At the end of last week’s article, we noted how some use the New Testament to try and justify the consumption of alcohol. Passages such as Romans 14:20-21 or 1 Timothy 3:8 (NKJV) are often given as reasons why it is okay to drink alcohol. Let’s briefly consider these passages and determine whether they give the right to drink or not to drink alcohol.
Some claim based on Romans 14:20-21 that it is acceptable to drink alcohol, yet this misses the point of Paul’s teaching. Paul’s teaching is to avoid that which can cause a brother or sister to sin. Even if one finds no issue with alcohol, there must be a concern for the brother or sister who may be overcoming an alcohol addiction from the past. In this way, to drink would most certainly be a sin. Moreover, Peter condemns not only “drunkenness” but also “drinking parties” (1 Pet. 4:3). These “drinking parties” were literally gatherings at which wine was served.[1]
In 1 Timothy 3:8, it is said that deacons must not be “given to much wine.” Does this mean that it is okay for deacons to drink a little wine? In considering this passage, we would be amiss not to refer to 1 Timothy 3:3 where it is said that elders are “not given to wine.” Literally, the Spirit is saying that an elder or a deacon is not to be “addicted” to wine (1 Tim. 3:3, 8, NASB). As noted by the National Institute of Health in last week’s article, alcohol is dangerous because of how addictive it is. No one begins drinking looking to become an addict, yet it is a process that begins as soon as one starts drinking. The reason elders and deacons are not to be given over to a substance such as wine is because of the effects it has on one’s ability to act soberly and make wise decisions (cf. Lev. 10:8-11, NKJV). Therefore, 1 Timothy 3:8 is not intended to say that as long as a deacon does not desire to be an elder he can drink a little wine as long as it is not much wine. As Christians, we are all to be “sober” (1 Thess. 5:8; 1 Pet. 5:8) – therefore, 1 Timothy 3:8 is by no means an authorization to drink alcohol. The Bible is clear concerning the consumption of alcohol. If we are honest with ourselves and the text, alcohol is a dangerous drink that we as Christians should want no part of if we are to truly glorify God in our body and our spirits (1 Cor. 6:19-20). Only when we can recognize the dangers of alcohol will we be ready to consider the exceptions given toward alcohol in Scripture. Next week, we will conclude our series of articles on the Christian and alcohol by noting when God’s word makes exception for alcoholic drink.
By: Preston McElyea