Clearing The Fog: A Biblical Approach To Alcohol and Drugs

Good morning church! Today is Dan’s first Sunday at our church and I have the privilege of preaching today with my new boss here. No pressure whatsoever. Dan was kind enough to allow Mark and I to finish our you asked for it series, so Mark will be finishing that up next week, but that doesn’t give you the freedom to skip. Dan is here and will be taking attendance. Not really. But only because he doesn’t know all of your names just yet. Let’s start with a true story:

In 2019, a man named Kenneth Bachman went out drinking with some friends while visiting them West Virginia University. At the end of the night, he ordered an Uber, not only that, but an Uber XL, to take him back to where he was staying… at least, that’s what he thought. But when he woke up the next morning, he wasn’t in West Virginia anymore. He was in New Jersey — 350 miles away! And sitting on his phone was a receipt for a $1,635 Uber ride, plus $20 for tolls.

When reporters asked him how this happened, he admitted: “Honestly, I don’t remember ordering the ride.” He blacked out for most of the ride, with the exception of the last 45 minutes. After all of that, he still had to get back to WVU to get his belongings. Either a $35 bus ticket or a $115 plane ride.

Now, we may laugh at a story like that. It’s almost comical when we read it on social media. His buddies sure thought it was funny. But the truth is, alcohol and drugs have a way of taking people farther than they ever wanted to go, costing more than they ever wanted to pay, and leaving them in a place they never intended to be.

Maybe for you, it’s not about alcohol. Maybe it’s about a family member who struggles with addiction. Maybe it’s about the cultural pressures surrounding alcohol and marijuana. Maybe it’s just the question: “What does the Bible really say about this?”

This summer, we’ve been doing our “You Asked for It” series. People in our church submitted tough questions and topics — and one of the questions that came up was this: “What’s the Biblical approach to alcohol and drug use?” This is more than a cultural debate — this is a spiritual question. Because what we allow to fill our lives will shape who we become. And the Bible is not silent on this.

If you have your Bibles go ahead and turn over to Ephesians 5:15-18 and let’s dive into our main text (although we will be spending a lot of time in different parts of Scripture, which makes sense since the question is what is the Biblical approach. Makes sense to get the whole counsel of the Bible involved, right?) Let’s look at our main text:

Ephesians 5:15–18 ESV

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,

Paul’s message is crystal clear:

-The issue isn’t just about alcohol or drugs — it’s about what fills and controls your life.

-You can’t be filled with the Spirit and controlled by substances at the same time.

The Bible doesn’t just give us rules about alcohol and drugs — it calls us to a higher way of living: to walk wisely, avoid enslavement, and be filled with the Spirit.

1. The Bible Calls Us to Wisdom, Not Legalism

The first thing we have to understand is this: the Bible does not say that all drinking is sinful.

Alcohol is Not Condemned in Itself

Psalm 104:14–15 ESV

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.

Looking ahead to the Old Testament, we see that Jesus’ first miracle recorded in Scripture in John 2:1-11, we saw thatJesus turned water into wine at the wedding at Cana. In Jewish culture, wine was part of daily life. It was part of meals and celebrations. In fact, wine was often safer to drink than water because water sources were easily contaminated.

But here’s the key: The Bible never praises drunkenness. Wine might be a gift, but like any gift, it can be misused.

But Alcohol is Never an Excuse for Sin

The Bible gives plenty of warnings:

Proverbs 20:1 ESV

Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.

1 Corinthians 6:12 ESV

“All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything.

Paul is saying: “If something has power over me — if I can’t say no — it’s not freedom anymore, it’s slavery.”

Wisdom Asks Better Questions:

We often ask: “Is drinking alcohol a sin?” But that’s not the best question. The better questions are:

1-Will this glorify God? 1 Corinthians 10:31

1 Corinthians 10:31 ESV

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

The ultimate question for every believer isn’t just “Is this allowed?” but “Does this honor God?” Something may not be explicitly sinful, but if it doesn’t reflect God’s character or lead people closer to Him, it’s not beneficial.

When you drink, the question becomes:

-Am I drinking in a way that honors God, or am I just following the crowd?

