Should Christians Drink Alcohol? - Sermon Blog
When it comes to controversial topics in the church, few hit as close to home—or stir as many opinions—as alcohol.
In week three of our Hot Ones series, we turned up the heat once again. Not for the sake of controversy, but because we believe God’s Word invites us into real, necessary conversations. And this one? It's more than timely.
So let’s talk about it—not from personal opinion, but from Scripture.
First Things First: Is Drinking Alcohol a Sin?
Let’s be honest—most people just want a yes or no. Unfortunately, the Bible doesn’t give a clean-cut “yes” or “no” on the issue of alcohol.
That’s why we didn’t ask, “Can Christians drink alcohol?”
We asked, “Should Christians drink alcohol?”
There’s a difference. And it’s the difference between biblical permission and biblical wisdom.
In 1 Corinthians 10:23, Paul writes:
“You say, ‘I am allowed to do anything’—but not everything is good for you. You say, ‘I am allowed to do anything’—but not everything is beneficial.”
Translation: Just because you can doesn’t mean you should.
What the Stats Tell Us (And Why It Matters)
Before diving deeper into Scripture, let’s acknowledge some hard facts:
30% of all fatal car crashes involve alcohol.
40% of violent crimes are alcohol-related.
60% of teenagers who drink get their alcohol from home.
Alcohol is the 4th leading cause of preventable death in the U.S.
It’s a factor in 40% of divorces and 29% of suicides.
No matter what you believe spiritually—these stats paint a sobering picture.
Alcohol isn’t neutral. It has power. And in many cases, it brings destruction.
So What Does the Bible Actually Say?
It’s true that Jesus turned water into wine (John 2). But the original Greek word for wine (oinos) is used for both fermented and unfermented drink. In other words: it’s not crystal clear.
But the Bible is clear on this: drunkenness is sin.
“Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.” —Ephesians 5:18
“Envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these…those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” —Galatians 5:21
Even Proverbs warns:
“Don’t gaze at wine… In the end it bites like a snake and poisons like a viper.” —Proverbs 23:31-32
Alcohol is often seductive, but it rarely delivers what it promises.
Rights vs. What’s Right
Maybe you’ve read Scripture. Maybe you’re convinced alcohol isn’t inherently sinful. You have the freedom to come to that conclusion. But Paul gives us another layer to consider:
“You must be careful so that your freedom does not cause others with a weaker conscience to stumble.” —1 Corinthians 8:9
“If what I eat causes another believer to sin, I will never eat meat again as long as I live…” —1 Corinthians 8:13
That’s not legalism. That’s love.
Paul is saying, “I’d rather lay down my rights than lead someone else into sin.”
It’s not just about what you’re allowed to do. It’s about who’s watching and what message you're sending.
The Social Impact: What They See Is What They Hear
If someone sees you drinking—even in moderation—it might communicate to them, “This is fine.”
But what if they don’t have the same self-control?
What if your action becomes their permission slip?
“It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything else if it might cause another believer to stumble.” —Romans 14:21
Whether it’s alcohol or any other gray area, the Bible’s call is clear: love limits liberty.
So… What’s the Answer?
Here’s the truth:
The Bible does not say that drinking alcohol in moderation is sin.
The Bible does say drunkenness is sin.
The Bible does say we are responsible for how our choices affect others.
So should you drink?
That’s between you and God. But here’s the challenge:
Is it beneficial?
Is it wise?
Will it cause someone else to stumble?
Does it align with your personal convictions?
And finally:
“If you do anything you believe is not right, you are sinning.” —Romans 14:23
Your personal convictions matter. But they must align with the truth of God’s Word—not culture, not comfort, and not convenience.
Final Thoughts: Why I Don’t Drink
As your pastor, I choose not to drink. Not because I believe it’s explicitly sinful—but because I care about people more than I care about my preferences. I don’t want to be a stumbling block. I want to walk in wisdom. I want to run from even the appearance of evil (1 Thessalonians 5:22).
At the end of the day, it’s not about what I can do.
It’s about what best reflects Jesus.
So what rights are you willing to lay down?
Let’s be a church that walks in grace, chooses wisdom, and lives in a way that lifts others up—not leads them into confusion.
