Alcohol

In Christian circles you won’t find a definitive answer on the hot topic of social drinking. Many good, thoughtful Christians have conflicting views of alcohol.
What we do know is that the Bible clearly forbids drunkenness. (Ephesians 5:18) Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit,
God also warns us against becoming a slave to anything ( 2 Peter 2:19) They promise freedom, but they themselves are slaves of sin and corruption. For you are a slave to whatever controls you.
If you use alcohol to lower you inhibitions so you feel better about yourself, or if you’re dependent on it to dull the pain of your problems or if you feel like you need alcohol, then you’re a slave to it. And God warns against such actions.
But what about drinking alcohol in moderation? Some Christians’ personal views and interpretation of Scripture lead them to completely abstain from alcohol. Other Christians believe responsible social drinking is acceptable. As you think though the issue for yourself, keep these principles in mind:
::Jesus turned water into wine (John 2:1-11), and Paul advised Timothy to drink a little wine for health benefits (1 Timothy 5:23). You may want to avoid a legalistic stance on this issue.

::Paul cautions Christians not to pass judgement on “disputable matter” for the sake of the greater good of the community (Romans 14:1-15:3). If is distressed members of the community for Christians to eat the sacrificed meat, then they should be willing to do without it. And neither group should pass judgement on the other. If your drinking unduly upsets your Christian friends, forego it.

::If you drink in moderation, does that convey to your non-Christian friends that you’re no different then they are? Or does it show them that Christ cares about heart issues, not legalistic issues? Think through the message you’re sending to non-Christians.

::If you feel guilty about drinking, then pray that the Holy Spirit would clearly speak to you. If he is prompting you not to drink, then don’t drink.

::A position of leadership in the church or a sensitive family situation (like the history of alcoholism) may lead you to take a strict personal stand on this issue. Ask God what standards he wants you to set regarding social drinking.
The conclusion? Read the Scriptures and let the Holy Spirit guide you as you make decisions on this sensitive issue.

{Psalm 73:24}
You guide me with your counsel,
leading me to a glorious destiny.
{Proverbs 20:1}
Wine produces mockers; alcohol leads to brawls.
Those led astray by drink cannot be wise.

{Proverbs 23:31-35}
31 Don’t gaze at the wine, seeing how red it is,
how it sparkles in the cup, how smoothly it goes down.
32 For in the end it bites like a poisonous snake;
it stings like a viper.
33 You will see hallucinations,
and you will say crazy things.
34 You will stagger like a sailor tossed at sea,
clinging to a swaying mast.
35 And you will say, “They hit me, but I didn’t feel it.
I didn’t even know it when they beat me up.
When will I wake up
so I can look for another drink?”

{Romans 14:21}
It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything else if it might cause another believer to stumble.