-Does this strengthen my relationship with Christ or distract from it?

Think about an Olympic athlete. They might not get disqualified for eating pizza the night before a race — but does it help them win? No. In the same way, the question is not simply “Is this okay?” but “Does this help me glorify God?”

2-Will this harm my witness to others?-Romans 14:21

Even if your conscience is clear about moderate drinking, others are watching. Paul speaks to this in Romans 14:21

Romans 14:21 ESV

It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble.

-If someone who struggles with alcohol sees you drinking, will it tempt them?

-Will your drinking cause a weaker believer to stumble, or give unbelievers the wrong idea about what it means to follow Christ?

You may have freedom in Christ to drink a glass of wine, but if your neighbor who’s trying to overcome alcoholism sees you drinking, your freedom could become their stumbling block. Sometimes love means laying down our rights for the sake of another.

3-Will this open the door to addiction or sin? Proverbs 22:3

What starts as “just one drink” can easily grow into dependence. The Bible warns in Proverbs 22:3

Proverbs 22:3 ESV

The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it.

Ask yourself:

-Do I know when to stop?

-Am I using this to cope with stress, loneliness, or anxiety?

-Would I be honest if someone asked me how much I drink?

This was our second year to go work the Re-Start Camp in Moldova. I absolutely love working that camp. Last year, it was triple digits and super hot. No AC, slept with shorts on and nothing else. No blankets, no sheets. Nothing. It was hot. On the last night of camp they have a huuuge bonfire, kids hang out, take pics, cry, all of that good stuff. This year was slightly different. My team arrived on Tuesday, which was the hottest day in Moldova while I was there. 80 degrees. Towards the end of the week we had some rain and the low in the upper 50s. Friday night came, and not having packed warm clothes because of our experience last year, some of us had tee shirts and shorts on and that was it. It was cold. We needed a blanket to be outside during worship and Bible study. Then came the bonfire. It was a welcome reprieve from the cold. They started with it stacked up like a teepee, and it was slow going, but eventually it was a roaring and tall fire. I remember looking at it and it started to fall over and it fell quickly towards my wife who had her back to it. It wasn’t close enough to hurt her, but close enough to alarm her and you could feel the heat much closer than before. The bonfire landed outside the confines of the concrete barrier, causing a little fire on the grass around it (luckily it wasn’t completely dry since it had been raining the last couple of days).

Eugene and Sasha started to scoop the wood back into the fire to keep it contained. But just imagine that huge campfire. It was giving off much needed warmth for us as it was an uncharacteristically cool night. But because it was contained, it was safe. But if we weren’t careful, that fire could have gotten out of control and burned the forest around us down. That’s the same thing with alcohol—it requires boundaries, or it destroys.

A few weeks ago when I preached on the life of David I said: “Sin will take you farther than you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay, and cost you more than you want to pay.” Many addicts started with small, casual habits that they never thought would control them. The wise person sees the potential danger and steps away early.

The Bible isn’t a list of random rules about drinking; it’s God’s invitation to something better — a life of freedom and clarity. But to experience that freedom, we have to acknowledge something first: while alcohol itself isn’t sinful, drunkenness and substance abuse enslave us. And Jesus came to set us free from anything that controls us.

2. The Bible Clearly Prohibits Drunkenness and Substance Abuse

The Bible draws a very clear line: while drinking in moderation is not sinful, drunkenness is always sinful. We see that…

Drunkenness is Repeatedly Condemned

Ephesians 5:18 ESV

And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,

The Greek word for “debauchery” (asōtia) means wastefulness, recklessness, or wild living. Paul’s point is that drunkenness leads to a loss of control, where your judgment, morals, and actions become reckless.

Galatians 5:19–21 ESV

Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Drunkenness is listed among the “acts of the flesh” that keep us from inheriting the Kingdom of God. This means habitual drunkenness is incompatible with a Spirit-filled life.

Proverbs 23:29-35 — I am not going to read it, but it gives a vivid picture of the dangers of drunkenness-blurred vision, reckless behavior, waking up with regret.

Drunkenness isn’t just about drinking too much — it’s about being under the influence of something other than the Holy Spirit.

