Should We Drink Strong Drink?
February 25, 2026
Deuteronomy
14:26
26
And thou shalt bestow that money for whatsoever thy soul lusteth after, for
oxen, or for sheep, or for wine, or for strong drink, or for whatsoever thy
soul desireth: and thou shalt eat there before the Lord thy God, and thou shalt
rejoice, thou, and thine household,
As
we have discussed before, it can be perilously deceiving to take one scripture
out of context and base your entire understanding of a subject addressed with
in that scripture without the support of context. Remember when Peter spoke of
taking scripture out of context, especially when it came to the epistles of
Paul?
2Peter 3:14-18
14
Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye
may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.
15
And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our
beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written
unto you;
16
As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are
some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable
wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.
17
Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also,
being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.
18
But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
“which
they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other
scriptures, unto their own destruction”.
Remember, wrest means to twist the meaning of. This is usually done to suit one’s own desires while removing the veracity of the original meaning. Note how Peter explains that doing so can lead to destruction and further doing so can lead you away with the error of the wicked, and fall from your own steadfastness. It is very important that you remember these terms and the demeanor of Peter’s teaching here, as we thoroughly examine the topic at hand. So, for the first step in our examination let us take the above scripture from Deuteronomy and put it into context.
Deuteronomy 14:22-29
22
Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed, that the field bringeth
forth year by year.
23
And thou shalt eat before the Lord thy God, in the place which he shall choose
to place his name there, the tithe of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil,
and the firstlings of thy herds and of thy flocks; that thou mayest learn to
fear the Lord thy God always.
24
And if the way be too long for thee, so that thou art not able to carry it; or
if the place be too far from thee, which the Lord thy God shall choose to set
his name there, when the Lord thy God hath blessed thee:
25
Then shalt thou turn it into money, and bind up the money in thine hand, and
shalt go unto the place which the Lord thy God shall choose:
26
And thou shalt bestow that money for whatsoever thy soul lusteth after, for
oxen, or for sheep, or for wine, or for strong drink, or for whatsoever thy
soul desireth: and thou shalt eat there before the Lord thy God, and thou shalt
rejoice, thou, and thine household,
27
And the Levite that is within thy gates; thou shalt not forsake him; for he
hath no part nor inheritance with thee.
28
At the end of three years thou shalt bring forth all the tithe of thine
increase the same year, and shalt lay it up within thy gates:
29
And the Levite, (because he hath no part nor inheritance with thee,) and the
stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, which are within thy gates, shall
come, and shall eat and be satisfied; that the Lord thy God may bless thee in
all the work of thine hand which thou doest.
In
this section of scripture Moses is discussing principles of tithing. The people
were to bring their yearly increase to the storehouse that God directed them
to. Sometimes the distance was far and it made more sense to sell off the
equivalent of one’s tithe and turn it into cash. This enabled lighter more expedient
travel. Then upon arrival, they could purchase what was needed to feast and
rejoice in the celebration of Gods supply, as is explained in 23 and bestow the
tithe upon the Priests as directed. However, 23 ends with the sentence “that
thou mayest learn to fear the Lord thy God always”. To me this is a curious
thing to say but I suppose in realizing what He supplies bountifully while in
obedience to Him is a reminder also of what a lack of obedience to Him may
bring. This is key to understand as well when we dive into 26.
But
before we dive into 26 let’s dispel some errant understandings proliferated by
many when it comes to wine and strong drink. For instance, many proclaim that
strong drink is fermented grape juice of high alcoholic content and that wine
in the bible was strong drink watered down. Further that the wine commonly
referred to and drank was so weak it could not make a person drunk. This is
untrue, firstly Strong drink called Shakar or Sheker in Hebrew, referred to fermented
alcoholic beverages beyond grape wine. These were made from fermented honey,
dates, apples, barley or other grains or a combination of these. Strong drink
was like a beer or an ale.
