[Editor's note - this is the fourth and final article in a series designed to show why Christians should oppose the sale of beverage alcohol and abstain from its use in recreational settings. This series was prompted by one state Senator's current attempt to allow our state parks to sell alcoholic beverages, even when those parks are in dry counties. As was seen in the first article in this series, the Senator's ultimate goal is to eliminate all dry counties in the state of Alabama. JTC]

As we conclude our series on opposing the sale and use of alcoholic beverages, we must note the Bible command for us to be sober. In some instances, this word simply means "to be in one's right mind," translated from the Greek sophroneo. (cf 2 Cor 5:13; 1 Tim 3:2; Titus 1:8; Titus 2:4, 6; 1 Peter 4:7). However, in other places, the word "sober" carries the modern usage of being free from the influence of alcohol, being translated from the Greek nephos (1 Thes 5:6-8). In fact, in the qualifications for the wives of elders and deacons is found the command to be sober (nephaleos - free from the influence of wine). Shall we then contend that it is acceptable for the elders and deacons to use alcohol in moderation, but their wives must be teetotalers? In Titus 2:1-6, the aged men are commanded to be "sober" (nephaleos - v 2), while the aged women are commanded "not to be given to much wine" (v 3). This seems to be just the opposite of the commands concerning elders, deacons, and their wives. Also, in verses 4-6 there is no commandment given to the young women or the young men regarding sobriety (nephaleos). Does this mean there are no prohibitions placed upon them in this regard?

Finally, many Christians use the following argument in defense of social drinking, "The Bible doesn't condemn the social use of alcohol, only its excessive use. I may drink in moderation without violating the will of God." Question, how does this question fall on the ear, "John, why don't you come over to the house and study the Bible with me over a couple of beers?" Doesn't fall pleasantly upon the ear does it? Aside from what common sense tells us, the Bible does address the subject of social drinking.

In speaking of the ungodliness of the Gentiles, Peter wrote, "For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of Gentiles -- when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries" (1 Pet 4:3 - NKJV). Note the distinction between "drunkenness" and "drinking parties." "Drinking parties" (banquetings - KJV) comes from the Greek potos meaning "drinking or carousing." Earlier in the same letter, Peter pleaded, "Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul" (1 Pet 2:11). Can there be any doubt that the use of alcohol wars against the soul? Remember Proverbs 20:1; "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise."

In listing the works of the flesh in Galatians 5:19-21, the apostle Paul mentions both drunkenness and revelries. But just in case that wasn't clear enough, he added these words, "and the like" (v 21). This would be considered somewhat of a "catch-all" phrase for any evil thing not specified in the previous verses. In 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22, Paul wrote, "Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil" (NKJV). The word translated "good" is from the Greek kalos, meaning "commendable, admirable, excellent in its nature and characteristics, praiseworthy, morally good, noble, affecting the mind agreeably" (Strong's). None of these traits can be ascribed to the use of alcohol.

The use of alcohol in moderation in social or private settings has many defenders, but no defense. Remember Paul's admonition to Timothy, "Be not a partaker in other men's sins, keep thy self pure" (1 Tim 5:22).

Todd Clippard