Think about the story of Noah in Genesis 9:20-27. After the flood, this righteous man planted a vineyard, but when he got drunk, he ended up lying uncovered in his tent, and it led to family shame. Even great men of faith make foolish decisions when their judgment is clouded.

b. Substance Abuse Goes Against God’s Design

1 Corinthians 6:19–20 ESV

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

Your body is a temple. It’s not meant to be controlled by drugs or alcohol. This applies to illegal drugs — like marijuana, cocaine, or opioids — but also to the misuse of prescription medications. Anything that clouds your mind or enslaves you is not from God.

The opioid epidemic in America is a heartbreaking example. Many started with legal prescriptions for pain — but misuse led to dependency, broken families, and even death. The pattern is clear: substance abuse always takes more than it gives.

I had a friend who started taking painkillers after a sports injury. At first, it was just to manage pain. But over time, he became dependent. His grades dropped. He lost relationships. He told me later, “I never saw it coming. I thought I was in control — but it was controlling me.”

The truth is, we all have things that control us — it may not be alcohol or drugs, but we all have our idols, our escapes, our ways of numbing pain. That’s why we need the gospel. Jesus didn’t just come to make bad people good — He came to set enslaved people free. Drunkenness may control some of us, but sin controls all of us. And the cross is where Jesus broke the power of every chain.

c. We Are Called to Be Sober-Minded

1 Peter 5:8 ESV

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

Peter’s language is urgent — being “alert” and “sober-minded” are military terms, like a soldier standing watch at night. The soldier who’s drunk or high is vulnerable, distracted, and easily overtaken.

Alcohol and drugs open the door to temptation because they numb your self-control and make it easier to compromise.

Imagine driving through heavy fog. You slow down because you can’t see clearly. Alcohol and drugs create spiritual fog. They blur your judgment, slow your reaction time, and make it easier to crash. When people wake up after a night of partying and say “I don’t even remember what I did.” Spiritually speaking, the enemy loves that kind of fog — because when you’re not thinking clearly, you’re not resisting him.”

The Christian life is not just about saying ‘no’ to alcohol or drugs. If that’s all it was, we’d just be left with empty hands and hearts. The gospel is about saying ‘yes’ to something better — being filled with the Spirit of God. When Jesus saves us, He doesn’t just take away the old life — He fills us with new joy, new courage, and new freedom.

3. The Bible Offers Something Better — Be Filled with the Spirit

The Christian life isn’t just about what you avoid — it’s about what you embrace. Paul contrasts drunkenness with being filled with the Spirit.

a. We All Want Relief, Joy, Escape — But the Spirit Fills Those Needs

People often drink or use drugs to escape something — pain, stress, loneliness, or fear. Others do it to feel confident or have fun. But those things never last.

Ephesians 5:18 ESV

And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,

The Spirit of God provides what alcohol promises but can never truly deliver — joy without regret, peace without a hangover, and courage without consequences. Someone once told me, “I drink to forget my problems.” The problem with that is, when the buzz wears off, your problems are still there — and often they’ve grown worse. But the Spirit gives us the power to face our problems, not run from them.

b. The Fruit of the Spirit Leads to Self-Control

Galatians 5:22–23 ESV

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

Alcohol and drugs rob you of self-control, but the Spirit builds it in you.

Jesus said this in John 14:27

John 14:27 ESV

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

Jesus promises peace that the world cannot give. Look to Him to give you that peace. Not everyone is super outgoing, friendly and just loves to be in social interactions with people. I knew a man who said, “I drink because it gives me courage to be social.” The problem is, courage that comes from a bottle fades when the buzz wears off. But look at Peter in Acts 2. He was a man who denied Jesus out of fear — but after being filled with the Spirit, he stood up in front of thousands and boldly preached the gospel. That’s the difference the Spirit makes.

c. Addiction is a Spiritual Battle — But God Offers Freedom

Many people don’t realize that addiction isn’t just physical — it’s spiritual. It’s about what controls your heart and mind.

John 8:36 ESV

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

1 Corinthians 10:13 ESV

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

If you feel trapped by alcohol or drugs, you need to hear this: You are not too far gone. Jesus can break every chain.

