A Study About Elders - Vigilant, Not Given To Wine
Words Of Truth

Words Of Truth


"That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth..." (Proverbs 22:21).

A Study About Elders
Vigilant, Not Given To Wine


I. Introduction:

A. Mankind’s struggle with alcohol is not a new issue (Genesis 9:20-21).

  1. While the hopeless, that had nothing to lose spiritually (Psalms 1:6), looked to alcohol to drown their sorrows (Proverbs 31:6-7)…
  2. … It has not just been a problem among the hopeless (Isaiah 28:7-8, Isaiah 56:10-12, and Hosea 7:1-8).
B. Additionally, some Scriptures are confusing when you do not have a larger understanding of this matter and that creates problems (II Peter 3:15-18).

  1. Some think Jesus made alcohol (John 2:1-12) because they do not have the depth of knowledge to UNDERSTAND how He couldn’t have (Hebrews 4:14-16 and I Peter 2:21-22; cf. Habakkuk 2:15-16, Romans 14:13, Romans 14:21, II Corinthians 6:3, and James 1:13).
  2. When you read words that are translated “wine” (I Timothy 5:23), you cannot just conclude they are speaking of alcohol (i.e. Isaiah 65:8).
  3. Some Scriptures are stated in such a way [“much wine”] that create honest questions (I Timothy 3:8 and Titus 2:3).
  4. So, this qualification requires careful study of the Scriptures lest one be easily swayed into an improper conviction (Colossians 2:4-8).

II. Body: A Bishop Must Be Vigilant, Not Given To Wine (I Timothy 3:2-3 and Titus 1:7).

A. When you dive in and look at the word translated “vigilant” you find this: “sober, i.e. (figuratively) circumspect: — sober. Temperate, abstaining from wine, either entirely or at least from its immoderate use; of things free from all wine, as vessels, offerings” (Strong’s # 3524). *Translated “sober” in I Timothy 3:11 and Titus 2:2.

  1. Alcohol impairs judgment (Proverbs 31:4-5).
  2. Alcohol causes errors to be made (Leviticus 10:8-11).
  3. Think about an Old Testament principle of separation (Numbers 6:1-3) tied to this principle concerning saints: II Corinthians 6:14-7:1
B. There is a reason the Lord expects His leaders not to be given to wine (Luke 1:13-17).

  1. The Scriptures warn about wine in its intoxicating form regardless of the amount one would drink (Proverbs 20:1, Proverbs 23:19-20, Proverbs 23:29-35, Hosea 4:11, and I Peter 4:1-5).
  2. The Scriptures also warn about being drunkards (Proverbs 21:17, Isaiah 5:11, Isaiah 5:22, Luke 21:33-34, Romans 13:12-14, I Corinthians 6:9-11, Galatians 5:19-21, and Ephesians 5:15-18).
C. Think about how God views those spiritual leaders that would promote the consumption of alcohol (Micah 2:11; cf. Micah 3:5).

  1. Those promoting something that removes one’s conscience, thinking, etc.; have an ungodly agenda (Genesis 19:30-38, II Samuel 11:1-13, and II Samuel 13:28).
  2. When our consciences are not able to be affected, which we’ve seen alcohol accomplishes, bad things will happen (Ephesians 4:17-19).
  3. A shepherd who cares for our souls would never teach us to be unguarded or susceptible to temptation (I Thessalonians 5:5-9).

III. Conclusion: The instruction for elders and all saints to be sober, alert, of sound mind {various Greek words}; should resolve any and all questions (Titus 1:8 and I Peter 5:8-9).