Throughout
scripture you will find that wine and strong drink are mentioned alongside each
other and differentiated between each other in different passages but you won’t
find them mentioned in a manner that in any way suggests they are one in the
same, they are different. And yes, wine will get one drunk. Noah drank wine and
passed out naked for all to see. Lot was so drunk on wine that he unknowingly
had sex with his daughters giving rise to the people of Moab and Ammon. Who,
consequently, because of their incestuous origins and other troubles they
inflicted upon the Israelites, were forever banned from the congregation of
God. Wine then just as now will get you drunk. Scriptures are clear on this as
we will see when we go on.
Now
when we examine verse 26 we see that it comes in two distinct parts, nearly
separate Ideas. I believe there is a reason for this. The first half says,
“And
thou shalt bestow that money for whatsoever thy soul lusteth after, for oxen,
or for sheep, or for wine, or for strong drink, or for whatsoever thy soul
desireth”:
And
as you can see the second half of 26 reads,
“and
thou shalt eat there before the Lord thy God, and thou shalt rejoice, thou, and
thine household”.
Now
these differences may play a role in our complete understanding of this
scripture as we dive deeper in to our examination.
We
have discussed many times before the perils of misunderstanding the intent of a
scripture verse by taking it out of context and/or not weighing it against the
balance of biblical teachings that address a certain issue. We have further
discussed how people will twist scriptures to fit a narrative and give meaning
to it that they themselves desire. Remember what Peter taught us about twisting
Paul’s writings in 2nd Peter.
2Peter 3:16-17
16
As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are
some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable
wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.
17
Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also,
being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.
As we move forward in our research, I believe it important to point out what Peter is conveying here. Unlearned and unstable minds will twist scripture. They do it to the epistles of Paul and other scriptures to their own destruction. Further, that you do know things beforehand. You know what is right and what is wrong. You know what you should and should not do. So be aware that you don’t twist scripture or listen to those who do, or else you may be led away with the error of the wicked and fall from your own steadfastness. Don’t let wickedness convince you to compromise your firm principles and violate them.
To
fully understand what we should, let’s weigh the subject of “strong drink” as
seen in Deuteronomy, 14:26 against other scriptures that discuss the same
topic. I am going to just list those scriptures here and some of the context
however I encourage you to read them yourself to find the full meaning in
context.
Leviticus 10:8-10
8
And the Lord spake unto Aaron, saying,
9
Do not drink wine nor strong drink, thou, nor thy sons with thee, when ye go
into the tabernacle of the congregation, lest ye die: it shall be a statute for
ever throughout your generations:
10
And that ye may put difference between holy and unholy, and between unclean and
clean;
Numbers 6:2-3
2
Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When either man or woman
shall separate themselves to vow a vow of a Nazarite, to separate themselves
unto the Lord:
3
He shall separate himself from wine and strong drink, and shall drink no
vinegar of wine, or vinegar of strong drink, neither shall he drink any liquor
of grapes, nor eat moist grapes, or dried.
Deuteronomy 29:5-6
5
And I have led you forty years in the wilderness: your clothes are not waxen
old upon you, and thy shoe is not waxen old upon thy foot.
6
Ye have not eaten bread, neither have ye drunk wine or strong drink: that ye
might know that I am the Lord your God.
Judges 13:4-5,7
4
Now therefore beware, I pray thee, and drink not wine nor strong drink, and eat
not any unclean thing:
5
For, lo, thou shalt conceive, and bear a son; and no razor shall come on his
head: for the child shall be a Nazarite unto God from the womb: and he shall
begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines.
7
But he said unto me, Behold, thou shalt conceive, and bear a son; and now drink
no wine nor strong drink, neither eat any unclean thing: for the child shall be
a Nazarite to God from the womb to the day of his death.
Judges 13:13-14
13
And the angel of the Lord said unto Manoah, Of all that I said unto the woman
let her beware.
14
She may not eat of any thing that cometh of the vine, neither let her drink
wine or strong drink, nor eat any unclean thing: all that I commanded her let
her observe.
1Samuel 1:14-15
14
And Eli said unto her, How long wilt thou be drunken? put away thy wine from
thee.
15
And Hannah answered and said, No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit:
I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my soul before
the Lord.
Proverbs 20:1
1
Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is
not wise.
