Wednesday, October 6, 2010

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Drinking / Drunk

Christians and Alcohol?

October 6th, 2010 at 11:03pm by John Popovich

This is a great question, and one that comes up often. The common response, often by Christians and non-Christians alike, is “Jesus drank!” For the most part yes he did, but he did not get drunk, and one must look not only to the cultural climate of the times, but one must also ask the question: Why are you drinking in the first place?

In 1 Timothy, Paul lists among the characteristics of those who would be leaders in the church that they be “not given to drunkenness” (1 Timothy 3:3) or “not indulging in much wine” (1 Timothy 3:8). In the book of Titus, elders are called to be examples who are “not given to drunkenness” (Titus 1:7), and the elder women in the church are instructed to not be “addicted to much wine” (Titus 2:3). In these examples, the emphasis is clearly on moderation; namely, a responsible use of alcohol that does not lead to its control of one’s life. This is compounded by a description of Christian life stated in Ephesians 5:18 “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.” The only legitimate controlling reality in the believer’s life is to be God’s Spirit. All other controlling realities are, in fact, idolatrous.

In 1 Timothy 5:23 Paul instructs Timothy saying “Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses.” Some would say “Paul is instructing us to drink!” however, something to remember is that during the first century, wine was often watered down. Wine was also used to combat symptoms of impure water during this time. Kaiser (1992) wrote the following about the context of the above verse:

“Paul, in keeping with his warnings against abusive use, counsels for the use of “a little wine.” In this, he is simply reflecting the common use of wine, especially for medicinal purposes, in the ancient world. Its beneficial effects “against dyspeptic complaints, as a tonic, and as counteracting the effects of impure water, were widely recognized in antiquity”^54-11 and are confirmed by modern medicine. Paul’s view on this matter may have been backed by the advice of his fellow worker Luke, the beloved physician.” (para 5)

It is my opinion, based on biblical truth, that it is ok for Christians to drink. The flip side is that we are called to be filled with the Holy Spirit, and not hindered or influenced by alcohol. Furthermore, Christians should beware of drinking alcohol in a way that may cause someone else to fall into the temptation of allowing alcohol to influence their actions in a negative way (Romans 14:20-21). Also, honestly ask yourself this question “why am I drinking?” If ones reason for drinking is to fill a void, or to kill an emotional or physical pain, I would implore you to please seek help as these are alcoholic tendencies. The answer to your problems will never be found in the bottom of a bottle. God wants to help, he wants to comfort you in times of pain, this friendship is a two way street. I would encourage you to seek out God for the answers. He may not respond right away, but His timing is perfect and you will find peace through His Son Jesus Christ.

Keep the questions coming.

References:

Brauch, T., Bruce, F., Davids, P., Kaiser, W. (1996). Hard Sayings of The Bible.

[electronic version]. (Commentary of 1 Timothy). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press

Life Application Bible: New International Version (1997). Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House

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