1. “One can be sure that a refined, cultured, gentleman from Burgundy is not likely to be an abstainer. And a wife of an alcoholic is not likely to be convinced that any policy of moderation is wise.”
Good Morning,
Greetings…
Series of lessons concerning “A Study On Morals & Ethics.”
Last week we examine what the N.T. had to say on the subject in our second of three sermons on this topic.
This week we are going to look “some” arguments that have been used to condone “alcoholic beverage consumption.”
Unfortunately so many are led astray by one of Satan’s greatest weapons, the weapon of “we cannot be objective and therefore can not know the truth.” (SLIDE)
The truth is the Bible has clearly spoken on the issue.

2. The Arguments Proverbs 31:6-7
Though we have clearly pointed out what the Bible teaches on the subject, “proving” it to be a sin today, that doesn’t mean people don’t continue to try and circumvent God’s law on this powerful subject.
With this in mind let us examine our lesson for today. (SLIDE)

3. All Wine Is
Alcoholic
This particular argument, from what I can tell, is relatively new in the church.
The denominational world has been saying this for years but in the church it is only more recently that I have found this proliferating.
It just wasn’t a common argument “in the church” back in the day.
There is a reason why it was not used, and that is because we weren’t as ignorant of the Bible in the past as we seem to be now.
It is a sad but true reality.
Here is a typical thought concerning this argument. (SLIDE)

4. “…the alleged distinction between alcoholic wine and non-alcoholic grape juice does not exist in the Bible. The Bible uses the same word for wine in both positive and negative aspects. The positive/negative distinction has to do with the use/abuse of alcohol. When the Bible speaks positively of wine, this is referring to the moderate use of alcohol. When the Bible speaks negatively of wine, this is referring to the abuse of alcohol, or drunkenness.”
Is this true?1
If so we should not be able to find the word wine used in anyway that would “demand” it to be non-alcoholic.
However notice what Isaiah wrote, inspired by God…(SLIDE) 1

5. “Thus says the LORD: “As the new wine is found in the cluster…”
Now here is really the only place I need to go.
Here we clearly see the word “wine” used in connection to the grapes.
You have probably heard me use the phrase “wine on the vine.”
It is simply impossible with this verse to be calling the word wine “alcoholic.”
Next week I will prove “wine” is not always alcoholic with Jesus’ first miracle as well.
So why do so many try and make the word “wine” always alcoholic?
Simple they are trying to justify not condemning it.
Notice what happens if the word “wine” is always referencing alcoholic wine. (SLIDE)
Isaiah 65:8

6. “It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble.”
Why is this verse significant to those that profess “wine” always means alcoholic wine? (SLIDE)
Romans 14:21

7. “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”
Because it is always followed up with this verse. You see if ones logic starts out faulty it continues faulty.
Romans 14:17

8. All Wine Is
Alcoholic
Brethren the reality is just because the word “wine” is used does not mean it is automatically talking about “alcoholic wine.” (SLIDE)

9. Difficult Texts In The Old Testament?
This argument goes something like this. (SLIDE)

10. The Old Testament “proves that the use of alcoholic drinks is not sinful, otherwise the Lord would not have sanctioned it.”
This argument1 is common and often coupled with a few main “proof texts” or so they say. (SLIDE) 1

11. “and spend the money for whatever you desire—oxen or sheep or wine or strong drink, whatever your appetite craves. And you shall eat there before the LORD your God and rejoice, you and your household.”
Deuteronomy 14:26

12. “Give strong drink to the one who is perishing, and wine to those in bitter distress; 7 let them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more.”
Now to begin with let me say this.
There are far too many people in the church that will go to these verses. It isn’t just the denominational world which is so sad.
These same ones will be quick to point out that you can’t go to the “New Testament” to prove “mechanical instrument usage” but fail to use that sound logic on this topic.
Thus an appeal for modern “acceptance” on God’s part from the Old Testament is bad hermeneutics (Colossians 2:14; Romans 7:1-4).
With that said, I preached the Jews were expected by God to stay away from alcoholic beverages. The overwhelming theme on this subject in the O.T. is found in Pr 23:31 “don’t even look at it.”
First, what is the context? King Lemuel’s mother is advising him on how to rule his kingdom. (vs 1)
He is to “stay away” from alcohol and manage the stress of his position.
He is “not” to be like the poor who don’t manage the stress of life well but rather turn to alcohol.
Lemuel’s mother isn’t approving alcoholic beverages but rather using it as a contrast between those that are wise and those that are not.
King Lemuel can’t stop those that are wanting to “drown their sorrows” they will find a way. He was not to be like that however.
This comparison and contrast is “meant to awaken Lemuel to the duties that go with his class and status rather than to describe some kind of permissible drunkenness.”1 (SLIDE) 1
Proverbs 31:6-7

