SERMON
Sunday, 21 May 2023 
Alcoholism, Addictions And Christians
Alcoholism and substance abuse are just a couple of many addictions that can take control of someone's life. Because their effects are obvious, drunkenness and "getting high" can appear to be a worse sin than others. However, the Bible makes no such distinctions. It often equates the sin of drunkenness and substance abuse with sins we would consider "less important," such as pride, envy, greed and selfish ambition (Galatians 5:19; 1 Corinthians 6:10).
It is easy to pass judgment on someone who is falling-down drunk or under the influence of drugs, while secretly excusing the sins within our own hearts that God considers equally repulsive. The right response is to view people as God sees them and agree with Him that we are all sinners in need of saving.
However, the Bible is clear that drunkenness is sin (Isaiah 5:11; Proverbs 23:20–21; Habakkuk 2:15). Proverbs 20:1 says, "Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is intoxicated by it is not wise."
Ephesians 5:18 says, "Do not be drunk with wine, but be filled with the Holy Spirit." It is interesting that this verse contrasts the power of alcohol with the power of the Holy Spirit. It is saying that if we want to be controlled by the Spirit of God we cannot also be controlled by alcohol (and by inference any substance whatsoever) that alters our state of mind.. The two cannot simultaneously hold sway. When we choose one, we eliminate the influence of the other. As Christians, we are to always "walk in the Spirit" (Galatians 5:16, 25; Romans 8:1, 14).
So drunkenness or addiction for a Christian is never an option on any occasion because there is no occasion when we should not be walking in the Spirit.
Alcoholism is a form of idolatry, as is any addiction. Anything that we are using besides God to meet or medicate the deepest needs of our heart is an idol. When we rely on ourselves, someone else, or something else to meet our needs for value, worth, or significance, we have erected an idol that takes the place of the real God in our lives. God views it as such and has strong words for idol worshipers (Exodus 20:3; 34:14; 1 John 5:21; 1 Corinthians 12:2).
Contrary to the prevailing wisdom of the world, addictions of any form are not "diseases"; they are choices...and God holds us accountable for our choices (Romans 14:12; Ecclesiastes 11:9; Hebrews 4:13).
Followers of Christ should strive to love their neighbors as themselves, regardless of the problems or addictions those neighbors may have (Matthew 22:29). But although contemporary society equates love with tolerance, real love does not tolerate or excuse the very sin that is destroying someone (James 5:20). To enable or excuse alcohol or drug addiction in someone we love is to tacitly participate in their sin.
There are several ways Christians can respond in Christlike love to alcoholics and addicts:
1. We can encourage them to get help. A person caught in the trap of addiction needs help and accountability. There are many Christ-centered recovery programs such as Celebrate Recovery that are helping thousands of people break free from the chains of addiction.
2. We can set boundaries in order not to in any way condone the drunkenness and addiction. Minimizing the consequences that alcohol and substance abuse brings is not helping. Sometimes the only way that alcoholics or addicts will seek help is when they reach the end of their options.
3. If your are someone who chooses to drink alcohol, you must be careful not to cause others to stumble by limiting your own alcohol use while in the presence of those struggling with it (1 Corinthians 8:9–13). It is for this reason that many Christians choose to abstain from all alcohol consumption in order to "avoid any appearance of evil" (1 Thessalonians 5:22) and to not put a stumbling block in a brother's way.
Since alcohol and substance abuse have such a negative association in our culture, the potential for causing offense in weaker Christians is great. We must weigh our freedom to exercise our free will against the possibility of causing others to sin or confusing unbelievers who associate alcohol or "recreational" drug use with their own sinful lifestyles.
We must show compassion to everyone, including those whose choices have led them into strong addiction. However, we do alcoholics or addicts no favors by excusing or justifying their addiction. Jesus said "No one can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other." (Luke 16:13). Even though the context of His statement is money, the same principle applies to anything that controls us other than God.
We must do everything that we can to help people break free of whatever sin stronghold binds them so that they can be healthy in mind, body and spirit and therefore love, serve and worship God with their whole heart.
May God bless you all,
Pastor Glenn Hunt