Proverbs 31:3-7
3
Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.
4
It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for
princes strong drink:
5
Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the
afflicted.
6
Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be
of heavy hearts.
7
Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.
Isaiah 5:11-12
11
Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong
drink; that continue until night, till wine inflame them!
12
And the harp, and the viol, the tabret, and pipe, and wine, are in their
feasts: but they regard not the work of the Lord, neither consider the
operation of his hands.
Isaiah 5:21-23
21
Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!
22
Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle
strong drink:
23
Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the
righteous from him!
Isaiah 24:9
9
They shall not drink wine with a song; strong drink shall be bitter to them
that drink it.
Isaiah 28:6-8
6
And for a spirit of judgment to him that sitteth in judgment, and for strength
to them that turn the battle to the gate.
7
But they also have erred through wine, and through strong drink are out of the
way; the priest and the prophet have erred through strong drink, they are
swallowed up of wine, they are out of the way through strong drink; they err in
vision, they stumble in judgment.
8
For all tables are full of vomit and filthiness, so that there is no place
clean.
Isaiah 29:9
9
Stay yourselves, and wonder; cry ye out, and cry: they are drunken, but not
with wine; they stagger, but not with strong drink.
Isaiah 56:11-12
11
Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds
that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain,
from his quarter.
12
Come ye, say they, I will fetch wine, and we will fill ourselves with strong
drink; and to morrow shall be as this day, and much more abundant.
Micah 2:10-11
10
Arise ye, and depart; for this is not your rest: because it is polluted, it
shall destroy you, even with a sore destruction.
11
If a man walking in the spirit and falsehood do lie, saying, I will prophesy
unto thee of wine and of strong drink; he shall even be the prophet of this
people.
Luke 1:14-15
14
And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth.
15
For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine
nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his
mother's womb.
Now the above are the scriptures that address strong drink. Albeit they do coincide with wine as we mentioned earlier, however, as you can see, the consumption of strong drink is seemingly more associated with a negative air. In all of scripture regarding strong drink I see only one positive notion associated with it. This is in Proverbs 31: 6 & 7 where it appears it can be used for medicinal purposes, as in the case of what one might associate its use in conjunction with hospice and psychiatric care, thusly, “Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts. Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more”.
As
we have discussed before, it is essential to weigh a scripture in controversy
against the balance of the word of God. Though it is certainly frowned upon,
especially for leaders, I fail to find any commandment that expressly forbids
one from consuming strong drink, full stop, unless you are like Arron and his
sons, a priest in the tabernacle of the congregation. Or unless you are a Nazarite.
In this case you are forbidden to consume alcoholic beverages period. Even the
mothers of such were to abstain from its consumption under penalty of
repercussion, while the Nazarite child was in their womb.
The
Nazarite was an Israelite consecrated to the service of God. Some from birth
and some prior to conception. They were sworn to abstain from alcohol, let their
hair grow and not defile themselves by contacting corpses. The three most
prominent Nazarites in the bible were Samson, Samuel, and John the Baptist. The
term Nazarite comes from the Hebrew root word of Nazir which means separated or
consecrated. They abstained from
alcoholic beverages in order to live a life of holiness, experience fewer
worldly distractions, maintain sober mindedness at all times and to hear from
God more clearly.
Yeshuah
Jesus was not a Nazarite, He was a Nazarene, not to confuse the two. Jesus
being a Nazarene was obviously because He was from Nazareth. This is not to say
that Jesus was not Holy, soberminded and consecrated, obviously He was. He was
perfect, He is God. As such He does not suffer spiritual fragility as mankind does.
Now
there are about 233 scriptures in the bible that mentions or discusses wine so
I am not going to list all of them. I will say however that nowhere in
scripture can I find any indication that Jesus drank strong drink. We do know
however that He did drink wine, this is inarguable. Further we do know that the
wine He drank was wine that would get you drunk if you consumed too much.
Unlike
strong drink wine is greatly associated with feasting, weddings and other
celebrations, even holy communion in remembrance of Jesus. Like strong drink,
wine drinking came with a warning, not to be taken by it and become drunk. It
is well known that the Israelites were commanded to stay soberminded at all
times. Consider the following.