Think of a kite. It’s designed to soar — but only when it’s tethered to a string. Cut the string, and it crashes. The world says, “Cut the strings, live free!” But true freedom comes from being anchored to God.

The good news of the gospel is that Jesus doesn’t tell you to clean yourself up before you come to Him. He invites you as you are — whether you’re struggling with addiction, guilt, or regret. He forgives, He heals, and He fills you with His Spirit so you can live free. He loves you too much to let you stay where you are. He brings you into who He is. The question isn’t just, ‘What are you running from?’ The question is, ‘Who are you running to?’ Because only Jesus can satisfy that longing inside.

So How Should We Respond?

1. Examine Your Own Life

Paul calls believers in 2 Corinthians 13:5 to

2 Corinthians 13:5 ESV

Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!

Take a hard look at your relationship with alcohol or substances. Do you control it, or does it control you?

What motivates you when you drink or consider using substances? Is it to relax, numb pain, escape reality, or fit in?

Are you using alcohol or drugs in a way that dishonors God or harms others?

Are you making decisions based on wisdom or peer pressure?

Can I honestly say this habit glorifies God (1 Corinthians 10:31)?

If Jesus were physically sitting next to me, would I be comfortable with my choices?

Would I be proud to talk about this habit with my kids, spouse, or church family?

Imagine if your habits were displayed on a movie screen for your whole church to see. Would you feel comfortable? Often, if we feel the need to hide something, that’s the Spirit’s way of convicting us that it’s not honoring to God.

2. Set Personal Boundaries

Some believers have the freedom to drink moderately and responsibly. Others know that even one drink is a slippery slope. It’s wisdom — not weakness — to set personal boundaries.

Boundaries might look like:

-Choosing not to drink at all.

-Avoiding environments (like parties or bars) where temptation is high.

-Having an accountability partner to ask tough questions.

A railroad track has two rails for a reason. Without them, the train derails. Boundaries in your spiritual life are the “rails” that keep you moving in the right direction.

3. Help Others Struggling with Addiction

We live in a culture where addiction is everywhere — alcohol, drugs, pornography, even work or technology. The Bible calls us to walk with those who are struggling, to offer compassion, not condemnation.

Galatians 6:1–2 ESV

Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

Instead of saying, “Why can’t they just stop?” we should ask, “How can I help them experience Jesus’ freedom?”

Pray for them and with them.

Encourage them to seek counseling or support groups (like Celebrate Recovery).

Walk alongside them without judgment, showing grace and accountability.

Think of the friends who lowered the paralyzed man through the roof to bring him to Jesus (Mark 2:1-12). That’s what we’re called to do — carry those who can’t carry themselves, believing Jesus is the one who can heal and restore.

4. Choose to Be Filled with the Spirit Daily

Paul contrasts drunkenness with being “filled with the Spirit” in Ephesians 5:18. Why? Because both involve control — but the Spirit’s control leads to life, not destruction.

Being filled with the Spirit isn’t a one-time event — it’s a daily surrender.

Start your day asking: “Lord, fill me with Your Spirit today. Guide my thoughts, my words, and my actions.” Spend time in the Word.

The Spirit empowers you to say “no” to destructive habits and “yes” to the life God has for you.

A sponge always leaks whatever it’s filled with. If you soak it in dirty water, that’s what comes out when it’s squeezed. But if you soak it in clean water, that’s what overflows. What are you soaking your life in? The Spirit or the world?Surrender control to God, not substances.

Let the Spirit satisfy the desires you're tempted to fill elsewhere.

You can pour alcohol into your body or drugs into your system, but they’ll never heal the brokenness in your heart. Only Jesus can do that. On the cross, He took all of our sin, our shame, our addictions, and He defeated them. When He rose again, He offered new life — not life lived under the influence of this world, but life filled with the power of His Spirit.

The world offers empty substitutes — but Jesus offers freedom, peace, and purpose. Don’t settle for temporary fog — walk in the clear, Spirit-led life God designed for you.

Ask God to fill you with His Spirit, give wisdom for decisions, and provide strength for anyone battling addiction or destructive habits.