Alcohol – Under the Influence
God’s Wisdom regarding alcohol
The effects of alcohol
from the view of neuroscience
The National Center for Biotechnology Information
has Published an article from the Indian Journal of Human Genetics stating the following:
Alcohol is a drug that is known for its many
stimulating and mind-altering effects.
Alcohol interferes with the brain’s communication
pathways and can affect the way the brain works.
Ethanol (The most commonly consumed type of
alcohol) acts to depress brain function, very much
in the style of an anesthetic. It releases behaviors
that are otherwise inhibited and usually produces
feelings of relaxation and feeling good. It affects the ability of the brain to process
information in even low quantities.
In Higher doses it affects the brain further by
inducing intoxication wherein the person may
experience loss of coordination and judgment.
God’s Word says:
Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler; and whoever is led astray by it is not wise. Proverbs 20:1
THE RISKS OF INTOXICATION
It puts you at risk for depression, sorrow,
strife, dissatisfaction, physical harm,
and compromised vision.
It may look appealing, but it wounds in the
end.you will be tempted to misbehavior
and foolishness.
It will make you nauseous.
It will put you at risk of mistreatment.
It can become habit forming.
WHEN IT IS TOO MUCH?
Read Proverbs 23:29-35
FOR WHOM AND WHEN IS IT APPROPRIATE?
Read Proverbs 31:4-7
It is not for leaders Those in authority
Those in positions of influence
It can be used for temporary relief
For those who are dying
For those in bitter distress
For medicinal purposes (1 Tim 5:23)
UNDER WHAT INFLUENCE?
Do not get drunk with wine for that is
dissipation but be filled with the Spirit
Ephesians 5:18-19 says:
“And be not drunken with wine, wherein is riot, but be filled with the Spirit;speaking one to
another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,
singing and making melody with your heart to the
Lord…”
Please take note:
The Bible does not prohibit the consumption
of alcohol, however,
The Bible rarely commends (and never commands)
the use of alcohol.
The Bible gives clear warnings of the dangers of
consuming alcohol.
The Bible views drunkenness as sin and even evidence of lostness.
The Bible allows for some level of differing opinions
regarding alcohol.
Some Guidelines to make wise choices
Ref: Romans 14:1 – 15:2
14: 13 We are not to judge one another
14: 13 We are not to be an obstacle to one another
or cause them to stumble
14: 19 We are to pursue peace and the building up
of one another
14: 20 We are not to offend our fellow Christians
15: 1 We are to bear with the weakness of others
15: 1 We are not to just please ourselves
15: 2 We are to please our neighbor for their good,
to their edification