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1 Timothy 5:23
In 1 Timothy 5:23 (NKJV) the Apostle Paul makes what is today a controversial statement as he instructs Timothy, “23No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for your stomach’s sake and your frequent infirmities.” In ancient times wine was used in a medicinal way to help with “infirmities” (1 Timothy 5:23). Some scholars believe that this reasoning is because the alcohol in wine can kill bacteria. Also, in 1 Timothy 5:23 Paul notes “for your stomach’s sake and your frequent infirmities.”
This is an example of the medicinal use for wine in ancient times.
This Bible verse has often been used as a scapegoat for allowing the unwarranted consumption of alcoholic beverages. We cannot take the teachings of the Bible out of context as to satisfy our earthly cravings/sins. We can gain further information on this topic in Ephesians 5:18 as the Apostle Paul warns to not be drunk with wine, but to let God’s Holy Spirit fill your life. Paul states in 1 Timothy 3:3 that a bishop should not partake of wine, and in 1 Timothy 3:8 that a deacon should not partake of much wine. The idea is that the leader of the church should abstain from clouding his mind from the effects of alcohol in decision making. For the rest of the Christian population the consumption of alcohol should be limited to the point of not becoming drunk on the wine. The question then becomes, “How much is too much wine?” The answer is, “Not very much.” The temptation to partake of too much wine and deny its effects is a common trap that Satan sets for many. The best path to take here, in my opinion, is to refrain from partaking of alcohol beverages as our goal is to follow God’s will for our lives. We should not mingle with temptation as to where to draw the line; we should flee from it.
Dear LORD,
There are some who will read/listen to this message today that are struggling with falling to the temptation of the alcohol trap that Satan sets for us. Please give us the realization and understanding that being drunk keeps us from Your will for our lives and give us the strength to overcome the temptations set by the devil that we would seek Your help and guidance to remove ourselves from the ways of this world and live – In Christ. In Jesus name I pray, amen.