Topical Bible: Ministers: should not Be: Given to Wine

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In the context of Christian ministry, the character and conduct of ministers are of paramount importance. The Bible provides specific guidelines regarding the behavior and lifestyle expected of those who serve in spiritual leadership. One such guideline is that ministers should not be "given to wine," a directive that underscores the necessity for sobriety and self-control in those who shepherd the flock of God.

Biblical References:

1. 1 Timothy 3:2-3 : "An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money." This passage outlines the qualifications for overseers, emphasizing the need for temperance and self-control. The phrase "not given to drunkenness" indicates that a minister should not be addicted to or excessively indulge in wine, as it can impair judgment and lead to behavior unbecoming of a leader.

2. Titus 1:7 : "As God’s steward, an overseer must be above reproach—not self-absorbed, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not greedy for money." Here, the apostle Paul reiterates the importance of sobriety for those in positions of spiritual authority. The term "not given to drunkenness" is a clear admonition against the excessive consumption of alcohol, which can compromise a minister's ability to lead effectively and maintain a godly example.

3. Proverbs 31:4-5 : "It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to crave strong drink, lest they drink and forget what is decreed, and deprive all the oppressed of justice." While this passage addresses kings, the principle applies to all leaders, including ministers. The consumption of wine can lead to impaired decision-making and a failure to uphold justice and righteousness.

Theological Implications:

The directive that ministers should not be given to wine is rooted in the broader biblical theme of holiness and separation from worldly vices. Ministers are called to be examples to the flock (1 Peter 5:3) and to live lives that reflect the character of Christ. The consumption of alcohol, particularly in excess, can hinder a minister's ability to fulfill this calling and can lead to scandal, division, and a tarnished witness.

Practical Considerations:

In practical terms, the admonition against being given to wine serves as a safeguard for ministers, helping them to maintain clarity of mind and moral integrity. It also protects the reputation of the church and ensures that ministers are able to provide sound leadership and counsel. While the Bible does not prohibit the moderate use of alcohol, it clearly warns against excess and addiction, particularly for those in leadership roles.

Cultural Context:

In the cultural context of the early church, wine was a common beverage, and its consumption was a normal part of daily life. However, the potential for abuse and the negative consequences of drunkenness were well recognized. The early church leaders, therefore, emphasized the importance of moderation and self-control, particularly for those entrusted with spiritual oversight.

By adhering to the biblical standard of not being given to wine, ministers demonstrate their commitment to living a life that honors God and serves as a positive example to others. This standard remains relevant for contemporary ministry, as it upholds the integrity and effectiveness of those who lead in the name of Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Timothy 3:3
Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Titus 1:7
For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not self-willed, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Whether it is Lawful for Clerics to Kill Evil-Doers?
... Without crime' is the reading in Tit.1:7] . . . not given to wine ... Therefore it becomes
not clerics to strike or kill: for ministers should imitate their ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether it is lawful for 3.htm

Whether the Acts of the Orders are Rightly Assigned in the Text?
... with the principal acts of the higher ministers, than the ... Wherefore we should reply
that he receives the power to ... although others may do so, but not officially ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether the acts of the 2.htm

Appendix ii. The Order of the Communion
... unworthy servants, for whom he bath not only given his Body ... them or else by one of
the Ministers, or by ... end that all that believe in him should not perish, but ...
/.../luckock/studies in the book of common prayer/appendix ii the order of.htm

Letter xiv. To Heliodorus, Monk.
... good work." [225] I know that; but you should add what ... given to hospitality, apt
to teach, not given to wine ... of a bishop the apostle speaks of ministers of the ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter xiv to heliodorus monk.htm

The Folly and Danger of Being not Righteous Enough
... of Jesus Christ is spoken against, it is the duty of ministers to cry ... It is God'
free grace, I preach unto you, not of works, lest any one should boast. ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the folly and danger of.htm

Titus ii. 5-Feb
... he means the devil, and every one who ministers to him ... that he who was to be a governor,
should first be ... He presided over the prison, not as over a prison, but ...
/.../homily iv titus ii 5-feb.htm

Letter Lii. To Nepotian.
... Yet to the choice of Christ's ministers no heed is paid ... I do not say that we are
to condemn what is ... I only require that drinkers should observe that limit which ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter lii to nepotian.htm

Man's Chief End
... in some capacity of glorifying him; the health he has given you, the ... 2. I have said,
Ye are Gods;' and will they not glorify him ... (2.) Ministers should study to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/1 mans chief end.htm

The Gospel Feast
... In connexion with such passages as these should be observed ... the same most sacred
Ordinance: "Be not drunk with ... wine which God the Holy Spirit ministers in the ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol vii/sermon xii the gospel feast.htm

The Beginning of Miracles.
... He did not do it even for the show of his goodness ... it fit that the love of his heart
should go forth ... For God ministers to us so gently, so stolenly, as it were ...
/.../macdonald/miracles of our lord/ii the beginning of miracles.htm