“‘ Tis The Season To Get Drunk”
Power Point Charts on the subject of: “‘Tis The Season To Get Drunk” are available at: http://doverchurchofchrist.info/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/How-To-Get-Drunk-And-How-To-Stop1.swf
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John T. Polk II
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Ron Thomas
Correction
A while back I made comment about “strong drink” always being spoken of negatively in Scripture. I WAS WRONG.
In Deuteronomy 14:26, that is not the case. In a controlled situation (the Feast of Booths), the Lord authorized its consumption. This is how I understand the passage. While it is STILL my opinion that no Christian ought to drink “strong drink,” I felt compelled to offer this and invite your remarks.
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Mike Riley
Ron, from BibleTruths.net http://www.bibletruths.net/, comes this commentary on Deuteronomy 14:26:
http://www.bibletruths.net/archives/BTAR121.htm
“Regarding shakar in Deuteronomy 14: 26, many translations do translate shakar “strong drink.” However, some have “similar drink” (see the New King James). There is obviously an intended distinction being made between the “wine” and “shakar.” The question is, what is the distinction. Is God not only allowing intoxicating drink but actually telling them to go buy it when God considers strong drink something concerning which man is to totally avoid (Prov. 23: 31)?
I believe the harmonious answer to the distinction between “wine” and “shakar” in Deuteronomy 14: 26 is seen in the celebrated scholar Patton’s work, Bible Wines, pg.. 62: “Shakar (sometimes written shechar, shekar) signifies sweet drink expressed from fruits other than the grape and drunk in an unfermented or fermented state. It occurs in the Old Testament twenty-three times….” Since God prohibited the unnatural fermentation of juices for simple human intoxication, I must understand shakar in Deuteronomy 14: 26 to simply mean unfermented or sweet juices other than juice from the grape. Deuteronomy 14 26, then, would be a case of shakar being used for sweet juice other than juice from the grape (“similar drink,” NKJV).
As you can see, these four words translated wine in the Bible have both a generic and specific meaning capability, unlike our word wine.”
So, if this gentleman’s commentary is correct, the intoxicating drink is still not authorized for consumption in this verse. The Hebrew word for “strong drink” signifies a sweet drink expressed from fruits other than the grape and drunk in an unfermented or fermented state.
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Ron
Thanks, Mike. I will most certainly keep this in mind when I pursue the topic again. To my mind, strong drink should never be the drink of choice for a Christian. The context of the passage, at the very least, allows me to understand it as something that was constrained.
Thanks, brother.
Ron
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Ron Thomas
Hard Sayings (6)
Woe to those who are heroes at drinking wine, and valiant men in mixing strong drink, who acquit the guilty for a bribe, and deprive the innocent of his right! (Isaiah 5:22-23)It is not often noticed in Scripture that there is a difference between the words “wine” and “strong drink.” In every case where “strong drink” is mentioned, it is always in the negative; not so with the word “wine.” It is also interesting that the words “strong dink” is translated “beer” in the New English Translation (NET). What is the point? Why is it that some, including Christians, would want to be associated with that which the Lord speaks negatively about? Some, I suppose, just want to be associated with what they consider “happiness” (or a good time) more than they desire to enjoy life in a godly way. It is a struggle for all, but a struggle worth enduring for the life of the saint. I wonder if on Judgment Day those who enjoy their alcohol will desire it then!
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Mike Riley
Ron, Great point about judgment day. Once I was ridiculed by two members of an adult Bible class I was teaching on this subject a few months ago:
I simply told them that there is no individual on earth who can drink “responsibly” because after that first drink, you become “irresponsible” to a certain degree. Then I used the Brown University study to prove my point.
Then there is the point of providing a godly example before others.
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Ron
Thanks, Mike. Your words are very kind. I will check out the links soon.
Ron
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joepalmer
I agree Ron. Even if it was not stated to be a sin there is so much negative associated with the use of alcohol that I can’t understand why one would want to use wine. My biggest practical argument is that theoretically drinking is no different than playing Russian Roulette with your children and grandchildren. There is based on my research a 1 in 6 chance that if you start drinking you will have a drinking problem.
48% of people over 12 describe themselves as drinkers. 7.5 % of the total current population meet the criteria to be considered an alcoholic. That mean if you drink there is a 1 in 6 chance you will become an alcoholic. If you don’t the chance is 0%
Now if you drink statistics show that your kids are more likely to drink. Therefore you are encouraging them play Russian Roulette. Why would you take the chance? Why would you want to be a negative influence on your kids.
For more of my articles please read….http://wp.me/pwTn4-40 or http://www.joepalmer.wordpress.com
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Ron
Thank you, Joe. I appreciate your remarks.
Ron
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Laura
Good thoughts brothers. I’ve often heard my brethren rationalize that drunkenness is a sin, but drinking is not so they can drink socially with their friends. It escapes me how one can be “ready to give a defense for the hope that is within him” while drinking alcohol. One’s mental capacities are so impaired as to not be able to be sharp and quick on his feet.
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Ron
Thank you, Laura. You’re very kind in your remarks. I just sent out you link to the members of the church here in Illinois.
Ron
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joepalmer, and 1 other are discussing. 
Eugene Adkins 8:54 pm on November 28, 2011 Permalink |
Good outline.