"Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of
God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers,
nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards…”
(1 Corinthians 6:9-10). The word “drunkards” is translated from
a term for wine which is the source of our English word “methyl”
which is a kind of alcohol. It is defined literally as drunken or intoxicated.
On the day of Pentecost, when the apostles spoke in tongues, we read, “Others
mocking said, ‘They are full of new wine.’ But Peter, standing up
with the eleven, raised his voice and said to them, ‘Men of Judea and
all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and heed my words. For
these are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the
day’” (Acts 2:13-15).
Even the Old Testament warned of the problems associated with drinking alcoholic
beverages. Noah planted a vineyard, drank of the wine, and got drunk, and some
very unpleasant consequences ensued (Genesis 9:20-21ff). “Wine is a mocker,
strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise”
(Proverbs 20:1). The word “wine” does not always necessarily suggest
a fermented beverage. Sometimes it can refer to fresh grape juice (Isaiah 65:8).
It has been suggested that whenever wine is spoken of positively in Scripture
it means the non-fermented variety, as when Jesus turned water to wine (John
2:1-11). On the other hand, when it is talked about in negative terms it identifies
the alcoholic kind, as we see in Proverbs 20:1 and the following passage, which
also issues a stern warning.
“Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has complaints?
Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness of eyes? Those who linger long
at the wine, those who go in search of mixed wine. Do not look on the wine when
it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it swirls around smoothly; at the
last it bites like a serpent, and stings like a viper. Your eyes will see strange
things, and your heart will utter perverse things. Yes, you will be like one
who lies down in the midst of the sea, or like one who lies at the top of the
mast, saying: 'They have struck me, but I was not hurt; they have beaten me,
but I did not feel it. When shall I awake, that I may seek another drink?’”
(Proverbs 23:29-35).
While it is true that these two Proverbs warnings are found in the Old Testament,
they still are written for our learning and represent God’s wisdom on
the subject. Furthermore, we have similar warnings in the New Testament. “And
do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit”
(Ephesians 5:18). W. E. Vine says that the term translated “drunk with
wine” means “to make drunk or to grow drunk (an inceptive verb,
marking the process of…).” Thus, whatever is involved in the process
of becoming drunk is condemned. There are only two possibilities here. One can
be filled either with wine or with the Spirit—but not both.
“Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves
also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from
sin, that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the
lusts of men, but for the will of God. For we have spent enough of our past
lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles—when we walked in lewdness,
lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries.
In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the
same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you” (1 Peter 4:1-4). The
past lives of these disciples had included drunkenness, revelries (i.e., drunken
orgies), and “drinking [i.e. cocktail] parties,” but no longer.
They had ceased from such sinful activities. Why? Because those who engage themselves
in the process which will make them drunk will not inherit the kingdom of God.
"O Lord, God of our
fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Israel" (1 Chronicles 29:18)
by Thomas Olivers (1725-1799), 1765
1. The God of Abraham praise,
who reigns enthroned above;
Ancient of everlasting days, and God of Love;
Jehovah, great I AM! by earth and heaven confessed;
I bow and bless the sacred name forever blessed.
2. The God of Abraham praise, at whose supreme command
From earth I rise—and seek the joys at His right hand;
I all on earth forsake, its wisdom, fame, and power;
And Him my only portion make, my shield and tower.
3. He by Himself has sworn; I on His oath depend,
I shall, on eagle wings upborne, to heaven ascend.
I shall behold His face; I shall His power adore,
And sing the wonders of His grace forevermore.
By Wayne S. Walker
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