Sinfulness of Intoxication
Bible study on the sinfulness of intoxication.

Christians must be temperate (sober).

The Greek word in 1 Tim. 3:2 translated temperate is nephaleos and directly relates to intoxicates.

Christians shouldn't be intoxicated so they can be sober, vigilant, and watchful over his own conduct, and on guard against sin (1 Th. 5:4-8; 2 Tim. 4:5; 1 Pet. 1:13; 4:7; 5:8; 2 Jn. 1:8; Heb. 13:17).

Rom. 13:13; Eph. 5:18; Gal. 5:19-21; 1 Pet. 4:3

Drunkenness is a sin.

Eph. 5:18-21

Christians should not be drunk with wine, but filled with the Spirit.

"Get drunk" (Eph. 5:18) is translated from the Greek verb methusko, meaning "to make drunk, or to grow drunk" . . . "to become intoxicated". It is "an inceptive verb, marking the process or the state" (Vine's).

In Ephesians 5:18, Paul tells us that the process of getting drunk is a sin, in addition to the state of drunkenness.

1 Th. 5:7

Drunkenness is a sin often committed in darkness, because of shame.

In most (if not all) clubs and bars, customers are served in the dark. This alone tells us Christians should be in these places, or participate in drinking to any degree.

• Christians shouldn't be bound together with unbelievers, or have fellowship with darkness (2 Cor. 6:14)
• Christians shouldn't participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but expose them (Eph. 5:11).
• Christians should abstain from every form of evil (1 Th. 5:22).

Pr. 4:17

Pr. 20:1

"Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is intoxicated by it is not wise."

Is. 5:11-12

People involved in drinking are not mindful of God.

Is. 5:22-23

People involved in drinking involve themselves in wickedness.

Is. 24:9; Ezek. 23:33

Drinking results in sadness.

Is. 19:14; 28:7; 56:12

Matt. 24:48-49

Drinking and drunkenness in the parable of the evil slave relate to sin.

Rev. 14:8

Drinking wine figuratively represents immorality, in Revelation.

Gen. 19:32-35

Lot's daughters got him drunk with wine to cerce him into committing incest.

2 Sam. 11:13

David purposely got Uriah drunk, trying to coerce him into doing something he didn't want to do.