Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. – Ephesians 5:18
The Dangers of Alcohol
Alcohol can seem harmless in social settings, but the Bible gives us clarity about its potential dangers. We are encouraged to be mindful of how we engage with alcohol and recognize the risks associated with excessive consumption. It can lead to poor choices, addiction, and harm to both ourselves and others. By embracing the wisdom found in scripture, we can make better choices regarding alcohol and its place in our lives.
Proverbs 20:1
Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise. – Proverbs 20:1
Isaiah 5:11
Woe to those who rise early in the morning to run after their drinks, who stay up late at night till they are inflamed with wine. – Isaiah 5:11
Proverbs 23:20-21
Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags. – Proverbs 23:20-21
1 Corinthians 6:10
Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor slanderers, nor extortioners shall inherit the kingdom of God. – 1 Corinthians 6:10
Galatians 5:21
And envy, murders, drunkenness, revelings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. – Galatians 5:21
Drugs and Substance Abuse
Just as the Bible talks about the dangers of alcohol, it also warns us against the use of illicit drugs. Substance abuse can take over our lives, hindering our relationship with God and others. As we turn to scripture, we see that there is a higher purpose for our lives, one that does not involve relying on substances to cope. Seeking God for strength is always a better choice.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s. – 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
1 Peter 5:8
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour. – 1 Peter 5:8
Proverbs 31:4-5
It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink: Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted. – Proverbs 31:4-5
Romans 12:2
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. – Romans 12:2
Proverbs 12:15
The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise. – Proverbs 12:15
Seeking Comfort in God
Instead of turning to alcohol or drugs for comfort, we are called to seek solace in God. When times are tough, we can surrender our struggles to Him, finding peace through prayer and faith. The Bible encourages us to cast our cares on Him, and that brings true healing and revitalization for our minds and spirits.
Philippians 4:6-7
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:6-7
Psalms 55:22
Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved. – Psalms 55:22
Matthew 11:28
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. – Matthew 11:28
Isaiah 41:10
Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. – Isaiah 41:10
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble. – 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Living a Spirit-Filled Life
Choosing to turn away from alcohol and drugs opens the door to a more fulfilling life, filled with the Holy Spirit. When we allow the Spirit to guide us, we experience a profound change in our thoughts and behaviors. This transformation paves the way for healthier relationships and a clearer purpose in life.
Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. – Galatians 5:22-23
Ephesians 5:18
And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; – Ephesians 5:18
Romans 8:5
For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. – Romans 8:5
Colossians 3:2
Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. – Colossians 3:2
2 Timothy 1:7
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. – 2 Timothy 1:7
The Call to Holiness
As believers, we are called to live lives that reflect God’s holiness. This means choosing to avoid behaviors that are harmful to us or that can tarnish our witness for Christ. By holding ourselves to high standards, we glorify God through our actions and choices, which can lead others to Him.
1 Peter 1:16
Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. – 1 Peter 1:16
1 Corinthians 10:31
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. – 1 Corinthians 10:31
Romans 12:1
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. – Romans 12:1
James 4:7
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. – James 4:7
2 Corinthians 6:17
Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. – 2 Corinthians 6:17
Supporting One Another
In our shared struggles, we find the strength to overcome through community. As a church, we can support those battling addictions by loving them unconditionally. Encouragement through prayer, accountability, and open conversations about our struggles can help each other through difficult times, reminding us that we are not alone in this fight against alcohol and drugs.
Galatians 6:2
Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. – Galatians 6:2
James 5:16
Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. – James 5:16
Hebrews 10:24-25
And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. – Hebrews 10:24-25
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. – Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Philippians 1:3-5
I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, Always in every prayer of mine for you all making requests with joy, For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now. – Philippians 1:3-5
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on what the Bible says about alcohol and drugs, we discover the peace that comes from choosing God over substances. Our faith teaches us the importance of living a life filled with purpose and clarity, grounded in God’s word. We can find comfort, strength, and true joy within a relationship with Jesus Christ.
Choosing to avoid harmful substances allows us to pursue a path of holiness and to support each other in times of struggle. Let’s encourage one another, remind ourselves of the greater calling we have, and offer grace to those who need it. We have the opportunity to make a significant difference in the lives of those around us.
If you feel compelled to expand your understanding further, consider exploring topics such as marking your body or sorcery. Let’s continue to seek wisdom in every area of life with our eyes firmly set on God.