1Peter 5:8
8
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion,
walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
1Thessalonians 5:6-8
6
Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.
7
For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in
the night.
8
But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith
and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.
Titus 2:1-8
1
But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:
2
That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in
patience.
3
The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not
false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;
4
That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to
love their children,
5
To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands,
that the word of God be not blasphemed.
6
Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.
7
In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing
uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,
8
Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part
may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.
Ephesians 5:15-18
15
See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,
16
Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
17
Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.
18
And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;
If we do not remain sober and vigilant we will err as described in Isaiah 28:7 and further, be devoured as we see in 1 Peter 5:8 and as we have read elsewhere we should remain sober so, “that ye may put difference between holy and unholy, and between unclean and clean; Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted”.
We
can give the devil no quarter, no avenue by which he can creep in unawares. We
cannot be given to drunkenness. This is a salvation issue and if not careful by
drunkenness, salvation can be lost as we see in the following scripture.
Galatians 5:19-21
19
Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery,
fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
20
Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions,
heresies,
21
Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, 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.
1Corinthians 6:9-10
9
Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not
deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate,
nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
10
Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall
inherit the kingdom of God.
Twisting scripture as a result of having an unstable mind is more common than many think. We have found people whom we believed to be mostly well rooted and grounded in the word completely pervert verses. This is because they have a mind for perversion, or unstable thoughts, and lack knowledge. Remember again how we discussed above the words of Peter and how they pertain to the destruction we can find ourselves in by twisting the meaning of scriptures to satisfy our own desires.
“Ye
therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware”
This
is so key to the follower who studies the scriptures. You know what is right
and wrong, you know what is in the scriptures, so don’t be led away with the
error of wicked people who want to chip away at your resolve and lead you to
wickedness. Let’s look at some examples of this. In Luke chapter 17 Jesus is
discussing His return. In verses 34-36 He is discussing who will be taken to
heaven at His coming.
Luke 17:34
34
I tell you, in that night there shall be two men in one bed; the one shall be
taken, and the other shall be left.
Some people read this verse and use it to attempt to substantiate and proclaim that Jesus loves queer men too and is in favor of taking them to heaven. If that were the case why take one and not both? Is one better than the other? But you who are learned and stable know that this is not the case with this scripture because you already know, you knew before. Homosexuality is a sin. It is an abomination to God. It is a result of the practice of iniquity and the bible expressly states that God hates all workers of iniquity. Your sound mind says there must be some other explanation and there is. In many cultures men and women sleep in different rooms, especially before they were married. Typically, they didn’t have one room and one bed for each person in the household so they shared. This scripture simply established that even in close proximity one person is ready and approved for the kingdom yet the other is not, so be ready. Nothing more to it than that.
In Luke 17: 35 we see this,
35
Two women shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other
left.
Again, the unlearned and unstable mind jumps to the same conclusion. But you know different. You knew from before and you can’t be swayed. Those who practice Homosexual relations will not see the kingdom of heaven. Modern man especially those in first world countries know nothing of the practice of grinding grain and that it was typically the work of the women in the villages to do so. Often, as we see here in Africa, working with the grain is a social event for the ladies. Your principal knowledge of the character of God won’t let you accept errant understandings. You will not be led astray by wickedness trying to chip away at your resolve and you study so you know the above scripture is not about two women having sex. Matthew’s account of the same teaching is a bit more detailed and goes like this.
Matthew 24:41-42
41
Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other
left.
42
Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.
In Ecclesiastes 8: 15 we find this,
15
Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under the sun, than
to eat, and to drink, and to be merry: for that shall abide with him of his
labour the days of his life, which God giveth him under the sun.
So
many translate this as a license from God to party and get drunk. Again, that
is the unlearned and unstable minds translating scripture to fit the condition
of their soul and flesh. Being merry in this context means cheerful and lively.
It’s about rejoicing in the bounty God gives as a result of your labor. Being
merry does not mean being jovially drunk.
Some
will say even Jesus said eat drink and be merry. Yes, he did, but what was the
context? He was speaking in a parable that brought rebuke to the one who
proclaimed it.
