“That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate,
sound in faith, in charity, in patience
The aged women likewise. that they be in behavior
as becometh holiness, not false accusers,
not given to much wine,”
Titus 2:2a-3a
Stop just a minute. What reaction does this Titus 2 instruction, “…not given to much wine,” stir up in you? Does it make you feel uneasy, defensive, or justified? Does it make you wonder what it means, question your behavior, or make you resent being told what to? Do you wish someone else would read it? Sometimes, it’s hard to turn aside from what we already practice to walk where God leads us. It’s much easier to bypass Scriptural instruction to travel the well-beaten path of the world. However, when we learn how we should live, we are faced with choosing between the two.
It’s so difficult talking about drinking in a society where consuming alcoholic beverages thrives with social acceptance, strategic marketing, enjoyable experiences, and enabling relationships. People are often ridiculed or ostracized for abstaining from this lifestyle. But, following God’s standards isn’t based on what we feel, or others think, and can mean standing alone.
In Titus 2, we’ve seen that we are to be sober (which means to “abstain” from wine). Now, we see that it also teaches, “…not given to much wine.” This might make us wonder, “Is this a contradiction, and how much is too much?”
We find the answer by digging deeper and looking at the Greek definitions for the words, “given, much, and wine:”
Given – Greek #1402 – douloō
From G1401; to enslave (literally or figuratively):
Much – Greek #4183 – polus
Including the forms from the alternate “pollos”; (singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverb largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely: – (Compare to Greek #4118 & #4119)
Wine – Greek #3631 – oinos
A primary word (or perhaps of Hebrew origin [H3196]); “wine” (literally or figuratively): –
Hebrew – #03196 – yayin
from an unused root meaning to effervesce; wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication:–
(Strong’s Concordance)
It’s a known fact that intoxicating substances control a person physically and mentally. That may take a little or a lot. No matter how “much” is justified, one sip “in any respect” opens your body and mind up to the influence and enslavement of the drink.
God clearly wants us to be sober and not enslaved to any amount or kind of fermented drink or intoxication. It’s hard to be influenced by His Holy Spirit and under the influence of alcohol (or drugs).
It must be confusing to young people to be told drinking is wrong while watching adults justify drinking for varying reasons:
- coming home tired
- having a stressful day
- being a parent
- needing to cope or relax
- wanting to socialize
- attending parties
- hosting special occasions
- celebrating accomplishments
Contrary to popularly belief, no one needs or deserves an intoxicating drink. That’s an enslaving lie that Satan feeds us while promising relief from life’s struggles. A slight buzz or drunkenness never alleviates problems and brings temporary enjoyment.
Drinking destroys lives and deprives people of God’s blessings. Unfortunately, exiting addictive habits is difficult, which is one reason to abstain.
If you’re enslaved in this bondage, and desire to break free, please seek help. It’s never too late to turn the glass over and start celebrating with sober traditions.
Bring It Home
Let’s pray for those who are enslaved to drinking today.
Praying for you as we grow together,
Smiles, BRC
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