Why I Don’t Drink Any Alcohol (Part 1) Series

We will step into a controversial subject this morning. For some, this could mean the difference between a fruitful Christian life versus a life that ends in disappointment—a life of unfulfilled potential. It could even mean the difference between life and death for some. That’s why we must address it.

Paul told the Ephesians: “. . . I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:27).i He did not avoid the difficult subjects. Preachers are often tempted to do that. If the appearance of success by keeping the crowd is the primary objective, preachers will avoid controversial subjects. If faithfulness to God and the wellbeing of the hearers is the primary goal, then preachers will risk subjects like this. Earlier in Acts 20:20, Paul talked about his proclamation of the gospel and how he taught from house to house. In that context he said, “I

kept back nothing that was helpful.” I share this teaching today because I believe it will be “helpful” to you.

The title of this message is: Why I Don’t Drink Any Alcohol. I will share with you nine reasons. We will probably only finish the first three today. The church has changed dramatically since the time I first became a Christians. Decades ago, one would need nine points to explain why he would drink any alcohol. That was particularly true for conservative ministers. But the majority opinion has shifted. It has shifted so much that today I find it necessary to give you nine reasons why I don’t drink any alcohol. Many will disagree with my position on this. I only ask that would hear me out. I will seek to deal with the whole counsel of God on this subject, rather than simply quote a few proof texts for my position and avoid passages that might challenge it. In the timeframe, we cannot be exhaustive. There are many verses that relate to the issue of alcohol. But we do want an honest examination of

Scripture as a whole. Our understanding of this should be informed by the overall revelation in the Bible. Nine reasons why I don’t drink any alcohol:

Reason #1:

DRINKING A LITTLE ALCOHOL EASILY LEADS TO DRINKING TOO MUCH ALCOHOL.

I know this from personal experience and by observing the behavior of others. Alcohol diminishes our reasoning power. Therefore, as we drink a little, we can easily convince ourselves that one more won’t hurt. And that can lead to drunkenness.

The Bible clearly teaches against drunkenness. Proverbs 20:1 says, “Wine is a mocker, Strong drink is a brawler (NLT says, ‘leads to brawls), And whoever is led astray by it is not wise.” Do you want to be a wise person? If so, beware of the deceptive nature of strong drink.

Proverbs 23 expands upon this warning. Verse 19-20 warns against both drunkenness and gluttony: “Hear, my son, and be wise (There is this issue of wisdom again); And guide your heart in the way. 20 Do not mix with winebibbers, Or with gluttonous eaters of meat; 21 For the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, And drowsiness will clothe a man with rags.” A lifestyle dominated by impulses for fleshly gratification can rob you of provision and success. When we address alcohol consumption, people invariable bring up gluttony: “Well the Bible also condemns gluttony and look at all the overweight Christians.” My response to that is this: one sin does not justify another. Just because a lot of people live in fornication, does not mean its alright to murder. Proverbs 23:19-20 is warning against both drunkenness and gluttony. They are both wrong. However, you seldom hear of someone’s judgement being so impaired by donut consumption that they veer out into the wrong lane and cause a head-on car accident, killing innocent people. “Every year, more than 15,000 people are killed as a result of drunk driving.” “In the U.S., 25% of traffic-related deaths are caused by driving under the influence (DUI).”ii In those cases, this subject is a matter of life and death.

Proverbs 23:29 asks the rhetorical questions: “Who has woe? [Do you want to be a person who has woe?] Who has sorrow? [Ironically alcohol promises to alleviate sorrow. And it may give a quick emotional boost. But the long-term consequence is sorrow.] Who has contentions? Who has complaints? Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness of eyes?”iii The answer follows in verses 30-31: “Those who linger long at the wine, Those who go in search of mixed wine. 31 Do not look on the wine when it is red, When it sparkles in the cup, When it swirls around smoothly.” While drinking a glass wine, have you ever taken pleasure in swirling the contents around as described in this verse? I have literally done that. It’s amazing how vivid Scripture can be.