Luke 12:16-21
16
And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man
brought forth plentifully:
17
And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room
where to bestow my fruits?
18
And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and
there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.
19
And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years;
take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.
20
But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of
thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?
21
So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.
Given all of this let’s look at Deuteronomy 14: 26 again. Now, as we stated before, when we examine verse 26 we see that it comes in two distinct parts, nearly separate Ideas. The first half says,
“And
thou shalt bestow that money for whatsoever thy soul lusteth after, for oxen,
or for sheep, or for wine, or for strong drink, or for whatsoever thy soul
desireth”:
And
as you can see the second half of 26 reads,
“and
thou shalt eat there before the Lord thy God, and thou shalt rejoice, thou, and
thine household”.
The
first part really does not imply consumption but purchase. Whereas the second
half does address consuming, specifically thou shalt eat. This portion of 26 is
in keeping with chapter 14 verse 23 which reads,
“And
thou shalt eat before the Lord thy God, in the place which he shall choose to
place his name there, the tithe of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and
the firstlings of thy herds and of thy flocks; that thou mayest learn to fear
the Lord thy God always”.
Now
I know that God tempted Abraham but obedience to God cannot be evil. I also
know that God tempts no man to do evil. The Apostle James tells us this,
13
Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be
tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:
14
But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
15
Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is
finished, bringeth forth death.
“And
thou shalt bestow that money for whatsoever thy soul lusteth after, for oxen,
or for sheep, or for wine, or for strong drink, or for whatsoever thy soul
desireth”:
Now
fundamentally lust and desire can mean essentially the same thing however as we
know the most common use for lust is to describe a level of desire that is
nearly uncontrollable. Lust is defined as an intense overwhelming craving or
desire for something. This is most commonly associated with sexual desire and
gratification. However, lust can also be associated with power, money, control,
or other things. This can be characterized by a selfish consuming focus with a potential
disregard for consequences.
Ponder
this, the first part of the writing in verse 26 reveals that the acquisition is
done in accordance with the lust and desire of the soul, making the action soulish
in nature. Soulishness is usually associated with participation in activities
that are driven by the mind, emotions and will of a person, not by the Holy Spirit.
In
the bible lust is most frequently depicted as an uncontrolled disordered or
forbidden desire that perverts God given desires into selfish cravings often
for illicit sex, wealth, power, or pleasure, leading to spiritual death. As
James teaches us, “when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin,
when it is finished, bringeth forth death”.
Whereas
desire can be simply defined as, a strong feeling to want something which can
be attached to wishing, craving or longing.
Some
bible scholars will contend that the problem we see in Deuteronomy 14:26 as we have
touched on above, can be simply solved by accepting that the first section of
the scripture is about purchasing and the second about consuming. Therefore,
the scripture really does not suggest that wine and strong drink should be
consumed, merely purchased. Further that purchasing wine and strong drink could
be for medicinal purposes or even for cooking. Problem solved. I am not in full
agreement with this. To me, there is something a bit more nefarious going on
here.
It
is curious to me that both lust and desire are used in this same scripture. To
me this plainly reveals that the writer did not intend for the two to be
misconstrued. Meaning the differences between lust and desire are both in full
operation here.
I
cannot reconcile the principles being promoted as written. I cannot believe
that either God or Moses intended to tell the people of God that,
1.
Thou shalt eat before the Lord thy God,
(In the presence of the Holy Father)
2.
In the place which HE shall choose to
place his name there, (Holy Ground)
3.
The tithe of thy corn, of thy wine, and
of thine oil, and the firstlings of thy herds and of thy flocks; (Gods
blessings)
4.
That thou mayest learn to fear the Lord
thy God always, (Fear, Obey, Follow)
Oh,
and by the way, forget all you know about the laws of God. Here on Holy ground
in the presence of the almighty God who requires your full obedience you are to
practice lustfulness with His blessings? You are to purchase whatever you
desire or even lust after and consume it upon your lusts, and you and your
household should rejoice in your lusts and desires. This is errant reasoning.
