Should a Christian Drink?

by Aerial Baheth

What does the Bible really say about Christians and alcohol? Is it okay for Believers to drink? Our Pastor, Dr. Gabriel Rogers, recently taught on this very subject during one of our 7am Kingdom University classes.

What does the culture say? Oftentimes we hear people refer to themselves as “social drinkers” but Proverbs 20:1-3 teaches us that “wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise”. The key phrase here is led astray. The enemy does nothing overnight. He is cunning. One tragedy has the potential to turn any “social drinker” into a full blown alcoholic. That is why the Bible admonishes us to be sober and vigilant. Our adversary, the devil, is still walking about like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8).

How do we reconcile the Apostle Paul giving Timothy permission to drink wine? In 1 Timothy 5:23, the Apostle Paul instructed Timothy to “use a little wine” for his stomach’s sake. In those days, there was no water purification system and the bacteria was upsetting Timothy’s stomach. Not only is the wine today far more potent, it is also not consumed for the purpose of killing bacteria. We must ask ourselves, what is it really for?

At the end of the lesson, Pastor Gabe provided three Biblical reasons why Christians should not drink. Firstly, it appeases the flesh. According to Romans 13:11-14, we are not to make any provision for the flesh because our salvation is nearer than ever. Secondly, we become a stumbling block for others. We never know who is watching us and how our decisions affect others. 1 Corinthians 8:9 warns us to be careful so that our liberty to choose does not somehow lead others into sin. Finally, the Rapture is going to happen. This is the most important reason to give no opportunity to the flesh. Jesus is coming back any moment now and we must remain watchful and prayerful that we are counted worthy to escape (Luke 21:36).