Topical Encyclopedia Drunkenness, as described in the Bible, is considered a work of the flesh and is consistently portrayed as a behavior that is contrary to the life led by the Spirit. The term "drunkenness" refers to the state of being intoxicated by alcohol, leading to impaired judgment and behavior that is often sinful and destructive.Biblical References The Apostle Paul explicitly lists drunkenness among the works of the flesh in his epistle to the Galatians. In Galatians 5:19-21 , he writes, "The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions, and envy; drunkenness, carousing, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God." This passage underscores the severity with which drunkenness is viewed, placing it alongside other grave sins that prevent one from inheriting the kingdom of God. The inclusion of drunkenness in this list highlights its incompatibility with a life led by the Spirit and the pursuit of holiness. Old Testament Warnings The Old Testament also provides numerous warnings against drunkenness. Proverbs 20:1 states, "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by them is not wise." This proverb warns of the deceptive nature of alcohol, which can lead individuals away from wisdom and into folly. Furthermore, Isaiah 5:11 pronounces woe upon those who "rise early in the morning to pursue strong drink, who linger into the evening to be inflamed by wine." This passage illustrates the destructive cycle of addiction and the moral decay that accompanies a life dominated by alcohol. New Testament Exhortations In the New Testament, believers are exhorted to live soberly and avoid drunkenness. Ephesians 5:18 instructs, "Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit." This verse contrasts the effects of alcohol with the filling of the Holy Spirit, urging Christians to seek spiritual fulfillment rather than the temporary and harmful effects of intoxication. Additionally, 1 Peter 4:3 reminds believers of their past lives, stating, "For you have spent enough time in the past carrying out the same desires as the Gentiles—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing, and detestable idolatry." This passage calls Christians to leave behind their former ways and live in accordance with God's will. Consequences and Spiritual Implications Drunkenness is not only a personal failing but also has broader social and spiritual implications. It often leads to other sins, such as violence, sexual immorality, and neglect of responsibilities. The Bible warns that those who persist in such behavior risk exclusion from the kingdom of God, as seen in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 : "Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who submit to or perform homosexual acts, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor verbal abusers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God." Call to Sobriety and Righteous Living The biblical call is clear: Christians are to live soberly, exercising self-control and being vigilant in their walk with God. Romans 13:13 exhorts believers, "Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy." This call to righteous living is a reminder of the transformative power of the Gospel, which enables believers to overcome the works of the flesh and live in the freedom of the Spirit. Torrey's Topical Textbook Galatians 5:21Contentions, 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. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library "Who Walk not after the Flesh, but after the Spirit. " Thou Shalt not Commit Adultery. On Human Temptations. The Holy Spirit Bringing Forth in the Believer Christlike Graces ... The Spirit and the Flesh The Regenerating Work of the Holy Spirit. The Best Strengthening Medicine "He is the Rock, his Work is Perfect. For all his Ways are ... This HomilyWas Delivered in the Old Church of Antioch Twenty-Fourth Day. Holiness and Cleansing. Resources Is being drunk in the Spirit a biblical experience? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about drinking alcohol / wine? Is it a sin for a Christian to drink alcohol / wine? | GotQuestions.org What is the meaning of debauchery? | GotQuestions.org Drunkenness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Drunkenness is a Work of the Flesh Drunkenness: Avoid Those Given To Drunkenness: Ben-Hadad and his Thirty-Two Confederate Kings Drunkenness: Denunciations Against: Those Given To Drunkenness: Denunciations Against: Those Who Encourage Drunkenness: Excludes from Heaven Drunkenness: False Teachers often Addicted To Drunkenness: Falsely Accused of Hannah Drunkenness: Falsely Accused of Jesus Drunkenness: Falsely Accused of The Apostles Drunkenness: Folly of Yielding To Drunkenness: General Scriptures Concerning Drunkenness: Leads to Contempt of God's Works Drunkenness: Leads to Rioting and Wantonness Drunkenness: Leads to Scorning Drunkenness: Leads to Woe and Sorrow Drunkenness: Overcharges the Heart Drunkenness: Takes Away the Heart Drunkenness: The Wicked Addicted To Related Terms Licentiousness (10 Occurrences) Lasciviousness (9 Occurrences) |
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