2001-12-02 - Passages about Alcohol

During the holiday season, some of us will be attending parties and will be trying to make decisions regarding alcohol. There is much rhetoric about the topic. The Bible itself naturally condemns drunkenness, yet there is no command to abstain (except in special circumstances), either. As the Apostle reminded us concerning many issues, moderation, consideration of others (alcoholics and weaker Christians) and a non-judgmental attitude are the primary factors we should consider. Today we will see some passages about alcohol.

Psalm 104:14-16 He makes grass grow for the cattle, and plants for man to cultivate-- bringing forth food from the earth, wine that gladdens the heart of man, oil to make his face shine, and bread that sustains his heart. The trees of the LORD are well watered, the cedars of Lebanon that he planted.

Proverbs 20:1 Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.

Song of Solomon 8:2 I would lead you and bring you to my mother's house-- she who has taught me. I would give you spiced wine to drink, the nectar of my pomegranates.

Proverbs 23:19-21 Listen, my son, and be wise, and keep your heart on the right path. Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags.

John 2:7-11 Jesus said to them, "Fill the waterpots with water.'' So they filled them up to the brim. And He said to them, "Draw some out now and take it to the headwaiter.'' So they took it to him. When the headwaiter tasted the water which had become wine, and did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the headwaiter called the bridegroom, and said to him, "Every man serves the good wine first, and when the people have drunk freely, then he serves the poorer wine; but you have kept the good wine until now.' This beginning of His signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory, and His disciples believed in Him.

Romans 14:20-22 Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a man to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble. It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother to fall. So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the man who does not condemn himself by what he approves.

Jan

 jan@cfdevotionals.org
http://www.cfdevotionals.org