I. The Bible says that wine is .
A. Wine is viewed as a from the Lord
“Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the first-fruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.” – Proverbs 3:9-10
B. Conversely the lack of wine is seen in the Old Testament as the of God.
II. The Bible says that is .
A. Drunkenness and the devastation it brings is .
B. Alcohol can our faculties.
“Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.” – Proverbs 20:1
C. Drunkenness is the opposite of living.
D. Alcohol is the wrong place to turn for healing of and pain.
III. The Bible that and at least of the disciples drank alcohol.
“For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is justified by her deeds.” – Matthew 11:19-20
IV. The Bible teaches that is the key to a godly life.
A. This scripture says of Elders, “not a .” It doesn’t say they shouldn’t drink at all.
B. The scripture says of Deacons “not to much .” It doesn’t say they shouldn’t drink at all.
“It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to take strong drink, lest they drink and forget what has been decreed and pervert the rights of all the afflicted.” – Proverbs 31:4-5
V. Follow your conscience on this issue.
What should my posture be toward other believers who may choose to live their life differently than me when it comes to the issue of alcohol?
I don’t drink. How do I look at the brother who drinks in moderation?
1. I choose to not judge them if they drink in moderation.
2. I will not let their freedom become a stumbling block to my walk with God.
3. I will not bad-mouth them or think that I am better than them in any way before the Lord.
4. I will pray for my brothers and sisters that they would be wise in this decision.
If I do drink in moderation. How do I look at the brother who abstains?
1. I will not drink in front of a brother or sister who I know abstains.
2. I will not look down on anyone who chooses to not exercise their liberty to drink.
3. I will praise the brother or sister for godly self-control.
4. I will pray for my brothers and sisters that they would remain humble before the Lord.