How Should We Approach Alcohol?

This was part of my sermon recap from 7-15-12, but I thought it was worth repeating. Alcohol has long been a part of human history. Anti-alcohol attitudes have persisted in the rural, southern areas. However, our culture is slowly changing. It is important we think biblically concern the the use of alcohol. For that reason, I am posting this again.

A few weeks ago, I made a statement concerning drinking during a sermon. I said, "I'm not saying drinking is evil." The statement lacked clarity, and created some confusion as to what I believe concerning alcohol. First, I will explain why I said I don't think drinking is evil, in and of itself. Then I'll explain how I think we should approach alcohol.

The reason I don't think drinking is evil, in and of itself, is based on two premises draw from Scripture.

1. Jesus never sinned. Hebrews 4:15 and 1 Peter 2:22 both state this fact.

2. Jesus, most likely, drank alcohol. Jesus' first miracle was turning water into wine. The context suggests that it was wine and not grape juice (See John 2). Also in Matthew 11:18-19, Jesus implies that he drank wine or alcohol. He states, "For John did not come eating or drinking, and they say, 'He has a demon!' The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!' Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds" (Matt. 11:18-19). John didn't drink because he was forbidden by the Lord (see Luke 1:15). Jesus says he "came eating and drinking" in contrast to John which seems to imply Jesus drank alcohol. The accusation by the crowd was Jesus was a "drunkard." We can know for certain Jesus wasn't a drunkard, but if he never drank alcohol, why would they accuse him of such?


Drawing these two premises together, we can say since Jesus, who never sinned, likely consumed alcohol, we can conclude drinking alcohol, in and of itself, is not a sin. If our conclusion is true, then how do we approach alcohol?

1. Romans 14 has a lot to say about "disputable matters" or matters of conscience. Romans 14:21, places the consumption of alcohol in this category. In this passage, Paul gives us two guiding principles: serving God with a clear conscience and serving our neighbors in love.

2. Alcohol may be used as medicine. See 1 Timothy 5:23; and Prov. 31:6-7. Even our Church Covenant is worded so as not to exclude the use of alcohol as medicine. It states we are, "to abstain from the sale of, and use of, intoxicating drinks as a beverage."

3. Alcohol should be approached with caution, with the full awareness it can quickly master those who use it. See Proverbs 20:1; 23:29-35.

4. Therefore, leaders should not consume alcohol. See Proverbs 31:4-5; 1 Tim. 3:3-8, Titus 1:7.

5. Those controlled by alcohol (drunkards) are condemned. Ephesians 5:18, helps us to understand drunkenness. By contrasting drunkenness with being filled by the Spirit, Paul paints a picture of total transformation. Being drunk with wine changes one's speech, their movement, and their attitudes. Being filled with the Spirit also changes one's speech, movement, and attitudes. Paul tells us that drunkards are among those who won't inherit the kingdom of heaven (1 Cor. 6:9-10). We are not even to associate with a professing believer who is a drunkard (1 Cor. 5:11).

6. Because the common understanding, within our culture, is that good Christians don't drink alcohol, it is best to abstain from drinking alcohol. Abstinence in these circumstances maintains the spirit of 1 Corinthians 8 and Romans 14.

7. On a personal note, I don't drink for several reasons. I learned a long time ago that I have an addictive personality, and I don't want to run the risk of being ruled by alcohol. I grew up in a home where drinking was frowned upon, and my conscience bares witness to that learning. I don't want set an example that leads others down a path that may destroy them. And I have covenanted with the Monticello to abstain from the sale of and use of intoxicating drinks as a beverage.