Definition:
Alcohol is a colorless volatile flammable liquid, C2H5OH, synthesized or obtained by fermentation of sugars and starches and widely used, either pure or denatured, as a solvent and in drugs, cleaning solutions, explosives, and intoxicating beverages. For our purposes, it is intoxicating liquor containing alcohol. It is not specifically the usage of alcohol, but the abuse of it that is a great problem in Western culture.
Brief Explanation:
Alcohol use is not forbidden in scripture, but the abuse of it clearly is. When alcohol becomes a problem, help is readily available. Of course, though help is readily available, often it is not availed of due to the defense mechanism known as denial. The alcoholic denies the need for help.
Alcohol abuse does not only affect the health of the person abusing the substance, but also the family and friends. It is an insidious problem, yet God can heal. All members of the family will need help, support and strength, but families who deal with the denial, confront the abuser and if the abuser receives help, healthy family life is more than possible. For more, see Addictions Counseling and 12 Steps to Wholeness by Dr. Stan DeKoven
The Word of God:
Proverbs 20:1
“Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is intoxicated by it is not wise.”
Proverbs 23:20, 21
“Do not be with heavy drinkers of wine, Or with gluttonous eaters of meat;”
1 Corinthians 6:9,10
“Or do you not know that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, shall inherit the kingdom of God.”
Ephesians 5:18
“And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit…”
