1 Corinthians 10:23-24 (AMP) All things are lawful [that is, morally legitimate, permissible], but not all things are beneficial or advantageous. All things are lawful, but not all things are constructive [to character] and edifying [to spiritual life]. Let no one seek [only] his own good, but [also] that of the other person.
Christians should avoid swinging to the two extreme ditches of grace and law. If we view everything as lawful, we will swing to grace and border on lawlessness. On the other hand, we tend to be legalistic and judgemental if we swing to law. Therefore, balancing law and grace well on matters such as drinking is vital because while all things are lawful, not all things are beneficial.
1 Timothy 5:23 (NKJV) No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for your stomach’s sake and your frequent infirmities.
The Apostle Paul instructed Timothy to drink a little wine to ease his stomach problem. Jesus turned water into wine, but we don’t know what the alcohol content was in wine at that time. Jesus never contradicted the teaching of the Word.
While the Bible did not specifically instruct us not to drink, we need to know there is a big difference between drinking and being drunk. The Bible is clear that we should not be drunk. Everything begins with a little before it progresses to excess. Some think it is not a party or a celebration without wine, as though alcohol brings the celebration to the next level, but that’s the thinking of the world. Excessive and heavy drinking is wrong and sinful, not only damaging our liver but also allowing other foolish behaviour that comes with intoxication. Our bodies have been purchased with the blood of Jesus Christ. Therefore, God owns our bodies, and we are responsible for protecting and taking good care of them.
Proverbs 20:1 (NKJV) Wine is a mocker, Strong drink is a brawler, And whoever is led astray by it is not wise.
Drinking should not be a coping mechanism for Christians. We are to pray and cast all anxieties upon the Lord because He cares for us. We also have a caring and loving church community to journey with us when we are under stress or in adversity.
Alcohol blurs our judgement, and drunkenness puts us out of control, to the point of turning physically and verbally abusive and becoming a brawler in public and at home. Alcohol fuels domestic violence.
Ephesians 5:18 (NKJV)And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit,
Christians can be joyful and celebratory when filled with the Spirit of God. We can sing songs of praise and worship to honour God. In contrast, we can’t say things to glorify God while half drunk, and we will stumble our brothers and sisters when intoxicated with reckless behaviour. As Christians, we can do many lawful and permissible things, but not everything is beneficial for our spiritual growth and development. We must be wise in choosing what is necessary and what need not be part of our lives.
Sermon Series： Not all things are beneficial
在律法与恩典之间保持平衡
哥林多前书 10:23-24 凡事都可行，但不都有益处。凡事都可行，但不都造就人。 无论何人，不要求自己的益处，乃要求别人的益处。
基督徒应避免摇摆于律法与恩典之间，乃至跌进两个极端的沟里。如果我们认为凡事都可行，就会向恩典一径荡去，滑向无法无天。相反，如果我们荡向律法，就容易变得律法主义并且爱发论断。因此，在诸如饮酒等问题上，平衡好律法与恩典至关重要。因为虽然凡事都可行，但不都有益处。
提摩太前书 5:23 因你胃口不清，屡次患病，再不要照常喝水，可以稍微用点酒。
使徒保罗曾劝提摩太为缓解胃病稍微喝点酒。耶稣也曾把水变为酒，但我们并不清楚当时的酒精含量是多少。而耶稣从不违背圣经的教导。
虽然圣经并未明确禁止饮酒，但我们需要了解饮酒和醉酒之间的巨大差别。圣经明确教导我们不可醉酒。千里之堤，溃于蚁穴。有些人认为无酒不成席，仿佛酒能将庆典提升到更高层次，但这是世俗的想法。过量和酗酒是不对且有罪的，不仅会损害肝脏，还会引发其他与醉酒相关的愚蠢行为。我们的身体是主耶稣基督用宝血买赎的，因此，我们的身体属于神，我们有责任保护并呵护它们。
箴言 20:1 酒能使人亵慢，浓酒使人喧嚷； 凡因酒错误的，就无智慧。
饮酒不应成为基督徒的应对机制。我们应该凡事祷告，并将一切忧虑交托给主，因为祂关心我们。此外，当我们面对压力或逆境时，要记得我们拥有一个关爱着我们的教会群体，他们将陪伴我们共度难关。
酒精会模糊我们的判断力，而醉酒会令我们失控，诉诸身体和言语的暴力，成为公共场合和家中的闹事者。酒精助长家暴。
以弗所书 5:18 不要醉酒，酒能使人放荡；乃要被圣灵充满。
当圣灵充满时，基督徒会是喜乐欢欣的。我们可以唱敬拜赞美的诗歌来荣耀神。反之，当我们半醉时是无法说出荣耀神的话的，还会因醉醺醺的莽撞行为绊倒弟兄姐妹。作为基督徒，我们可以做许多合法和可行的事情，但并非所有事情都有益于我们的灵命成长和发展。我们必须智慧地选择哪些是必要的，哪些是在我们生命中无需有份的。
讲章系列：凡事不都有益处
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