I am the greatest criminal in history. I am the greatest criminal in history. I have killed more men than have fallen in all the wars of all the world.

I am the greatest criminal in history.I am the greatest criminal in history. I have killed more men than have fallen in I have killed more men than have fallen in

all the wars of all the world.all the wars of all the world. I have turned men into brutes.I have turned men into brutes. I have made millions of homes unhappy.I have made millions of homes unhappy. I have changed many promising young men I have changed many promising young men

into hopeless parasites.into hopeless parasites. I destroy the weak and weaken the strong.I destroy the weak and weaken the strong. I make the wise man a fool and I ensnare I make the wise man a fool and I ensnare

the innocent.the innocent. I have ruined millions and shall try to ruin I have ruined millions and shall try to ruin

millions more.millions more.

I am ALCOHOLI am ALCOHOL

DrinkingDrinking

We should be concerned!We should be concerned!

The church has been deeply affected The church has been deeply affected by drug and alcohol addiction.by drug and alcohol addiction.

Many come from families with these Many come from families with these problems. problems.

There are many within churches who There are many within churches who hide these problems in their lives. hide these problems in their lives.

Anyone who has worked with people Anyone who has worked with people know this.know this.

Alcoholism is responsible for:Alcoholism is responsible for: 50 percent of all auto fatalities50 percent of all auto fatalities 80 percent of all home violence80 percent of all home violence 30 percent of all suicides30 percent of all suicides 60 percent of all child abuse60 percent of all child abuse 65 percent of all drownings65 percent of all drownings



Violent behavior attributed to alcohol:Violent behavior attributed to alcohol:65 percent of murders65 percent of murders40 percent of assaults40 percent of assaults35 percent of rapes35 percent of rapes30 percent of other sex crimes30 percent of other sex crimes

Over 70% of the people in this country Over 70% of the people in this country drink.drink.

Over 40 million are Over 40 million are knownknown alcoholics. alcoholics.

Drinking & DrunkennessDrinking & DrunkennessIs a Problem Is a Problem

Nearly As Old As ManNearly As Old As Man

• Noah got drunk (Gen. 9:20-ff)• Lot got drunk (Gen. 19:30-38)

Bible Condemns DrunkennessBible Condemns Drunkenness Proverbs 20:1; 23:29-30Proverbs 20:1; 23:29-30 Galatians 5:19-21; I Corinthians 6:9-11Galatians 5:19-21; I Corinthians 6:9-11 I Peter 4:2-5 I Peter 4:2-5

””Wine is a mocker, strong drink a Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is intoxicated brawler, and whoever is intoxicated by it is not wise.” by it is not wise.” (Proverbs 20:1)(Proverbs 20:1)

””Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has Who has contentions? Who has complaining? Who has wounds complaining? Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness of without cause? Who has redness of eyes? Those who linger long over eyes? Those who linger long over wine, those who go to taste mixed wine, those who go to taste mixed wine.” wine.” (Proverbs 23:29-30)(Proverbs 23:29-30)

““Now the works of the flesh are Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders, envy, murders, drunkennessdrunkenness, revelries, , revelries, and the like; of which I tell you and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”God.” (Galatians 5:19-21)(Galatians 5:19-21)

““Do you not know that the unrighteous Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor nor covetous, nor drunkardsdrunkards, nor revilers, , nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. And of God. And such were some of yousuch were some of you. But . But you were washed, but you were you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.of our God. ”” (1 Corinthians 6:9-11) (1 Corinthians 6:9-11)

““that he no longer should live the rest that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. 3 For we men, but for the will of God. 3 For we have spent enough of our have spent enough of our past lifetimepast lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles—when in doing the will of the Gentiles—when we walked in lewdness, lusts, we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkennessdrunkenness, revelries, , revelries, drinking drinking partiesparties, and abominable idolatries. 4 In , and abominable idolatries. 4 In regard to these, they think it strange regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you.”of you.” (1 Peter 4:2-4) (1 Peter 4:2-4)

29 “Who has woe? Who has sorrow? 29 “Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has contentions? Who has complaints? Who has complaints? Who has wounds without cause? Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness of eyes? Who has redness of eyes? 30 Those who linger long at the wine, 30 Those who linger long at the wine,

Those who go in search of mixed wine. Those who go in search of mixed wine. 31 Do not look on the wine when it is red, 31 Do not look on the wine when it is red,

When it sparkles in the cup, When it sparkles in the cup, WhenWhen it swirls around smoothly; it swirls around smoothly; (Proverbs 23:29-35) (Proverbs 23:29-35)

Deception of the HighDeception of the High

32 At the last it bites like a serpent, 32 At the last it bites like a serpent, And stings like a viper. And stings like a viper.

