How would many people – even some who would claim to be Christians – finish that sentence? “Do not get drunk, but it’s alright to drink alcohol in moderation.” “Do not get drunk, but it’s OK to enjoy a beer with your friends.” How did the apostle Paul finish that sentence? “And do not get drunk with wine…but be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18). Paul contrasted the Holy Spirit with alcohol because both affect the way we think. The Holy Spirit – through the word of God that He has revealed (Ephesians 6:17; 2 Timothy 3:16-17) – directs us to think and act in a certain way. God’s word must be on our hearts (Psalm 119:11), which will impact everything we do (Proverbs 4:23). Conversely, alcohol affects the way we think and act (Proverbs 23:31-35), though it is in a way that is contrary to how the Holy Spirit directs us to act in God’s word (Proverbs 31:4; Galatians 5:19-25). The Bible does not endorse either the destructive or the casual use of alcohol (cf. 1 Peter 4:3). Instead of drinking alcohol – even in moderation – we should strive to “be filled with the Spirit” by learning and obeying the word of God. [This article was published in the local newspaper on October 7, 2015]
Contact Us | Visit Us || Articles | Sermons | Blog]]>