“Is Drunkenness All that the Bible Condemns about Drinking Alcohol?”

Factors that Relate to the Drinking of Alcohol

• A Christian’s influence.

• Watchfulness.

• The sanctification of Christians.

• Factors regarding ancient drink.

I. A Christian must avoid... (I Peter 4:1-3)A. “Revelries”

1. Other NT. usages: (Gal 5:21; Rom 13:13). 2. Komos ) - “a revel, carousal, i.e. in the

Greek writers properly a nocturnal and riotous procession of half-drunken and frolicsome fellows who after supper parade through the streets with torches and music in honor of Bacchus [i.e. the god of wine] or some other deity” (Thayer, p. 367).

“Is Drunkenness All that the Bible Condemns about Drinking Alcohol?”

What Kind of Behavior Is This?

• Wild celebration.

• Wedding reception - champaign is served.

• The ball game - beers are passed around.

• Mardi Gras celebration - inhibitions down.

• Not total drunkenness - but it is wrong!

“Is Drunkenness All that the Bible Condemns about Drinking Alcohol?”

I. A Christian must avoid... (I Peter 4:1-3)

B. “Drinking Parties.”

1. I Peter 4:3 is the only instance in the New Testament.

“Is Drunkenness All that the Bible Condemns about Drinking Alcohol?”

I. A Christian must avoid... (I Peter 4:1-3) B. “Drinking Parties.”

2. Greek OT - “banquet” Est 6:14, in Dan 5:10 used “(house of the) banquet,” Est 5:6 “banquet

of wine” “feasting” or “feast” in Jer. 16:8 “(house of) feasting” Job 1:4, 5; Est. 1:5,2:18; 1 Kings 3:5; 2 Sam. 3:20; 1 Sam. 25:36 (w. drunkenness); Judges 14:10,12,17; Gen. 19:3; 40:20 (Pharaoh’s birthday). “Drinking” Est1:5-8 describes feast where drinking (uncustomarily) not compulsory.

“Is Drunkenness All that the Bible Condemns about Drinking Alcohol?”

I. A Christian must avoid... (I Peter 4:1-3) B. “Drinking Parties.”

3. Potos () “a drinking or a carousing” (Thayer, p. 533). Equivalent to the Symposium - a drinking party that goes on after a meal that can involve either a long period of compulsory drink leading to drunkenness and fornication or if it is agreed upon simply drinking and discussion.

“Is Drunkenness All that the Bible Condemns about Drinking Alcohol?”

What Kind of Behavior Is This?

• After work cocktail with a boss or client.

• Backyard barbeque with a few friends.

• Drink with a meal to “unwind.”

• Not drunkenness - Holy Spirit says: “that’s enough.”

Christians can’t act that way!

“Is Drunkenness All that the Bible Condemns about Drinking Alcohol?”

II. A Christian must be... (I Peter 4:1-3) A. “Temperate.”

1. Three instances in the NT - “temperate” I Tim. 3:2 (elders); I Tim. 3:11 (deacon’s

wives); “sober” Titus 2:2 (older men). 2. Nephaleos (‹, or )- “sober, temperate, abstaining from wine...” (Thayer, p. 425). cf. Lev. 10:9,10; I Peter 2:4-5 & 9-10.

“Is Drunkenness All that the Bible Condemns about Drinking Alcohol?”