Continuing our series on Christian Living, focusing on subject that impact our lives. Areas in which people have to make choices. Like gambling, intoxicating liquids referred to as drinking or drinking alcohol has a big footprint in our society.
It carries billions of dollars in our economy.
At one in our nation's history it was a polarizing subject that led to prohibition, which led to the advent of underground businesses, strengthened the existence of the mob and other individuals making moonshine.
Liquor can be found everywhere
Sports bars
Foot ball games
Graduations
Wedding celebrations
We are all impacted by the existence of alcohol. It is entrenched in our religious society as well. Some organizations forbid participating in drinking while there are others who do not. The first time I was enlightened that some religious organizations did not condemn drinking was during first few months in the Air Force. The largest Christina religion in the world "the Catholic faith" not only did not condemn drinking but accepted it as a societal norm. Catholic priest explained it as you could drink but drink responsibly. He shared a drink that day - "I know that when you think of Catholics and drinking that it may seem a little different. After al wherever you fid four Catholic priest, you will find a fifth." ba dum bum
Why do people drink?
What does the Bible say about drinking?
Can someone under the influence be a strong witness for GOD?
How does GOD look upon drinking?
Should I consider others when contemplating whether to drink or not?
Why Drink
Experiences or background
Past experiences shape people’s current value
A positive experience increases their motivation to drink while a negative would do the opposite.
Growing up, my Dad would come home and rink a beer after work before dinner, so after I got married I did the same thing.
Stress
Alcohol helps alleviate their negative feelings
Gives the impression or relief or escape from the source of the stress or anxiety
Social norm
Social norms are the behavioral expectations within a community
Alcohol is expected at most parasites and weddings
In the military, we had a beer burst after successfully meeting our goals. People were expected to participate in this. After becoming a Christian I didn't attend these events and was ostracized.
Environment
Exposure to alcohol related cues increases the craving for alcohol such as tv programs advertisements, etc.
Accessibility
Easy to access, also available in most supermarkets
Rebellion
Usually among teenagers…want to defy the rules, show they are different from others
Peer pressure
One of the most prominent reasons
Afraid of being ostracized or left out
Teenagers more vulnerable to this
For fun
Drinking lifts their spirits
Can help relax in social situations
A couple things missing from list
Enjoy the taste
To quench thirst
The Bible does address drinking. Alcohol was a typical thing during bible times. It was used for several things....
medicine
"drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities" (! Tim 5:23)
Socializing…several cities named “Beer”
During meals especially holidays
Admonitions or warnings against alcohol
Overindulgence or drunkenness
Prov 23:20 states “Be not among winebibbers, for the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty.”
1 Cor 5:11 states “But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater or a railer or a drunkard or an extortioner; with such a one no not to eat.”
Entering worship
Lev 10:9 “You and your sons are not to drink wine or other fermented drink whenever you go into the tent of meeting, or you will die. This is a lasting ordinance for the generations to come,..”
First thin in the morning…drinking all day
Isa 5:11 - "Woe to those who rise early in the morning to run after their drinks, who stay up late at night till they are inflamed with wine"
Causes brother to stumble
Rom 14:21 - "It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall.”
The Bible guides us to consider our covenant or promises that we make with GOD.
In the Old Testament it was called The Nazarite Vow….Numbers 6:3-7. The core of the vow meant to be separated or consecrated. Men and women could dedicate their life to serving GOD; gender, social economic status nor religious status didn't matter. The most popular character was Samson who is known for strength. Although the Nazarite vow was completely voluntary, Samson was dedicated to GOD by his parents.
Abstain from wine or fermented drink, including grape juice
Do not eat grapes or raisins, not even seeds or skins
Don't cut hair for length of vow
Avoid being close to corpse
Includes immediate family members
Was Jesus and his disciples Nazarites?
Did they go near a dead body?
Did they partake of grapes or fruit of vine?
Did Jesus transform water into wine during a Cana wedding?
Last how did the first century Christians approach wine or strong drink.
The leaders of the church and aged women were "not be given to much wine" Titus 2:3
Elders shall “...Be examples to the flock.: 1 Pet 5
“Be sober-minded; be watchful.” 1 Pet 5:8
Be disciplined, controlled, sound mind
Renew our mind with truth or Word of GOD
The facts are clear, drinking was created equal but categorized as sin by how humanity uses alcohol.
Perhaps, the teaching of abstinence was designed and advocated to help us abstain from the appearance of evil, but we need to recognize that the appearance of evil is determined by the individual…it is called individual grace or what the individual is willing to give GOD . as a sign of their dedication and loyalty to HIM.
In looking at 1 Thes 5:22 the appearance of evil defined by Paul in content was teaching about avoiding false teaching and holding fast to Godliness or the truth
During the years, we have applied a natural Pharisee pattern of adding to the scriptures which is harmful
Instead of having another drink, how about considering the following
I'll Have another….
Moment in prayer
Opportunity to praise Jesus
Blessing to receive
Time to accept and grow in His mercy
Renewed life
Moment to demonstrate my loyalty to You
Shot to top your grace
Situation to demonstrate my trust in you
Session with You HOLY Spirit
Session with You, GOD!
Don't allow drinking to be a reason for not getting your blessings...
Numbers 6:24-26 “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and five you peace.”
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