Social Drinking
Drunkenness

Scripture Reading: Luke 21:32-36

Key Verse: Galatians 5:21

…and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

I heard someone say that living life today is like walking into a department store and realizing all the price tags have been switched. The things that we know should be worth hundreds of dollars have a tag on them for pennies. In other words, the values in our current culture have been turned upside down. Those things that were once honored and valued are now scoffed and mocked. Those things that, a few years ago, were a shame to any society, are now honored.

Within this discussion we are considering God’s opinion of the drinking of alcohol. Our world has so honored it that it has become an icon for the only way to truly “party.” Getting drunk is a weekend goal for many in our society. I think most Christ followers know it is wrong to get drunk. Yet, I know many who take the Bible very lightly when it says, “Do not get drunk.” They not only ignore it, but don’t really feel that bad about it!

It is my deep belief, and our church’s long held belief, that drunkenness is a sin that God will punish. Most scriptures list it with orgies, rage and witchcraft. I’ll never understand how people who say they love God can take so lightly His instructions in these matters.

I plan to deal with the issue of drinking alcohol without getting drunk, but for today, I wanted to make sure all of us understand the clear Biblical teaching against drunkenness.

“Father, forgive me when I don’t love what you love and hate what you hate. I ask for reminders from the Holy Spirit throughout this day. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”