Casual/Social Drinking0A significant issue among Christians over recent times.0Varying factors as to why:0Denominations that would have taken a stance on the

issue in past have long since backed off; many openly endorse social drinking now.

0In general, our society has turned more and more to drinking as being socially acceptable.

0Is social/casual drinking right or wrong? Will it draw us closer to God or drive us further away, or is it a spiritually neutral matter?

“We should live soberly, righteously, and Godly”(Titus 2:11)

Drunkenness is condemned in the Bible

0Isaiah 5:11) A woe is declared on those who drink continually.

0Isaiah 5:22) A woe is pronounced on the heroes of drinking.

0Luke 12:45-46) The unfaithful steward is described as one who gives himself over to drink.

01 Corinthians 5:11; 6:9-10) Drunkenness is firmly condemned among Christians.

Common passages concerning wine…

0John 2:1-11) Jesus turned water into “oinos”0The Greek word refers to grape juice, ranging from

fresh grape juice to a highly fermented substance.0Bible scholars inform us that the “strong drink” of

the Bible had an alcoholic content of about 5% to 8%. (That would be the “strong drink” that is condemned in no uncertain terms by the Lord; Proverbs 20:1; 23:31-35; & would be the equivalent of our modern day beer!)

Common passages concerning wine…

0John 2:1-11) Jesus turned water into “oinos”0“For we do not have a High Priest who cannot

sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.” (Heb 4:15 NKJV)

0"Woe to him who gives drink to his neighbor, pressing him to your bottle, even to make him drunk, that you may look on his nakedness!” (Hab 2:15 NKJV)

0John 2:6) 120 to 180 gallons of alcoholic wine would make a large number of people drunk, especially after already drinking. Jesus would not have given occasion for anyone to stumble (Mt. 18:7).

Common passages concerning wine…

0Another common passage used to justify social drinking by some in 1Tim. 5:23.0The recommendation was a little “oinos” for medicinal purposes.0Oil and wine (oinos) in Bible times were common medicines

(Luke 10:34).0Timothy had known the sacred writings from childhood (2Tim

3:15), and his knowledge & attitude as a Christian was such that he wouldn’t even touch “oinos” as medicine until commanded to do so!

0Please do not pervert this passage. The use of medicine is not an approval for casual use.

0There also is no evidence to suggest that Paul was recommending Timothy to drink fermented “oinos”.

Things that Christians are no longer to do (1Pet 4:1-4)0Verse 3)0“Drunkenness” (NKJV, ESV), “excess of wine” (KJV),

“winebibbings” (ASV) -- means “an overflow or surplus of wine”. (Strong’s)0This would equate to a down and out drunk.

0“Revelries” (NKJV), “revellings” (KJV, ASV) , or “orgies” (ESV) – means “a carousal, a letting loose”. (Strong’s)0This would equate to a party that leads to one

getting drunk, adversely affecting one’s behavior.

Things that Christians are no longer to do (1Pet 4:1-4)

0Verse 3, Continued)0The word “drinking parties” (NKJV, ESV),

“carousings” (ASV), banquetings (KJV) – means literally a drinking bout or carousal: - banqueting. (Strong’s)0The word means “to drink, but it is not

necessarily excessive”, according to “Synonyms of the NT”, by R.C. Trench.0Essentially what this would be referring to is

Social/Casual drinking.

The effects of alcohol…0Drinking weakens inhibitions against sin (Genesis

9:30-31; 19:32-35).0Drinking will lead you astray (Proverbs 20:1)0Drinking removes good judgment (Leviticus 10:9-

10; Isaiah 28:1-3, 7-8).0The Lord has spoken on the devastation that it

brings (Proverbs 23:29-33).0God also speaks of how it is addictive (Joel 3:3).

Practical applications regarding influence…

0How do you go about reproving a drunkard when they know you like to “drink a little” yourself?

0If your neighbor learns that you drink on an occasional basis, will this enhance your spiritual qualities in his sight? Or, will your spiritual qualities be diminished in his sight?

0How many churches would employ an evangelist who drinks on occasion?

0How would you feel if you saw one of our elders out in public with a beer in his hand (1Peter 2:12)?

0How would you feel if you saw one our deacons drinking?

Practical applications regarding influence…

0Even if someone falsely reasoned that some sort of drinking was lawful, I can easily show you that it is not expedient (1Corinthians 6:9-12).

0Consider the dishonesty that comes along with this way of life for the Christian. There is denial at every step. Lying becomes a way of life.

0Satan wins when you are afraid to share your deepest desires, concerns, beliefs, and struggles with your brethren.

0What type of Christian would mock a lesson such as this one?

Conclusion0Many preachers have quit preaching against

social drinking; elders who refuse to exercise discipline have given up the defense of the faith (Jude 3) and no longer teach “all holy conduct and godliness” (2Peter 3:11).

0Depression and addiction are very common partners. I encourage any here today who may be struggling with either -- to go to the Lord while facing the hurts of this life (Matthew 11:28-30; Titus 2:11-15)

“… denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live

soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age…” (Titus 2:12, NKJV)