33 Your eyes will see strange things, 33 Your eyes will see strange things, And your heart will utter perverse things. And your heart will utter perverse things. 34 Yes, you will be like one who lies down in the 34 Yes, you will be like one who lies down in the

midst of the sea, Or like one who lies at the midst of the sea, Or like one who lies at the top of the mast, top of the mast, saying:saying:

35 “They have struck me, 35 “They have struck me, butbut I was not hurt; I was not hurt; They have beaten me, but I did not feel They have beaten me, but I did not feel it. it. When shall I awake, that I may seek another When shall I awake, that I may seek another drink?drink?” (Proverbs 23:29-35)” (Proverbs 23:29-35)

Deception of the HighDeception of the High

Deception of the HighDeception of the High Many want a brief escape. But it can Many want a brief escape. But it can

become a permanent one. become a permanent one. Note those who in spite of terrible Note those who in spite of terrible

consequences, go back to it. consequences, go back to it. (Prov.23:35)(Prov.23:35)

““There is no situation so bad that a few There is no situation so bad that a few alcoholic drinks won't make it worse.”alcoholic drinks won't make it worse.”

““Alcohol does not drown care, but Alcohol does not drown care, but waters it and makes it grow faster.” waters it and makes it grow faster.”

Depression and addiction are common Depression and addiction are common partners.partners.

Deception of the HighDeception of the High Dishonesty is a way of life for the Dishonesty is a way of life for the

addict.addict. They deny it’s danger.They deny it’s danger. They then deny the seriousness of They then deny the seriousness of

their own situation. (Example: “I do their own situation. (Example: “I do not have a problem!”not have a problem!”

Lying becomes a way of life. The Lying becomes a way of life. The biggest lie they tell to themselves!biggest lie they tell to themselves!

In short they trust no one who will tell In short they trust no one who will tell them the truth and help.them the truth and help.

We all know that drunkenness is a sin.

But, what about social drinking – in moderation?

“Responsible drinking”?Occasional beer or wine?

Social DrinkingSocial Drinking

I. It Is Deceptive

While the issue of social drinking and While the issue of social drinking and addiction are different but related addiction are different but related issues, it is important to note that issues, it is important to note that addiction has a startaddiction has a start.. One out of seven who take their first One out of seven who take their first

drink becomes an alcoholic. drink becomes an alcoholic. If takes 5 beers to make you drunk, 1= If takes 5 beers to make you drunk, 1=

1/51/5


I. It Is Deceptive

Leads to a greater stateLeads to a greater state ““A man who once drinks a single A man who once drinks a single

dram of liquor may die a drunkard. He dram of liquor may die a drunkard. He who tastes it never, never can!”who tastes it never, never can!”

““The man takes a drink, then the The man takes a drink, then the drink takes a drink, and then the drink drink takes a drink, and then the drink takes the man.” -- Chinese Proverb takes the man.” -- Chinese Proverb


I. It Is Deceptive

II. It Is Strong Drink

It Is Strong Drink

Strong Drink Is CondemnedStrong Drink Is Condemned Proverbs 20:1; 31:6Proverbs 20:1; 31:6

Drinks Today Are Strong – By Drinks Today Are Strong – By ComparisonComparison Palestine wines: 5% - 8%Palestine wines: 5% - 8% Distilled – 45% - 50%Distilled – 45% - 50% Malt – 4% - 6%, 10%Malt – 4% - 6%, 10% Wines – 10% - 14%Wines – 10% - 14%


I. It Is Deceptive


III. It Is Harmful

It Is Harmful

Harms The BodyHarms The Body Alcohol is poisonAlcohol is poison Narcotic – DrugNarcotic – Drug Damage to the BrainDamage to the Brain

Sinful To Harm The BodySinful To Harm The Body 1 Corinthians 6:19-201 Corinthians 6:19-20 Steward to take care of the Body Steward to take care of the Body

belongs to God.belongs to God.


I. It Is Deceptive


III. It Is Harmful

IV. Drinking Is Condemned

Drinking Is Condemned

1 Peter 4:31 Peter 4:3 “ “Banqueting” – DrinkingBanqueting” – Drinking “ “The drinking bout, the banquet,… not of The drinking bout, the banquet,… not of

necessity excessive.” (Trench, 225)necessity excessive.” (Trench, 225) Is drunkenness the only thing Is drunkenness the only thing

condemned? No! There is also condemned? No! There is also “revelries, drinking parties.”“revelries, drinking parties.”

This denotes both the action of social This denotes both the action of social intercourse and the kind of drinking intercourse and the kind of drinking itself!itself!


I Peter 4:3 - I Peter 4:3 - Three Levels of Consumption: Three Levels of Consumption:

1) drunkenness or excess of wine - defined as: “drunkenness, implying the consumption of a large quantity of wine.”

2) carousing or reveling - refers to “drinking parties involving unrestrained indulgence in alcoholic beverages and accompanying immoral behavior”. “the drinking bout, the banquet, the symposium, not of necessity excessive, but giving opportunity for excess” (Trench).


1) drunkenness or excess of wine - defined as: “drunkenness…consumption of a large quantity of wine.”

