What’s So Bad About Getting Drunk?
Ephesians 5:18 – And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.
What happens when a person gets drunk? The person begins to lose control of themselves. The basic definition of debauchery is “excessive indulgence in sensual pleasures.” When a person gets drunk they will be much more prone to do the things that in their right mind they would have self control not to do. Some people become more sexually promiscuous, others become angry and violent, others become depressed and sad, and others just get loud and obnoxious. A friend of mine became known as “Naked ____” (his name) at his university because every time he got drunk he would strip all his clothes and run around naked. In his right mind he would never do that.
1Corinthians 6:12 states, “All things are permissible for me, but not all things are beneficial. All things are permissible for me, but I will not be mastered by anything.”
The truth is, drunkenness masters people. A person is no longer in control of their senses, so instead their carnal nature takes over, allowing for demonic spirits to more easily influence the person. Have you ever seen a drunk person suddenly become kind, gentle, sweet, or holy? Probably not. Instead you’re far more likely to see uncontrolled babbling, lust, anger, depression, or just plain foolish behavior. Some people enjoy drunkenness because it loosens them up and enables them to be more confident, but by saying such things they are admitting that they are an insecure person. Alcohol shouldn’t have to be the answer to their insecurity and timidity. Making good friends, growing in true identity in Christ, and stepping out in faith should be the things that should loosen the person up and grow their confidence for good, not just for temporary moments when they’re drunk. As much as people celebrate getting drunk at parties and enjoy the temporary thrill, cultures still recognize that being an alcoholic is no good. Drunkenness in the end is not beneficial.
There is not one single instance in the Bible of someone getting drunk and there being something positive coming from it. Noah accidentally got drunk and we read that one of his sons gazed on his naked body and ended up getting cursed for it. Abraham’s nephew Lot got drunk multiple times and unknowingly slept with his own daughters. Disgusting! Jacob got drunk on his wedding day and unknowingly ended up sleeping with the wrong woman that night and was forced to marry her. Whoops! King Elah of Israel in 1Kings 16 got himself drunk and ended up being assassinated by his servant. King Ben Hadad got drunk in 1Kings 20 and ended up getting his army destroyed because of his idiotic drunken orders. The King of Babylon got drunk in Daniel 5 and ended up receiving divine words of judgment from God that his kingdom would be taken away from him that very night.
Six stories of drunkenness in the Bible: three ended up in horrible sexual immorality and three ended up in death and the fall of kingdoms. There was nothing positive whatsoever from these stories of drunkenness.
In Galatians 5:19-21 and 1Corinthians 6:9-10 both passages are clear in saying that drunkards “will not inherit the kingdom of God.” God hates drunkenness. Wine that leads to drunkenness in Scripture symbolizes the divine judgment of God (Revelation 14:8-10).
So in summary, here are the reasons why drunkenness is wrong…
1. It reveals the flesh and makes us worldly.
If you want to see the true, unhealthy spiritual condition of someone then watch them when they are drunk.
2. It gives control to the enemy, and allows his spirits to take over.
As a person becomes drunk they begin to lose control over their mind and over their body. Unclean spirits can then begin to take over. The same goes for any drugs and narcotics. Alcohol itself isn’t a sin, but getting drunk and letting go of control is a sin. Another term for strong alcohol is “spirits.”
3. It’s choosing the world, temporary freedom, and not God.
As I mentioned earlier, one of the main symbols of wine and alcohol in the Bible is divine judgment. The reason for this is because people are choosing to find their escape, their help, and their joy in the ways of this world rather than in God. They are choosing to try and satisfy their own desires apart from God. They are in turn rejecting God and going their own way. Drunkenness in this world is a sin and those who live by it will face divine judgment.
So what do you do if you love alcohol? Drinking alcohol is clearly not a sin, so enjoy it, but know your limit (“drink responsibly”). If drinking three cans of beer will cause you to feel tipsy, then limit yourself to just two beers. If drinking two beers makes you feel tipsy, then limit yourself to just one. Or, if alcohol abuse is generational in your family, then it’s probably best to find some other drinks to enjoy. Learn how to keep yourself from situations that might tempt you. There is so much fun to be experienced in the world today, so many different activities. Experience life sober. Enjoy it to the fullest. Live it in a way that you’ll be able to remember it all. Be blessed!
Romans 13:13 – Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy.
Galatians 5:22-23 – But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. Against such things there is no law.
John 10:10 – I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