We have discussed at length the twisting of or
misunderstanding of scriptures. This is not that. To me the authenticity of
this scripture is entirely suspect. I am not saying that the bible strictly
forbids drinking alcohol across the board. What I am saying is this. This is a
time where the people of God traveled from near and far, it was a dedicated and
challenging quest to gather with the brethren and fulfill Gods commandments
regarding tithing principles. This is a time of year at Gods choosing and they
traveled to places God chose for them in order to tithe and to celebrate His
provision in His presence. Furthermore, there was a time of assembly and
reflection to learn the fear of God. This scripture as it is written seems to
promote lustful abandon in the presence of God, on Holy ground at a time where
obedience to Him and fear of Him is to be renewed and reflected on.
This
scripture, as written, causes people to err. As written, it poses an immense
challenge for those who are steadfast to explain to those that are unlearned
and unstable that it is an attempt to lead them away with the error of the
wicked or can be used as a powerful tool to lead people unto their own
destruction. There is no room to otherwise explain and validate it. I sincerely
question the authenticity as written. If it is in fact altered, it would not be
the first time we have seen this.
As
translated herein, this scripture seems to promote rejoicing in lust with out
fear of consequence. Throughout the bible the concept that the people of God
should stand out and be set apart is often promoted, we are to be different
from the world. For it is written, “Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not
that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will
be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
We
know that we are to abstain from appearances of evil this we are taught in the
following,
1Thessalonians
5:21-23
21
Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
22
Abstain from all appearance of evil.
23
And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit
and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus
Christ.
1Corinthians
10:21-23
21
Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be
partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils.
22
Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?
23
All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are
lawful for me, but all things edify not.
So,
do I believe that the content of Deuteronomy 14:26 is in any way a test of
freewill? No as we have already read God does not tempt man to evil. He is also
not the author of confusion.
James 4:2-3
2
Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight
and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.
3
Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your
lusts.
It
is written, “Therefore, put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to
stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and
blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the
darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of
God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to
stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on
the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of
the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall
be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of
salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always
with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all
perseverance and supplication for all saints”.
I
am not sure that I have reached the end of this matter completely for others, however
I am sure of this. It is written. “Knowing this, that the trying of your faith
worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be
perfect and entire, wanting nothing. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of
God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be
given him”.
So,
to the original question. Should we drink strong drink? For me the answer is a
resounding No! This is my personal preference. Scripturally however, as I see
it, if one chooses to consume it, one should never do so to the point of lack
of sobriety. Also, with no other alternative and unless absolutely necessary,
for medicinal uses only. Otherwise, for any other reason, another resounding
no. The consumption of strong drink can lead to a very slippery slope many
slide down with the assistance of temptation, to their shame. Let’s be honest,
no one really drinks the many types of strong drink because they savor the
flavors, it is because of the desired effects. Usually by the time the sensations
desired by the flesh are felt, sobriety is already compromised.
I
am called to be set apart and so are you. Regarding this question, I do not
desire to cause anyone to stumble or promote an opportunity for one who I am
held accountable for to fall from steadfastness and be open to be devoured by
wickedness.
Although
there is evidence of distillation processes developed thousands of years prior
to the time of Christ it is also known that these distillers focused mainly on
developing and manufacturing perfumes and tinctures for medicines. It wasn’t
really until about the eighth century AD when alcoholic distillation was
discovered. Early distillers of alcoholic beverages, by their own observations
while defining the processes, noted that when brought to a boil, the essence of
the beverage that made one drunk could be seen as vapors leaving the body of
the liquid. Because alcohol evaporates before water in the distilling process
these vapors were found to be the most potent. Because of this they deemed
these vapors as the essence or spirit of the liquid.
