians to submit to the law of the government.
In British Columbia, the legal age to drink and buy alcohol is the age of 19. Children at the age of 17 can consume alcohol under parental guidance.
In addition, it is against the law to drink and drive even if it is a little consumption of alcohol. You can understand the devestation of impaired driving.
SHOULD CHRISTIANS DRINK ALCOHOL?
The question is not “can Christians drink alcohol?” The question is, “Should you drink alcohol?”
Yes, you can drink, but there are multiple questions to really consider.
Would it be beneficial for you?
What are the reasons?
Would it set a godly example for others?
Would it cause others to stumble?
Would it hinder your relationship with Jesus?
Although the Bible gives you the liberty to enjoy it, you don’t have to nor do you need to.
You should, however, apply wisdom and discernment for yourself.
The Apostle Paul addressed the Corinthians about the matter of eating food offered up to idols.
We are given a lot of warnings with the use of alcohol.
Alcohol is an issue for those in leadership position.
It’s an issue for priests.
It’s an issue for kings.
It’s an issue for church leaders (elders and deacons).
There is always a potential for drunkenness.
THE CONDEMNATION OF DRUNKENNESS
Other than that, the Bible does not forbid Christians from drinking alcohol, but with a caveat.
While the Bible does have some positive things to say about wine (e.g. it can be enjoyed as a gift from God), the Bible condemns drunkenness.
Looking back at Ephesians 5, there is a wider context to consider when applying the command of not gettingh drunk with wine.
Ephesians 1-3 talks about the gospel of our salvation.
Chapter 1 mentions how the Trinity saves us from sin. The Father has predestined to save His chosen elects before the foundation of the world. The Son died on the cross for His elects. The Spirit applies and guarantees the work of salvation to His elects.
Chapter 2 mentions how the gospel reconciles both Jews and Gentiles in Christ.
Chapter 3 talks about the mystery of the gospel that is now revealed to us in the church age.
Chapters 4-6 all talk about the implications of the gospel. In other words, since God saved us through Jesus Christ, how are we to live our lives in light of that reality?
There is a single word that is mentioned four times that is interwoven through the implication and application of the gospel.
That is the word, “WALK.” (Peripateo)
It means how you are to conduct your life and behave as a Christian.
1 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called,
17 Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds.
2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Finally, the fourth time that the word, “walk,” is mentioned before the verse of not getting drunk.
15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,
So, in the immediate context, Paul’s exhorts believers to be careful of how they walk as Christians. They are to walk as wise people by making the best use of their time.
Why? It is because the days are evil.
What is debauchery? It can be translated as dissipation. It means living wildly. It means momentarily living a life of reckless abandon.
Scripture is clear that there should never be any situation or circumstance where Christians are to be drunk with wine.
It does not matter if it’s a Friday night gathering with your friends or coworkers and you want to go hard on liquor.
It does not matter if it’s a wedding that you’re attending.
I even know a friend who would never get drunk and wasted except on his or her birthday.
If that’s your thinking, then you’re in sin.
The Bible never gives you a license or an exception to be drunk.
So many foolishly get into this thing called “Drinking Competition.”
They want to see who can down this pint the fastest or how many pints one can drink at a bar.
That’s stupid and unwise.
The New Testament has strong indictment against drunkards along with other vile sins.
Those who are drunkards will not inherit the kingdom of heaven.
They will go to hell.
In other words, drunkards are characteristics of an unbelievers.
If you are in the habit of getting drunk by wine, then you might not be saved.
THE NATURE OF DRUNKENNESS
The practice question that may get asked is this, “What constitutes drunkenness? How much becomes too much?”
THE EFFECTS OF DRUNKENNESS
Alcohol consumption can alter your mind and behaviour.
It impairs their judgment.
Those who are drunk are those who do not admit that they are drunk or that they drank too much. That’s when you know someone is drunk.
THE CONSEQUENCE OF DRUNKENNESS
Have you ever thought carefully through the consequences of drunkenness?
Impaired driving, as I noted, leads to many deaths and car accidents in North America.
It has ruined families and marriages all over the world.
At the bar, folks who get drunk can sometimes get into fistfights without thinking carefully.
You would say ridiculous things.
It can lead towards the abandonment of morality.
In the ancient world, a nation has used wine to intoxicate their enemies (Hab 2:15).
Yet, this strong drink can intoxicate people and make them drunk.
1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.
11 Woe to those who rise early in the morning, that they may run after strong drink, who tarry late into the evening as wine inflames them!
excessive indulgence of alcohol and drunk
Dissipation
Wine is a gift from God. However, with every gift that we receive from Him, we can abuse it, right? Hence, we have terms like, “Alcohol Abuse” or “Substance Abuse.”
Food is a gift from God for our necessity and human consumption, but it can be abused for gluttony
Sex is a gift from God for a married couple, but it can be abused through fornication, pornography, sensuality, orgies and the like.
If God has delivered you from the slavery of alcoholism, then praise God. And I totally respect and understand your conviction on total abstinence.
Just as earning money does not always lead to greed, so drinking alcohol does not always lead to drunkenness.
We have the story where Jesus turned water into wine. That’s probably many drunkards favourite passage.
Now, did Jesus drink alcohol?
If Jesus did not drink wine, why was He accused of being a drunkard by the Pharisees?