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As the apostle Paul wrote to a young preacher named Timothy, he gave
instruction of the proper order of leadership within the local body of
Christ. These instructions were needed so that the leadership of the
church would be effective in carrying out the work of the church. Paul
instructed Timothy and also another young preacher named Titus the
qualifications of the men who would lead the local congregation: 1
Timothy 3:1-13 and Titus 1:5-11. Included in these qualifications of the
elders and deacons of the church, Paul instructed that the elders should
not be "given to wine" and the deacons should not be "given to much
wine." (1 Timothy 3:3, 8; Titus 1:7)
The elders (bishops, pastors) and deacons of the church were given
certain instructions concerning their moral character that is in keeping
with the same moral fiber of every Christian. The intent of Paul was not
to give leeway to various people to commit certain acts with exception of
others. It is not to be implied that Paul completely forbid the elders
from any type of wine, the deacons could have a little and that all
others could imbibe as they desire. Drunkenness is strongly forbidden in
God's word: "Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and
drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy ... But now
I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother,
who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a
drunkard, or an extortioner-- not even to eat with such a person."
(Romans 13:13; 1 Corinthians 5:11)
The punishment for drunkenness was very serious: "Nor thieves, nor
covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the
kingdom of God ... envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like;
of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past,
that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God."
(1 Corinthians 6:10; Galatians 5:21) These passages conclude that
participating in the use of intoxicating beverages is prohibited by God
and one can loose their soul over such.
It must be understood (and there is no doubt about these differences) the
wine of Bible times is not the same wine as we understand it today. The
fermentation process of Bible times was not in the controlled and
fortified system of fermentation as of today. The best percentage of
alcohol employed by the early distillers was 14% and often much less.
There are few similarities between the wines of the ancients and the
modern scientifically wine of our culture.
The argument about elders and deacons and wine does not have to be based
upon a scientific examination of the contents of wines. It must be
remembered the intent of Paul and the purpose of this writing to Timothy
and Titus. He is giving instructions to these young men of the qualities
of men who should lead the work of the church. These men should have
characteristics that are "blameless ... sober-minded ... self-controlled
..temperate ... of good behavior and good testimony among those who are
outside." It seems to this writer that the only argument made by some to
defend the right of a little alcohol is the desire to have a little
alcohol instead of the desire to be found blameless in the sight of men
and God.
If Paul is giving "permission" for the deacons to enjoy a little
intoxicating drink and thereby suggesting that all Christians can do so
without falling into condemnation would bring to mind the warning of God
in Habakkuk 2:15-16: "Woe to him who gives drink to his neighbor,
pressing him to your bottle, even to make him drunk, that you may look on
his nakedness! You are filled with shame instead of glory. You also --
drink! And be exposed as uncircumcised! The cup of the LORD'S right hand
will be turned against you, and utter shame will be on your glory." Paul
would be given the Christian a right to drink intoxicating drink and
causing you and I to sin. We should not try to live as close the world
as we can and still remain faithful to God but rather to live as close to
God as we can and flee the evil influences of the world. Every aspect of
the qualifications of elders and deacons is showing the complete removal
of all worldly desires from their lives. "I beseech you therefore,
brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living
sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And
do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of
your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and
perfect will of God." (Romans 12:1,2)
- - Kent E. Heaton, Sr.
