Jesus Turns Water Into Wine Series

COME AND SEE #3: SIGN #1: JESUS TURNS WATER INTO WINE

REVIEW: So far in the Gospel of John, we have gone through the first chapter. We have seen Jesus the Word come into the world, John the Baptist witness to Him, and the first few disciples.

• We discussed how John paints a picture of Jesus through seven I am claims and miracles:

INTRO TO THE SEVEN MIRACLE SIGNS:

Miracles in John are referred to as signs. The signs are given to confirm the deity of Jesus.

1. The first miracle of our Lord is the changing of water into wine (2:1-11).

2. The second sign is the healing of the nobleman's son (4:46-51).

3. The third sign is the healing of the paralyzed man at the pool of Bethesda (5:1-9).

4. The fourth miracle is the feeding of the five thousand (6:1-14).

5. The fifth miracle is Jesus walking on water in a storm (6:15-21).

6. The sixth miracle is the healing of the blind man (9:1-7).

7. The seventh miracle is raising Lazarus from the dead (11:1-44).

JESUS TURNS WATER INTO WINE:

In this passage with Jesus turning water into wine, the main thrust of the passage isn’t whether or not it’s okay to drink alcohol, but since it’s here before us, let’s address it anyway:

NEGATIVE REFERENCES TO DRINKING ALCOHOL IN THE BIBLE:

Gen. 9:24: Noah got drunk and ended up naked

Gen. 19:31-34: Lot got drunk and slept with his daughters

Lev. 10:9: Aaron and the priests were told not to drink wine

Num. 6:3: a Nazarite was told not to drink wine

Judges 13: Samson was told not to drink wine

Prov. 31:4: Kings were told not to drink wine

Dan. 1:8: Daniel was commended for not drinking wine

John 1:15: John the Baptist was told not to drink wine or strong drink

Isaiah 5:11-12: Those who drink all day don’t care for the things of God

Prov. 20:1: “Wine is a mocker, Strong drink is a brawler, And whoever is led

astray by it is not wise.”

Prov. 21:17b: “He who loves wine and oil will not be rich.”

Prov. 23:29-35:

“29 Who has anguish? Who has sorrow? Who is always fighting? Who is always complaining? Who has unnecessary bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes? 30 It is the one who spends long hours in the taverns, trying out new drinks. 31 Don't let the sparkle and smooth taste of wine deceive you. 32 For in the end it bites like a poisonous serpent; it stings like a viper. 33 You will see hallucinations, and you will say crazy things. 34 You will stagger like a sailor tossed at sea, clinging to a swaying mast. 35 And you will say, "They hit me, but I didn't feel it. I didn't even know it when they beat me up. When will I wake up so I can have another drink?"” (NLT).

STATS ON ALCOHOL USE AND ABUSE:

• Annually more than 100,000 deaths in the US are caused by excessive alcohol use.

• Nearly half of all fatal car crashes are alcohol-related.

• Among Canadians 15 years and older, the prevalence of past-year alcohol use was 78.0%.

• Alcohol-related harm includes chronic diseases (such as cirrhosis of the liver and some cancers), acute events (such as road crashes, violence, disability and death) and addiction.

• If alcohol is a problem for you, check out our Overcomers Outreach 12 step program.

USA: http://www.learn-about-alcoholism.com/alcohol-statistics.html

CAN: hc-sc.gc.ca/hc-ps/drugs-drogues/stat/index-eng.php

POSITIVE REFERENCES TO DRINKING ALCOHOL IN THE BIBLE:

Dt. 7:13, Prov. 3:10: new wine, grain and oil seen as a blessing from the Lord

Psalm 104:15: “wine that makes glad the heart of man.”

COMMANDS:

1. It is wrong to get drunk.

“Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived… drunkards… will (not) inherit the kingdom of God.” (1 Cor. 6:9-10).

“Don't be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, let the Holy Spirit fill and control you.” (Eph. 5:18, NLT).

• Many of the Scriptures we’ve looked at talk about the negative consequences of drinking

2. It is wrong for leaders in the church to be heavy drinkers (NLT).

“A bishop (elder) then must be blameless… not given to wine.” (1 Tim. 3:2-3).

3. If your drinking alcohol causes another Christian to stumble, that’s wrong.

“1 Accept Christians who are weak in faith, and don't argue with them about what they think is right or wrong. 2 For instance, one person believes it is all right to eat anything. But another believer who has a sensitive conscience will eat only vegetables. 3 Those who think it is all right to eat anything must not look down on those who won't. And those who won't eat certain foods must not condemn those who do, for God has accepted them… 14 I know and am perfectly sure on the authority of the Lord Jesus that no food, in and of itself, is wrong to eat. But if someone believes it is wrong, then for that person it is wrong… 20 Don't tear apart the work of God over what you eat. Remember, there is nothing wrong with these things in themselves. But it is wrong to eat anything if it makes another person stumble. 21 Don't eat meat or drink wine or do anything else if it might cause another Christian to stumble.” (Romans 14:1-3,14,20-21, NLT).