Let’s
face the facts, the driving force behind the advancements in the sciences of
beverage distillery and alchemy as applied here, was to achieve the development
of consumable substances for the purpose of experiencing intoxication, for
getting High. In the distilling process these concentrated vapors came to be
known as spirits, the spirit of the drink that acted upon the person to get
them drunk. Now you already know that being under the influence of alcoholic
beverages at any level begins to reduce inhibitions. The armor you dawn to
prevent you from falling prey to the enemy weakens. The consumption of the
spirits in the alcoholic beverages begin to seduce you into lowering your
shield thus opening the door for other spirits to become influential in your
decision-making processes. This, more often than not, will lead to events
resulting in undesired and regrettable outcomes. Sometimes, as in the case of
Lot and his daughters, this will lead to major transgressions, and catastrophes,
that can and have brought disastrous effects upon generations.
Did
the disciples drink wine? They did. Did Jesus drink wine? Scripture clearly
indicates that he did. It is fairly common knowledge that the first miracle
Jesus performed was turning water into wine in Galilee at a wedding in Cana.
You can find this in John chapter two verses one through eleven. In Each of the
Gospels of the Apostles we can find an account of the last passover meal Jesus
shared with them. You will find this in Matthew chapter twenty six, Mark
chapter fourteen, Luke chapter twenty two, and John chapter thirteen. The
gospels contain accounts of Jesus referring to what was in the cup he blessed
at the passover and further instructed the disciples to “Drink ye all of it”,
was, as written, the “fruit of the vine”. For example,
Matthew
26:26-30
26
And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and
gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body.
27
And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all
of it;
28
For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the
remission of sins.
29
But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine,
until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom.
30
And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.
The
apostle Paul recounts some of the scene that took place during the last
passover of Christ with his disciples adding deeper symbolism in reference to
the re-creation of the event. We see this in,
1Corinthians
11:23-32
23
For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, that the
Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:
24
And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my
body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.
25
After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, this
cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in
remembrance of me.
26
For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's
death till he come.
27
Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord,
unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.
28
But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of
that cup.
29
For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to
himself, not discerning the Lord's body.
30
For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.
31
For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.
32
But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be
condemned with the world.
As
we discussed earlier in this teaching wine was often used for medicinal
purposes. In the New Testament scriptures, Timothy was a protégé and traveling
companion to Paul. As the understudy of
Paul and a disciple of Christ Jesus, Timothy went on to lead the church in Ephesus.
There were times when Timothy fell ill and often had issues with his stomach.
Because of this, Paul prescribed to timothy wine to drink to help subdue the
effects of his ailment. We find this in,
23
Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine
often infirmities.
Clearly,
we see Paul the Apostle acknowledging the medicinal value of wine and
encouraging its use for this purpose, even to church leadership. Further, in 1
Corinthians we see Paul acknowledging that Jesus supped or sipped from the cup
that we already know was filled with the fruit of the vine, wine. The fruit of
the vine was accepted or even revered enough to be associated with the first
miracle performed by Jesus, medicinal uses and healing, the drink of choice
during the Lords feasts, and as revealed in Matthew chapter 26 verse 29 included
in celebrations with the Christ Child of Nazareth in the kingdom of heaven.
With the exception of medicinal use, none of the other attributes associated
with wine can you find are associated with strong drink.
Now
were Jesus and his disciple’s winebibbers? Of course not. A winebibber is one
who drinks the fruit of the vine excessively, a drunkard. Jesus lets you know
himself he is not. We find it recorded in Proverbs 23:20, Matthew 11:19 and
Luke 7:34. Drinking wine is not a sin
yet we know drunkenness is. Just as we know eating is not a sin but over
consuming to the point of becoming gluttonous is. Resting is not a sin but
resting to the point of laziness and slothfulness is.
For
me, I have reached the end of this matter. I personally will not drink strong
drink. I will not intentionally consume anything that can and will potentially
diminish my sobriety. This, with one exception, but only seldomly and never to
the point of experiencing impairment or as stated, “diminish sobriety”. On
occasion, during feasts or when breaking a long fast or from time to time as
led by the spirit, we will bless wine and bread and partake in these elements as
directed by Jesus. This is communion. This is an act of worship. This we do in
remembrance of Him. On occasion, we will sip wine to help with an upset
stomach, it is effective. But we will not overindulge because that in and of
itself is sinful and can open doors to even more transgressions. In this, and as
always, in all circumstances, as for me and my house we will serve the Lord.