2) carousing or reveling - refers to “drinking parties”, not of nec. excessive, but giving opportunity for excess”

3) banqueting or carousing - “not necessarily excessive…but giving the opportunity for excess.” (Trench) “the word…in this verse; chiefly applied to social drinking at the banquet” (Meyer) “The context suggests that “a drinking” is the definition of the word.”

I Peter 4:3 - I Peter 4:3 - Three Levels of Consumption:Three Levels of Consumption:


I. It Is Drunkenness


III. It Is Harmful

IV. Drinking Is Condemned

V. Influences Others

Influences Others

What does this do for your influence What does this do for your influence for Christ?for Christ?

I have never known of a Christian I have never known of a Christian who seriously wanted to reach the who seriously wanted to reach the lost who was a social lost who was a social drinker.drinker.

How much is a soul worth?How much is a soul worth?(Rom. 14:21; 1 Cor 9:18-23)(Rom. 14:21; 1 Cor 9:18-23)

What are the fruits of drinking in this What are the fruits of drinking in this country? How many have you known country? How many have you known who have been affected by drinking?who have been affected by drinking?

What if you saw an elder drinking at a What if you saw an elder drinking at a bar?bar? (1 Peter 2:12) (1 Peter 2:12)

What are the consequences of What are the consequences of causing another to sin? causing another to sin? (Mark 9:42)(Mark 9:42)

Influences Others

There is no parallel with the common There is no parallel with the common Bible wines and the modern social Bible wines and the modern social drink, except that of strong drink, except that of strong drink. This is everywhere condemned drink. This is everywhere condemned in the scripture.in the scripture.

What About Wine In The What About Wine In The Bible?Bible?


1)1) Sometimes the word “Wine” in the Bible Sometimes the word “Wine” in the Bible is referring to the fresh grape juice.is referring to the fresh grape juice.Isaiah 16:10; 65:8 Isaiah 16:10; 65:8 (John 2 - Jesus changed the water into wine by (John 2 - Jesus changed the water into wine by miracle)miracle)

THREE MAJOR DIFFERENCES

“Wine”(Greek: Oinos)

Unfermented(No Alcohol Content)

Matthew 9:17

Mark 2:22

“new wine in newbottles”

Fermented(Alcohol Content)

Ephesians 5:18

“drunk with wine”


The typical use of wine both in the The typical use of wine both in the Old and New Testaments, involves a Old and New Testaments, involves a diluting of the grape juice with 3 to 5 diluting of the grape juice with 3 to 5 parts water.parts water.Proverbs 9:2,5; 23:30Proverbs 9:2,5; 23:30(This process acted as a purifying agent for (This process acted as a purifying agent for water –water – 1 Timothy 5:23) 1 Timothy 5:23)



3)3) ““Wine” in Bible days had a much Wine” in Bible days had a much lower alcoholic content than our lower alcoholic content than our “wines” or alcohol beverages today.“wines” or alcohol beverages today.

“ “Ancient wines might have had alcoholic content Ancient wines might have had alcoholic content from 5-6%; its dilution ratio with water was from 5-6%; its dilution ratio with water was based on its strength; the stronger the drink, the based on its strength; the stronger the drink, the more it was diluted. The result would be a more it was diluted. The result would be a beverage with low alcoholic content (1-4%). beverage with low alcoholic content (1-4%). Modern wines have an alcoholic content far Modern wines have an alcoholic content far greater and produce intoxication much quicker.”greater and produce intoxication much quicker.”


Arguments Make To Justify

John 2:1-11John 2:1-11 – Water into Wine – Water into Wine No evidence fermentedNo evidence fermented If justifies social drinking – justifies excessiveIf justifies social drinking – justifies excessive

1 Timothy 5:231 Timothy 5:23 – Drink A Little Wine – Drink A Little Wine Wine - does not have to be fermentedWine - does not have to be fermented For Medical purposes.For Medical purposes.

1 Timothy 3:81 Timothy 3:8 – Not Given To Much Wine – Not Given To Much Wine Assumes can have a littleAssumes can have a little Forbidding excess does not justify lessForbidding excess does not justify less

Overcoming Alcohol and Overcoming Alcohol and DrugsDrugs

Do not be intimidated by the Do not be intimidated by the consequences. consequences. (Mt 19:20-22)(Mt 19:20-22)

Build a faith in God that will stand. Build a faith in God that will stand. (1 John 5:3-5; Rev 21:7-8)(1 John 5:3-5; Rev 21:7-8)

Seek the help of spiritual men. Seek the help of spiritual men. ((Gal 6:1-2)Gal 6:1-2)

Will you submit to God and put away Will you submit to God and put away the life of the world? the life of the world? (Titus 2:11-14)(Titus 2:11-14)

I am the greatest criminal in history. I am the greatest criminal in history. I have killed more men than have fallen in all the wars of all the world.

Documents

percent of rapes

percent of assaults

percent of murders

alcohol slide

drinking slide

drunkenness proverbs

strong drink

mixed wine