13. “and spend the money for whatever you desire—oxen or sheep or wine or strong drink, whatever your appetite craves. And you shall eat there before the LORD your God and rejoice, you and your household.”
First “context”
This passage is dealing with a context of bringing “tithes” to the temple for worship (Dt 14:22-23).
A person coming from far distances could sell his “tithes goods” (vs 24-25) and then purchase from the list in our passage here (vs 26).
Quick question, do those that use this passage as a “proof text” for consumption of alcoholic beverages suggest we should use “liquor” “strong drink” in our worship today?
Second “defining words”
The word “wine” in Hebrew is “yayin.” It is defined in the O.T. as…
Grapevine – Numbers 6:4
Products of the vineyard that can be gathered, drunk, and “eaten.” – Deuteronomy 28:39; Jeremiah 40:10-12
The liquid that comes from the winepress – Isaiah 16:10; Jeremeiah 48:33
Fermented grape juice – Proverbs 23:31
The word “strong drink” in Hebrews is “shechar”
Ancient writings use the Hebrew word “shechar” not as strong drink but to mean sweet syrup such as comes from the honey of dates or palm syrup.
Intoxicating beverages from non-grape products – Isaiah 5:11
Like the word “wine” in the O.T. we find the word for “shechar” is based on “context.”
“shechar might also include the sense of ‘sweet-fruit,’ as in Deut. 14:26, where it and yayin are placed amonst the tithe-offerings as solids to be eaten.”1 (SLIDE) 1
Deuteronomy 14:26

14. It Says Don’t Get Drunk

15. “And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit”
Remember, Paul has created a contrast between “that which is proper and that which is not proper” among the saints (vs 3).
Those that imbibe in that which is improper will have “no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.” (vs 5)
Those that partake in the improper rather than the proper will be considered “unwise” by God. (vs 15)
Now with that being understood Paul then writes vs 18…
There are two things that are significant here on this issue of consuming alcoholic beverages.
First, Paul has established through contrasting the proper things with the improper things that you cannot be partakers of both at the same time.
You cannot be fornicators and sexually pure at the same time.
You cannot be thieves and honest at the same time.
You cannot have alcoholic wine in you and the Holy Spirit, why, because wine is debauchery. That’s right the word debauchery is grammatically attached to wine not “get drunk/filled.”
Second, this truth is bore out in the phrase “get drunk.”
Murphy states…(SLIDE)
Ephesians 5:18

16. The Arguments Proverbs 31:6-7
Brothers and sister the consumption of alcoholic beverages is a sin because of what it does to us.
The Encyclopedia of Christianity writes, “Modern study of the effects of alcohol shows that it is an anesthetic, which means that it affects the higher centers of the brain that regulate morals and judgment before it affects perception or motor coordination. Christians should know and be aware that even minimal use has some influence upon these higher centers.”
Let us make sure we are not only not “deceived” by this lie of moderation but that we help others see the truth as well.
Next week we will finish up looking at the last few arguments “for” alcoholic beverage consumption.”

17. God’s Plan of Salvation
Study God’s Word
Have Faith In Jesus
Repent/Turn To God
Confess Jesus As Lord
Obey The Gospel
Live A Faithful Life
Romans 10:17
Hebrews 11:6
Luke 13:3
Matthew 10:32
Romans 6:3-5
1 John 1:7

18. God’s Plan of Salvation
Study God’s Word
Romans 10:17

19. “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.”
Romans 10:17

20. God’s Plan of Salvation
Study God’s Word
Have Faith In Jesus
Romans 10:17
Hebrews 11:6

21. “And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.”
Hebrews 11:6

22. God’s Plan of Salvation
Study God’s Word
Have Faith In Jesus
Repent/Turn To God
Romans 10:17
Hebrews 11:6
Luke 13:3

23. “No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”
Luke 13:3

24. God’s Plan of Salvation
Study God’s Word
Have Faith In Jesus
Repent/Turn To God
Confess Jesus As Lord
Romans 10:17
Hebrews 11:6
Luke 13:3
Matthew 10:32

25. “Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven.”
Matthew 10:32

26. God’s Plan of Salvation
Study God’s Word
Have Faith In Jesus
Repent/Turn To God
Confess Jesus As Lord
Obey The Gospel
Romans 10:17
Hebrews 11:6
Luke 13:3
Matthew 10:32
Romans 6:3-5

27. “Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.”
Romans 6:3-5

28. God’s Plan of Salvation
Study God’s Word
Have Faith In Jesus
Repent/Turn To God
Confess Jesus As Lord
Obey The Gospel
Live A Faithful Life
Romans 10:17
Hebrews 11:6
Luke 13:3
Matthew 10:32
Romans 6:3-5
1 John 1:7

29. “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.”
1 John 1:7