How should a Christian think about alcohol? Scripture presents a nuanced picture—one that affirms alcohol as a good gift in some contexts while also warning strongly about its dangers. In this episode, we walk carefully through God’s Word to answer a better question than “Is it allowed?”—instead asking, “What most glorifies God?”

I. Scriptural affirmation of alcohol

1. Some Old Testament passages speak of wine and beer as symbols of prosperity and goodness.

a. Proverbs 3:10

b. Proverbs 9:5–6

c. Deuteronomy 14:26)

d. Psalm 104:15

2. Jesus was not opposed to wine.

a. Matthew 11:19

3. Paul tells Timothy of a possible health benefit to wine.

a. 1 Timothy 5:23

II. We must be keenly aware of the dangers of alcohol.

• Proverbs 23:29–35

i. It can escalate problems (Prov. 23:29).

ii. It can bring needless pain (Prov. 23:29–30).

iii. It can be aggressive toward its user (Prov. 23:31).

iv. Its danger is not immediately apparent but can be deadly (Prov. 23:32).

v. It can keep you from seeing things as they truly are (Prov. 23:33).

vi. It can impair the body (Prov. 23:32).

vii. It can downplay its own consequences (Prov. 23:35).

• Poor use of alcohol can keep a person for serving in the church.

i. Romans 14:20–21

ii. 1 Corinthians 5:11

iii. Titus 1:7

iv. Titus 2:3

III. We must be wise.

• Proverbs 20:1

• Ephesians 5:15–21

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